Chapter 60

Yaeger's words darkened my expression. Despite the weight of his offer, I managed to reply, "Mr. Storm, I appreciate the gesture, but I'm set on carving my own path. Your offer is generous, but I'm determined to make it on my own." Yaeger's smile remained. "I get your drive to shape your own future. So, let me offer a compromise. How about this? "You know, SchmittHeron Corporation could benefit greatly from a strategic investment from Storm Corporation. We could arrange a 50-50 split in the shares between you and Lilith. What do you think?" The proposal took me by surprise. This was a move I hadn't seen coming. While Lilith was like a loose cannon, blasting away with reckless abandon, Yaeger approached with a smooth, diplomatic edge. He was using his influence and past favors to gently steer me toward reconsidering. Even though I could stand firm and refuse to go back, the situation had shifted dramatically. Yaeger had extended a compromise and a major investment that added layer