"Now, as I said, there were two reasons to speak to you today. We have also been approached by Lord Golding, chairman of Goldings Bank. He has sounded us out about handling some of the bank's corporate work, the areas that the regulators would prefer to see the transparency of a separate company, rather than the bank's in house legal team, so our area would cover corporate governance, and overseeing the auditors. He requested you as his point of contact as well. My concern is that seven clients would be too much for you. How do you feel about that?"
"If I'm being paid well to do it, I'm happy to take on a challenge." Damn Oscar, what's he playing at? Doesn’t he realise an ex is an ex? "Plus, the backup I've received from my colleagues has been first class. It's a great team at corporate."
"Good. I like your attitude Elle. I think in light of Goldings coming on board, 250 thousand a year is probably not unreasonable. I hope that outbids our competitors?"
I nodded, "and the bonus structure?"
"A standard 10% of revenue. I can also move you on to the grade one benefit package. How do you feel about that offer? What I can't do at this stage is offer you partner status, I think it requires more time and track record."
"I understand that Ms Pearson, and to be honest, it's not something I would expect or demand at my stage of career." She nodded. "I'd like to accept your offer, and go and crack on with my work if that's ok."
She smiled widely. "Good negotiating Elle, I think you've been watching Lewis. I'll communicate the new package to HR and let you get on." We shook hands, and I left. I wanted to punch the air in triumph as soon as I was outside, and it took every bit of willpower I possessed to remain calm. I'm on a quarter of a million a year!!! Yipidee do dah!! I screamed inside. I popped upstairs to see Lucy while I was there, for a five minute catch up over a cup of tea. She was doing well in the family law department, and we agreed to meet up again soon.
As I headed back to Canary Wharf, the only other person I text with the good news was James. I knew he'd be asleep as California was nine or ten hours behind, but he got up early, so I figured that I wouldn't have to wait too long for a reply.
I had missed him that weekend. Although we were only flatmates, we'd become great friends, and shared a lot of the same interests and tastes. The flat had seemed a bit quiet and lonely, and apart from a couple of yoga classes, and a visit to the supermarket, I'd barely seen a living soul. I'd ended up working, which was a bit tragic, but clearing up my paperwork meant that I could hit the ground running on Monday morning.
Back at the office, Lewis pounced as soon as I walked in. I followed him into his office, and we sat down to discuss the week ahead over a coffee. "Did you ask for what I told you to?" He asked, fixing me with his sharp stare.
"Sure did. Managed to get a good deal. Thanks for guiding me on that," I replied, unsure if discussing salary was a good idea.#p#分页标题#e#
"Good. Glad to have been able to help." He trailed off, clearly wanting to know, but not wanting to ask me outright. I changed the subject instead.
"Did you know Oscar Golding has retained us for his corporate governance work?"
"Yes, I heard this morning. Another coup there Elle. It's a lot for you to take on though. I think I may have to assign you a small team. Laura has a list of the companies who have requested you as their contact, so I suggest that you set up meetings with all of them, get to know them, and find out what they need. Don't forget to inform them of all the extra services we can offer that they may not know about, or considered using."
"Will do. Do we have a resident expert on bank auditing?"
"Carey. He knows all there is to know. He can assist you with that one. Now, I took the liberty of arranging a company credit card, as I expect you to entertain some of these clients, dinner, that kind of thing. It's being delivered to your office today. Easier to organise expenses."
"Ok. I've done the expense forms for last week, and the invoices to Mr Porenski's firm. They've already been emailed over to accounts, along with the time sheets, and other paperwork."
"Good. I'll let you get on."
I drained my coffee, and made my way to my own office. Laura was at her desk working at her computer.
"Morning Elle, got your schedule for this week. I emailed it to you. I also emailed you a list of people you need to call and arrange meetings with. The phone’s been going mental this morning."
"Thanks Laura, and thanks for all your help last week. We really nailed it." I went and settled myself in my office, and switched on my computer. I groaned when I saw my schedule. I had lunch meetings almost every day, plus two dinners arranged with clients, plus I still had a list of new clients to make contact with. Pearson Hardwick were definitely going to get their money’s worth out of me. I made a start on my calls. Ivan had recommended me to several company CEOs, who were keen to meet up. By the time I got to the end of the list, my schedule was terrifying. The last name for me to call was Oscar. I took a deep breath before dialling his number.