"Wendy, two women are in the reception room," she whispered, obviously awed. "They're from Young Madame in Paris and they say they have to see you!"
Even Wendy was impressed, knowing that Young Madame was one of the oldest, wealthiest, most respected cosmetic firms in the world. She took their card from Toni's trembling fingers and read the names of the two women who waited outside. Both of the women were American directors of the company and Wendy laughed nervously as she directed Toni to send them in.
In short order, the door opened and two beautiful and well-groomed women walked in, poised and self-assured. Wendy appraised them quickly, noting that they both seemed to be her age, flawlessly dressed and quite lovely.
"Miss Moore?" one of them asked, smiling brightly, "I am Adele Morgan and this is Gwen Griffith." She nodded at her card still in Wendy's hand. "And like it says, we're from Young Madame. Thank you for seeing us."
Wendy instantly liked them both, recognizing how much they were like herself: beautiful, confident and fiercely ambitious. She welcomed them, motioning them to comfortable chairs as she took her own and sat back, waiting.
Adele Morgan seemed to be the spokesman of the pair and she smiled warmly at Wendy as she spoke. "Miss Moore, I believe in getting right to the point…and the point is, your fabulous Fountain of Youth cream is nothing short of miraculous, and, second, you are about to put us out of business on our entire line of lotions and creams!" She laughed softly, "But I'm sure this is no surprise to you."
Wendy smiled and nodded, not saying a word as she waited for her to continue. "We've sent out feelers, trying to determine if something could be worked out between us, but frankly, our people haven't been able to uncover much about you, or your intentions."
"My intentions," Wendy smiled, "are quite simple, Miss Morgan. I intend to continue making Fountain of Youth, expanding my company as necessary. I'm sure you've found out that we're negotiating for distribution rights in your European market."
The woman grinned and glanced quickly at her smiling companion as she said to Wendy, "Please, can we be informal? Call me Adele…and I believe your name is…"
"Wendy," she smiled, answering, "and I hope this will not be a formal talk."
"Yes and no," Adele laughed. "To get to the point again, we want to buy you out, Wendy!"
It was out and all three women seemed to sit back, more relaxed now that everything was out in the open. Wendy shook her head slowly, saying "I'm flattered, but Fountain of Youth is not for sale."
Now it was Gwen who spoke, saying, "Forgive me, Wendy, it is an old cliche, but everything is for sale at a price."
"I would be foolish to argue with that, wouldn't I?" Wendy laughed, "but there are a few things about Fountain of Youth I don't think you're aware of, things that could make the price very high."
"Naturally, it is your formula for Fountain of Youth and all rights and patents that we are interested in, not your physical company or organization. Of course, we would agree to retain certain personnel, your key people, if you desire, as part of our deal."
"Whoa," Wendy cried, laughing. "You sound as if we're about to reach an agreement on something we really haven't even discussed!"
"I'm sorry," Adele laughed. "I do get ahead of myself, but I'm not one to be coy, nor can I pretend that we aren't anxious to reach an agreement with you. I'll be even more honest with you, Wendy. Our chemists and research people have been breaking their backs to break down your formula. It's only a matter of time until we find out just why and how your cream works. Oh, we know if we infringe on your patents, we'll have a court case on our hands, but Young Madame isn't a poor company and we can afford to fight a long time."
The gloves were off and Wendy sat back and smiled at the two women as she thought about the thinly veiled threat. She knew Adele and Gwen were right and she also knew she didn't want to squander time and money fighting a company the size and scope of Young Madame.
Wendy laughed, surprising the two women, then said, "You may be a little surprised when you succeed in breaking down the ingredients of my formula, but that is no matter. Adele I think you put what you had to say very well."
"And do we have a basis for further discussion?"
Wendy smiled back. "I said I would be foolish if I didn't at least hear you out, didn't I? Well…I'm listening."
Adele smiled guardedly, exclaiming, "Good! First, let me say the offer we will make will be the only one. We've been instructed to make our best offer first and I'm sure you would appreciate not having to haggle with us."
"You're quite right," Wendy replied. Wendy felt tremors of excitement sweep over her as she suddenly realized to what lengths Young Madame meant to go to in order to acquire her company.
Both Adele and Gwen sat forward in their chairs, eyes intently on Wendy as Adele spoke softly, "Wendy, we're prepared to pay, for all patents you own and all rights to Fountain of Youth…five million dollars!"
The incredible figure fell on the room like a paralyzing force. Wendy was stunned, her fixed smile frozen of her face as she tried to comprehend what she had heard, wondering if she had truly heard the woman correctly.
Misreading the lack of change in Wendy's expression, Gwen spoke quickly. "Before you answer please…consider the offer carefully, Wendy. You're a young woman, and with five million dollars, the world will be at your feet."
"That's right," Adele smiled, "and you can leave the work and worry to poor, struggling girls like us!"
"I-I really don't know what to say," Wendy managed, trying hard not to show her excitement.
"Don't say anything right now," Adele urged. "We know you'll need time to think this over. Why don't the three of us have dinner and go out on the town tonight, give you time to consider our offer and discuss it with whomever you wish?"
"Wonderful," Wendy laughed, relieved at not having to answer. Five million dollars, she thought deliriously, and they are serious! Regardless of whatever happens later with this nutty formula of mine, I'll have my money. The problems will be theirs!
Chatting excitedly, the three women made their arrangements to meet; then Wendy stopped them at the door, saying, "One more thing, girls. Your offer is generous, but remember this: You don't even know the cost of Fountain of Youth and, therefore, you have no idea of the margin of profit we're making. This will be a big factor, so please, when you report back, teD your people I am interested, but when you examine my books, you may be well to reconsider what you called your first and final offer."
"At fifty dollars for that little jar, we know you're making a killing," Gwen laughed. "But you are right, and we will report just exactly what you said. See you tonight, Wendy."
Chapter 14
Wendy smiled happily to herself as she walked to answer the door, knowing it had to be Adele and Gwen calling for her. It greatly pleased her vanity to have two such important figures of the cosmetic industry calling for her, catering to her, and she knew she would have such respect for the rest of her life with the money she was going to have.
As she ushered them inside, Wendy looked appreciatively at the beautiful young women, admiring the chic dresses, while smugly knowing they were casting envious eyes on her. Daringly dressed in her shortest mini cocktail dress, Wendy knew she looked beautiful, and she confidently seated her new friends as they looked around her plush dwelling. The Fifth Avenue apartment was the first luxury Wendy went for after the wild success of Fountain of Youth, and now, more than ever, she knew the twelve hundred a month was well worth it. The women were visibly impressed. Gently ringing a tiny silver bell, Wendy smiled, watching for reaction to her next surprise. In seconds, Stevie and Toni walked quietly into the room, Stevie attired in a modern butler's uniform and Toni tantalizingly dressed in a micro-mini serving uniform, looking radiantly beautiful as she looked questioningly at Wendy.