Chapter 49: Building sale

It was 4 pm and they just finished clearing out the jewellery to room 3 when Ben appeared. Ben advised Jane rang. Could we go and see her now. Helena and Fred freshened up and walked with Ben to see Jane. They were immediately taken into the board room.

In this room Jane sat with one of the accounting firm partners Andrew. He explained and they needed her input. “In three of your companies Mrs Romano purchased some properties in Brisbane when the area was really run down. We have an offer for the land, they want to demolish the buildings, and make a new multi story building. They have offered $50 million. We have the assets listed for only 2 million. I believe the building and the land are worth a lot more but they want a decision by 12 noon tomorrow otherwise they are going to have the land resumed under their building program. Jane feels they cannot resume without sufficient notice. Today is the first and final notice we have received.”

Helena advised them. Ring them now and ask for a meeting at their location please. He pickup his mobile and asked. They demanded a meeting at 8am.

Helena advised “My driver will not be able to take me before that time. We will meet at 11am at your office. I am not travelling during the morning peak hour for anyone”.

They heard her reply and agreed to an 11am meeting in their office situated opposite her buildings in Edward Street. Ben ran Bill and got his OK to drive and arrive by 11am. He agreed as he wanted to give the new white limo a good drive.

Helena instructed “At no time must you give them any notice of my worth. They think we are simple folk and are trying to walk all over us. I have a feeling this will be an interesting day. I’ll pick the two of you up from outside here at 9ish. Casual dress. Happy with that?”
Jane smiled, replied “Yes Helena. I love you in that mood. We shall be ready for you.”

Andrew asked “Why me?”
Helena replied “You are the contact person and I need you to to get a very quick verbal valuation of the property tonight. Inform me in the morning of the value. The five of us shall attend, they will most certainly have a few people trying to put pressure on me/us. I shall just listen and direct.”

Jane and Ben laughed, they replied together “Yes Miss Helena.” Fred cracked up in laughter as well.

Andrew replied “OK I get on to it tonight and clear my appointments for tomorrow.” He left the board room.

Fred asked “OK whats the story here?”

Jane gave an abridged history of Helena treatment of this firm missing out the illegal activities for Helena sake.

Fred replied. “So some possible fireworks then?”
Ben replied laughing “Bloody big mining explosions, if Helena is slightly upset.” Jane joined in on the laughter. Helena smiled at them all. She realised she had a good team working for her.

Helena asked “Jane are you busy next Thursday and Friday?”

Jane replied “I have a some appointments but they can be changed why?”

Helena advised “Fred and I are getting married on Thursday morning and having a wedding reception on a small plane to Vanuatu. Would you like to attend? You will need an overnight bag.”
Jane replied “Yes that would be nice. When, where?”

Helena advised “Ben has the details. Can you let her know of the details please Ben. Fred and I have to go now. We will see you tomorrow morning.”

Little did Helena know Ben had already invited Jane to the wedding. Now she was getting an expense paid weekend in Vanuatu. Ben thanked Jane for not letting on she was already invited. He then filled her in on the plane travel and the need to bring her passport and a friend if she wished.

The following morning Bill picked up Ben, Helena, Fred, Jane and Andrew. Andrew advised a quick verbal valuation of her properties were worth around $380m as an ongoing concern. He was privately advised to take care with the builders after the property as their reputation was not good on payments. Helena thanked him for the quick information. Helena decided on a simple casual summer dress. She looked like a junior not the rich lady she is. Harry was looking forward to a good day.

On arrival at 11am They were taken into a rich plush office on Edward Street. And introduced to 7 different people 4 of which had no power but were attending the meeting to show superior force. Helena asked for a coffee. They came out with some instant coffee. She asked Bill to get a decent coffee for the five of them. Bill knew the order.

Helena advised “Until my coffee arrives please explain yourselves?”

The head, Franco, started on the project and how far they were in planning and building acquisitions. The only missing parts were their 4 buildings.

Helena looked at Andrew, he nodded his head in agreement.

He continued with the plan of what they were proposing to build. Two people walked in with a scale model of the proposal. They stayed in the room.

Bill arrived with their coffee’s. Helena was served with two cups. Helena smiled at Bill.

Franco continued with the talk about the buildings. He then went on to costings.

Helena interrupted “A copy in writing please”

Franco advised “Sorry we do not let that out of this office!”

Helena advised “I have no intention of removing it from this office I just wish to see it on paper and let two of my advisers review quickly.”