Samuel surveyed Elizabeth and continued to explain patiently. "Look, if we slap the Super Brain system into cars, it's a ticking time bomb. One screw-up and it's game over. So, let's steer clear of that mess first. We can get other playgrounds to explore."

Elizabeth nodded, "Mr. Taylor, thanks for thinking so highlyof our Super Brain system. So, what's the game plan for teaming up?"

Samuel grinned, "Heard someone threw $500 million at The Jones Group,but Ms. Jones shut it down. So, yeah, I'm not here to buy you out. I'm here to invest."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled, "Mr. Taylor, you serious?"

"Come on, Ms. Jones, don't you believe in your own product? The Super Brain system's worth every penny. Here," Samuel pulled out a stack of papers from his briefcase and handed them over. "This is a little upgrade plan I cooked up for The Jones Group. No pressure touse it. Just showing I'm serious about this investment."

Elizabeth flipped through the documents, clearly impressed by the detail.

She stood up and held out her hand, "Mr. Taylor, I can see you're sincere in our cooperation. I hope we can seal the deal with The Jones Group soon.

"

Samuel stood up in excitement, shaking her hand but then hesitated,"Ms.Jones, there's something you should know."

Elizabeth looked at him, confused. Was ther any other terms?

"Do you know Margaret? She's my sister," he said.

Elizabeth's eyes widened, and she quickly pulled her hand back.

Seeing her reaction, Samuel sighed, "So, Margaret is right. You two don't get along."

Elizabeth's face hardened as she didn't want to find herself more trouble."We're arch-enemies. I have a serious beef with Margaret. Given that.I need to rethink your investment."

Samuel didn't agree with her as he frowned. "Ms. Jones,you're letting personal drama cloud your judgment. This is about saving The Jones Group.Put the grudge aside for now,please."

Elizabeth replied. "I'm sorry, but it's not about the personal grudges. The Jones Group means everything to me and I can't take the risk of letting it become a tool for someone else's revenge. I need to discuss this with the board. They'll vote on whether to take your investment."

Samuel had to shrug and said, "Fine, I'll wait for your decision."

Elizabeth nodded and left.

STellar Enterprises

Daniel walked into the CEO's office.

Michael was buried in paperwork but looked up when Daniel entered.

Daniel said, "Mr. Thomas, yesterday Samuel and Mrs. Thomas met at the Coffee Collective on Willow Creek Road."

Michael's face darkened at the mention of Elizabeth, "What did they talk about?"

Just then, David barged in, "Samuel's looking to invest in Elizabeth's

company. It's an investment,not a buyout."

"How much is he throwing down?" Michael asked.

"$500 million," David replied.

Michael shot up from his chair in disbelief. "He's dropping $500 million just to invest?"

"Yep,and I bet Elizabeth's gonna bite. It's a sweet deal, and Samuel's promising not to meddle in her business," David said.

Michael, hands on his hips, fumed, "Has she even thought this through?She's young,no management chops. The Jones Group is sinking. I offered $500 million to buy her out, bring in a new team, and save her the headache.She could just take the cash and chill with Nancy. But no,she wants to wrestle with this mess. Samuel's deal sounds good, but once he's the biggest shareholder, he'll call all the shots. How's Elizabeth gonna stand up to that? The Jones Group will be in Samuel's charge."

David sighed, "Too bad she doesn't see it. She doesn't get that you're looking out for her. Why not just lay it all out for her?"

"I've tried to analyze the situation with her, man. She just won't listen,"Michael said,exasperated.

David perched on Michael's desk, "Michael, is there actually a woman out there you can't handle?"

Michael shot him a look, "You ever wonder why Samuel's throwing $500million at Elizabeth? It's not about the Super Brain system. That thing's still half-baked. I think Samuel's got his eyes on Elizabeth herself."

David chuckled, "Michael, not everyone sees Elizabeth the way you do."

"She's valuable because she's my wife, at least on paper. If she divorces me.who'd invest in her?" Michael sneered.

"But she hasn't divorced you yet. She's still Mrs. Thomas," David pointed out.

·"Either way, I don't trust Samuel.,He's got some angle. Keep tabs on him.I'm worried he might mess with Elizabeth because of Margaret," Michael said,concerned.

David teased, "Look at you, all worried about someone else. Finally, you're not Mr. Ice King anymore."

Michael shot back, "At least I have someone to care about. Unlike you, still alone."

David grinned with pride, "Wrong this time. I got a girlfriend now!"

Michael raised an eyebrow, teasing, "Really? That was quick. Bring her around sometime."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth got back to school, handed in her thesis, and called up Sarah for dinner.

During dinner, Elizabeth mentioned to Sarah that someone was investing in the Jones Group. Sarah, in disbelief, asked for confirmation, "Elizabeth.you said someone's willing to invest $500 million in your dad's company?Are you sure it's an investment,not a buyout?"

Elizabeth, sipping her soup, nodded, "Yeah, it's definitely an investment.But I'm still mulling it over. The board has to vote on it. I can't decide alone. Plus, I'm not too keen on taking his money right now."

Why refuse such a good chance? Sarah looked curious, "Why not?"

Elizabeth sighed, "I have a personal beef with his sister."