After exchanging a few more words, Bill Splurt introduced himself as the leader of a stock trading team at First Boston. Simon, adopting a slightly testing tone, asked, "So, Bill, what are your thoughts on the Daenerys Entertainment IPO?"
Having calmed down, Bill Splurt understood the value of this opportunity. He steadied himself and replied, "Prior to Daenerys Entertainment, I generally didn't recommend Hollywood movie company stocks to my clients due to the industry's high unpredictability. Often, a single film's box office failure could cause a significant drop in stock prices, leading to unstable profits. The success of Daenerys Entertainment lies in its ability to mitigate this uncertainty with a strong lineup of continuous series like the DC Movie Universe. Additionally, the company's diversified development has strengthened its risk resilience. Therefore, I believe the Daenerys Entertainment IPO will be very successful."
Simon nodded slightly.
As an outsider to Hollywood, Bill Splurt's insights, though likely prepared, were impressive.
With a hint of a smile, Simon pressed further, "So, Bill, does that mean you plan to recommend Daenerys Entertainment stock to your clients?"
Caught off guard by his wife's invitation, Bill hadn't had time to prepare. However, given the significance of the Daenerys Entertainment IPO on Wall Street, it was impossible for Bill, who was responsible for stock trading, to be unaware of it. Despite tonight's developments, he wasn't sure if he could even stay in the industry.
Suppressing a wry smile, Bill replied, "If I can secure shares at the offering price from Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley, I'll certainly promote them to my clients. If not, I wouldn't recommend buying from the secondary market shortly after the IPO due to the likely initial hype, which could inflate the stock price."
Grace, initially proud of her husband's composed conversation, subtly glared at him for his bluntness.
Even if he was right, he could have left it at the first part.
Simon, unfazed, continued, "What do you think is a reasonable price for Daenerys Entertainment's stock?"
Bill responded, "That depends on the company's specific operational status and external economic conditions. Currently, the U.S. stock market is in a new bull market cycle, and Daenerys Entertainment has a slew of popular projects lined up, such as the DC Movie Universe, Jurassic Park, and Mission: Impossible. Thus, over the next year or two, I would consider the stock buyable at a P/E ratio of up to 35, but ideally not exceeding 40."
Simon took a glass of red wine from a passing tray. After listening to Bill's answer, he didn't ask further questions and said, "Very good. I hope you enjoy your evening."
With that, Simon walked away.
Bill Splurt watched Simon approach a woman in a burgundy silk gown, whom he recognized as Simon's wife, before quickly looking away. Noticing his wife's questioning gaze, he thought for a moment and said, "Westero probably thinks I'm too cautious and lack ambition."
Then, with a hint of self-deprecation, he added, "Or maybe he's already forgotten about me."
Grace, though not well-versed in financial matters, understood human nature. She subtly gestured to the surrounding guests, "But you don't need to focus on Westero, do you?"
Bill nodded.
Their conversation with Simon had been noticeable, and attentive guests had likely taken note.
Now completely calm, Bill scanned the room before leading Grace towards two middle-aged men engaged in conversation, who were none other than Frank Walsh, CEO of First Boston, and Laurence Fink, head of BlackRock under Cersei Capital.
Seeing the Splurts approaching, the two men, curious about their identities, paused their conversation.
Laurence Fink, also from First Boston, was unfamiliar with Bill Splurt. Fink had been a rising star at First Boston in his early thirties, leading a large mortgage-backed securities team. However, after a $100 million loss in 1988, Fink had left and eventually joined Cersei Capital, where he became a major figure on Wall Street.
Bill Splurt introduced himself to both men.
Frank Walsh was surprised to learn that Bill was a lower-level manager in the securities trading department but quickly regained his composure. After the brief introduction, Bill and Grace moved on.
Understanding that making an impression was sufficient, Bill knew that Frank Walsh's presence at the party was primarily to strengthen ties with the Westero system and secure business for First Boston.
A lower-level manager like Bill being invited to a gathering for Wall Street's elite was enough to spark speculation. If Frank Walsh remained indifferent, Bill could only accept it.
Recognizing their lack of common ground with the Wall Street heavyweights, the Splurts left the party early, understanding the importance of not overextending their stay.
The couple had driven separately, but because they had been drinking, they called for a ride home.
They spoke little on the way back.
Returning to their home in Greenwich, they waited for Grace to check on their sleeping children and dismiss the babysitter. Bill then sat in the living room, awaiting an explanation from his wife.
Bill had heard a few things about Simon Westero.
Grace brought a pot of coffee to the living room, poured cups for both, and sat down beside her husband, smiling, "How do you feel?"
The familiar scent of her perfume and the absence of any awkwardness reassured Bill. He put one arm around Grace and said, "It feels like a dream."
