Gael seemed to grasp her unspoken message and, with a thoughtful expression, lowered his gaze in contemtion. The manager, sensing the tension, took the opportunity to speak. "As Miss Hera mentioned, the Avery family has a long-standing tradition of helping those in need. They believe in umting good karma for their ancestors and themselves, adhering to the principle that acts of kindness and support in this life ensure a favorable rebirth and a better life in the next."
"Assisting your mother would actually align with our values and support our cause," the manager said, aiming to ease the situation and redirect the focus to business. "Therefore, we’re willing to adjust the profit distribution to 70% for us and 30% for you, considering you’ll be handling all the work once we supply you with our products."
Gael caught on and nodded, understanding the unspoken agreement. "If that’s the case, I’d be honored to ept the Avery’s generosity. However, I’d prefer to keep the distribution at 25% for me and 75% for you. Considering the extensive production process for ck Ivory Coffee Beans and the work involved in gathering them, I feel this is a fair adjustment. Since this will be my first venture in the business world, it’s important to me to start on a bnced note. Please, humor me. I’d rather not seem arrogant because of a favorable deal or pitied as though I’m receiving charity rather than being recognized for my capabilities."
Gael then looked at the manager and Hera with a pained expression, as if deeply wounded. His eyes conveyed that he had already figured out Hera’s true identity, and he made no effort to conceal his understanding. That’s why he was also looking at Hera to back him up with his exnation.
The manager nodded. "Fair enough. Let’s adjust the contract to reflect the 75% to 25% distribution. Please have yourwyer review it before we finalize and sign it." He then messaged for his assistant toe over to the Avery lounge. As he set down his phone and looked at Gael, Gael raised both hands in a gesture of surrender, clearly understanding the unspoken message.
"I didn’t hear anything and won’t say a word outside this room. I’d suffer a lightning strike if I lied and betrayed my benefactor," Gael vowed. Just as he finished speaking, a loud thunderp echoed outside, followed by a bolt of lightning that struck a tree, splitting it in two. The sudden phenomenon startled the horses and guests alike. Though the thunderp was distant, it felt almost like a dramatic seal on Gael’s promise, causing a cold sweat to run down his back.
Gael gulp the lump that formed in his throat but still looked back at Hera and the manager with a sincere look, Bry didn’t know what was happening and thought it was an adult talk so it has nothing to do with him while his father also came to his conclusion but he didn’t say anything and pretended he didn’t hear anything.
Satisfied with the oue, Hera decided not to press the matter further. She knew Gael’s character well—he was loyal and unlikely to betray those who helped him. With a nod of approval, she watched as the assistant entered the lounge, retrieved the folder from the coffee table, and exchanged a few quiet words with the manager. The assistant nodded and left quickly, her purposeful strides echoing on the marbled floor.
The room fell into an awkward silence as everyone busied themselves, avoiding conversation. Hera, however, remembered the real reason for her visit and decided to speak up.
"Manager, I actually came here to discuss a potential coboration. My uncle here breeds and trains champion horses. Recently, two of his horses won a national championship, one was the champion named Diamond, the other horse also won the first runner-up and the third was the third runner-up. I’m looking to explore opportunities for coboration, whether it’s for training or breeding. If you’re interested, I’d love to discuss how we might work together."
Hera nced at Bry’s father, giving him a subtle nod. Understanding her cue, he stepped in to borate on the proposal.