Chapter 60: Sharks and Stars
Three days after the media frenzy over Bytebull’s AI had finally begun to cool down, Richard and Jack found themselves in a stark, minimalist meeting room inside the complex. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with the scent of cigars and old money. Jack’s father, Ernesto Purnas, sat across from them, a man who exuded both authority and a chilling detachment. Beside him, Don Estello, the godfather-like patriarch, leaned back in his chair with a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
Jack swallowed hard, his pulse drumming in his ears. He wasn’t used to negotiations of this scale. A glance at Richard, however, revealed calm, calculating eyes — eyes that seemed to see three steps ahead.
Estello spoke first, his voice gravelly and smooth.
"I’ve called this meeting to make things official. Since both of you boys managed to pull off this... multi-million-dollar operation," he chuckled, "we’re interested in investing. I personally offer $80 million for 15% equity in your company."
Jack’s jaw tightened. Fifteen percent? That was steep. He shot a quick glance at Richard. But before he could react, Richard leaned forward, fingers interlaced, expression neutral.
"Thank you for your generous offer, Mr. Purnas," Richard said smoothly. "However, I’d like to make a counteroffer. Instead of 15%, how about $150 million for 10% equity, plus 7% royalties on every copy of the game we sell?"
A ripple of surprise swept across the room. Even Jack blinked, trying to absorb the number. $150 million. That was almost double what Estello had offered. Ernesto’s icy expression didn’t change, but his eyes flicked to the financial graphs in front of him. Estello, on the other hand, broke into a slow, toothy grin.
"That’s a good number, boy," Estello said, leaning forward. "But here’s my offer. $300 million for 12.5% equity, and 5% royalties — not just on your game, but on every product Bytebull produces."
Jack’s eyes widened. That was a lot of money. Too much money. He leaned toward Richard, voice barely above a whisper.
"He’s trying to own everything we make, not just the game. He’s thinking long-term."
Richard didn’t respond immediately. He stared at Estello, as if weighing the man’s very soul. Finally, he smiled — a small, tight-lipped smile.