He smiled.
“Of course.”
Then he leaned closer.
“Naomi, you know the problem with ambitious inventors?”
I didn't answer.
He continued.
“They become attached to ideas that companies actually know how to monetize.”
I met his eyes.
“Commercialization requires agreements.”
He smiled.
“Exactly.”
Then his voice lowered.
“And an agreement is easier when everyone understands their position.”
I felt my stomach tighten.
“Is there something you wanted to discuss?”
He glanced toward the waiting lawyer.
Then shook his head.
“Not tonight.”
He stepped aside.
“But I hope you'll reconsider our proposal.”
I nodded slightly.
“Please send any revised terms through counsel.”
His smile disappeared.
For a moment, he stared.
Then he laughed.
“Always so formal.”
I stepped past him.
The tray remained steady in my hands.
But when I reached the service station, Li-hua looked toward me.
“You look upset.”
I shook my head.
“Just a difficult guest.”
She studied me.
Then looked toward the corridor.
“Some guests think money makes them better than other people.”
I smiled faintly.
“I noticed.”
She handed me a clean napkin.
“Don't let them decide who you are.”
I nodded.
Then returned to work.
That encounter bothered me more than I admitted.
Victor now knew exactly where I worked.
He knew I needed the income.
And he knew I couldn't afford to walk away from the research or the negotiations without consequences.
A week later, his investment team sent another proposal.
The new document appeared more reasonable.
It described a two-million-dollar investment in Blue Harbor Thermal.
The investor would receive a minority equity position, certain governance protections, and rights associated with a defined commercial licensing arrangement.
The patent would remain under my ownership.