Grace teased, "I took the liberty of bringing you along tonight. If it cost you your job, you'll have to support us."
"Of course."
Bill smiled, reflexively agreeing, but then realized that his presence among the Wall Street elites tonight was solely because of Simon Westero.
If... where would he find such an opportunity?
Grace, contemplating how to explain recent events, missed her husband's unease and said, "I planned to talk to you about this tomorrow, but tonight's events sped things up. However, Bill, you must remember that these bigwigs are very secretive. Whatever you hear, don't spread it, or we could both be in trouble."
Bill nodded, listening intently.
Grace tried to distance her relationship with Simon in her husband's mind, noting his facial expressions and feeling reassured. She continued, "Around the end of last month, Westero took an interest in a few women and had our company look after them. I won't tell you who they are to avoid slip-ups. You can imagine the dynamics at a modeling agency. As a woman, I was chosen to manage these women."
Bill, though silent, harbored doubts.
Grace, sensing his thoughts, quickly added, "I thought that was it, but then, this is confidential, our boss, John Casablancas, made a move on one of Westero's women. Westero, keeping a close watch, got wind of it, and Casablancas failed and angered him."
Bill instinctively questioned, "John Casablancas isn't that foolish, is he?"
Grace replied, "True, but the woman was naive. She didn't realize Westero had taken an interest in her and thought aligning with Casablancas would make her a supermodel."
Bill felt the narrative was becoming convoluted, "And then?"
"Then," Grace said, "Simon Westero approached me, offering resources to help me rise to the position of CEO at Elite."
Even though Elite wasn't as large as some corporate giants, it was still the world's largest modeling agency. Bill couldn't understand how Westero, seemingly unconnected to Elite, could influence his wife's ascent to CEO, so he asked, "How does he plan to do that?"
Grace shook her head, "I'm not sure about the details, but I've already received some resources from the Westero system. You know about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, right? Every Victoria's Secret Angel slot is fiercely contested worldwide. I've secured three slots, meaning I have the chance to groom three supermodels. This connection could lead to a promotion to Vice President of Elite's U.S. branch."
Bill quickly realized that if not for tonight, his wife's career trajectory would soon eclipse his own.
Grace patted her husband's leg lightly, "That's all I can tell you. Today, I went to Greenwich to deliver some materials. There was a party, and Westero casually invited me to stay. I had planned to come home to watch a movie with the kids, but I thought this might help you, so I called you over."
Bill hesitated, then nodded, not saying much more.
Grace, observing her husband's expression, teasingly prodded, "You don't think there's something between Westero and me, do you?"
Bill paused briefly, then mimicked Grace's tone, "I heard Westero has a thing for older women."
Grace playfully hit his shoulder but then turned serious, "He's not interested in me. Today was only the second time I've seen Westero. The first was at the end of last month when he called me in to discuss how to manage those women. Today was for delivering materials for the Victoria's Secret Angels."
Bill couldn't help but ask, "Then why did he invite you to the party tonight?"
Grace replied, "Probably to help me build connections. Tonight, besides Wall Street figures, there were many top executives from the Westero system. If I become CEO of Elite, I might be considered part of the Westero system. And his invitation was casual; I wouldn't have stayed if not for you."
Bill nodded, finally relaxing.
His wife had been honest with him, and her actions today showed she was considering his needs, even taking significant risks. To continue doubting her would be unfair.
Sensing her husband's change in mood, Grace sipped her coffee and shifted the conversation, "Do you think tonight's interaction with Frank Walsh will have any impact?"
Grace's question redirected Bill's thoughts to his
pressing career concerns. After considering it, he said, "Walsh is capable and will likely stay on after the merger. If nothing else, someone should talk to me soon."
"And do you think you can advance?"
"Maybe..." Bill began, then, lacking confidence, added, "But staying is the priority."
If he could maintain his position or even advance slightly, Bill could secure his footing in the newly merged Credit Suisse First Boston. Given his tumultuous career, he dared not hope for more.
Unexpectedly, what Bill thought would take a week to unfold began the very next day. On Saturday, Frank Walsh personally called him, inviting him to lunch.
That evening, the Splurts were invited to a First Boston executive gathering.
The following Sunday, Bill was inundated with calls and invitations, leaving the couple incredulous at this sudden turn of events.
By the start of the new week, what Bill had hoped might be a modest promotion turned into a significant leap: he was informed that he was being considered for the role of co-head of the Securities Trading Department.
This promotion was beyond Bill's wildest dreams.
The Securities Trading Department was one of the largest business units within First Boston, even after the merger, employing over a thousand people and encompassing divisions such as equities, bonds, foreign exchange, and commodities. Moreover, as a core department in investment banking, the potential for advancement was substantial, with Frank Walsh himself having once led the department before becoming CEO.
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