Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid

Chapter 154: Chapter 154 The Price of the Aetheris Database

Seeing this, Oliver quickly intervened.

"Ryan’s still injured. Take it easy."

After rushing over earlier that day, he’d heard from the doctor that Ryan’s injuries had been more serious than they initially appeared.

So when he saw Samantha about to throw herself into Ryan’s arms, he couldn’t help but caution her.

Samantha reluctantly stopped.

Though disappointed, her biggest concern had finally been resolved.

If Ryan said it would work out, then there was nothing to worry about.

Oliver couldn’t help but marvel. "Ryan, once you step in, there’s no problem that can’t be solved. You have to understand—Aetheris Medical AI’s database has never collaborated with an outside party before. The copyrights and licensing rights have always remained exclusively with G.S."

Thinking about it made Samantha even happier.

With Aster’s database attached to her project, its appeal would increase dramatically.

She would use Aster’s massive database to achieve both fame and success.

And when that happened...

Would the Knight family still refuse to acknowledge her?

This partnership would undoubtedly lower the barriers to her marrying into the family.

After all, Aster’s database was unimaginably vast and comprehensive.

She had always wanted to meet the mysterious creator behind it, but Caleb had never made an introduction.

For now, having access to the Aetheris Medical AI Medicine Database was already a major breakthrough.

*****

After returning to G.S., Rose discussed the matter with Caleb.

"There’s no reason to keep wasting time fighting them over this," she said. "We’re not giving Samantha the rights for free. They’ll pay licensing fees, and we’ll remain the primary rights holder."

That was the truth.

Part of her previous reluctance had indeed been influenced by personal grievances.

But when pursuing larger goals, personal feelings couldn’t be allowed to interfere.

At the end of the day, they were simply business partners.

The licensing fees would be paid, and the copyrights would always remain hers.

Caleb had no objections. "As long as you, the inventor, agree, I’m fine with it."

Rose didn’t dwell on the matter further.

Receiving Ryan’s payment was the priority.

The next morning, when she arrived at the office, she happened to run into Samantha and her team, who had come to sign the contract.

Samantha was obviously in an excellent mood.

The moment she saw Rose, a smile spread across her face.

"President Byrne, this partnership is a win-win situation. Once my project gains recognition, G.S. will benefit from the increased visibility and profits as well."

Caleb glanced at Rose. "It’s good to see Ms. Hill so confident."

Samantha continued reviewing the contract.

However, her expression gradually shifted.

She knew they were there to finalize the licensing agreement and royalty fees, but...

Aster’s licensing fee was charged annually.

Thirty-six million dollars per year.

She had expected the fee to be high.

She just hadn’t expected it to be this high.

The agreement was for five years, and three years of licensing fees had to be paid upfront.

That was an enormous amount of money.

"Thirty-six million dollars a year?" Samantha frowned. "And we have to pay three years in advance? Isn’t that excessive?"

That meant investing a huge amount of money before the project was even completed.

Caleb smiled. "Ms. Hill, you understand the value of this opportunity. This is the first time Aster has ever licensed her work. If your project succeeds, this partnership will become one of its strongest selling points. In the medical field, who wouldn’t want access to Aster’s database?"

Samantha couldn’t argue with that.

It was exactly why she had pursued the partnership so aggressively.

Still...

She pointed to another clause. "And if the project fails because of unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, the licensing fee is non-refundable?"

Rose walked over and asked calmly, "Don’t you have confidence in your project?"

Samantha had been about to voice her concerns but immediately sneered.

"Ms. Bennett, if you don’t understand contract negotiations, there’s no need to interrupt."

Rose sat down, crossed her legs, and leaned back against the sofa.

"If you lack confidence, you’re free to walk away. There are plenty of people interested in these rights. If your project fails, don’t expect us to absorb the loss. G.S. requires capable partners for the database’s first collaboration. The risk is yours to bear."

Samantha’s expression darkened.

With Rose sitting right there, it was impossible to negotiate cautiously without appearing weak.

She couldn’t allow Rose to gain the upper hand.

After a brief pause, Samantha laughed coldly.

"Then it’s settled. President Byrne, I look forward to a successful partnership. And when the product launches, please introduce me to the legendary Aster."

Caleb clenched his fist and cleared his throat. "No problem."

Samantha signed the contract.

Rose glanced at the signature but showed no reaction.

Standing up, Samantha looked down at her with obvious condescension.

"No matter how hard you try to interfere, G.S. will never become your puppet. You can’t stop a partnership built on mutual interests, Rose. You’d be better off spending your energy improving yourself."

If Rose hadn’t interfered earlier, the deal would have been finalized long ago.

After all her efforts, what had Rose really accomplished?

Nothing.

In Samantha’s eyes, she was nothing more than a clown.

With that, Samantha left laughing.

The moment she was gone, Caleb immediately gave Rose a thumbs-up.

"You’re ruthless. You deliberately provoked her into signing and left her no room to back out."

Because of their history, Samantha would never allow herself to appear weak in front of Rose.

Now that she had signed, failure was no longer an option.

If the project collapsed, not only would her reputation suffer, but she would lose an enormous amount of money.

Rose’s move had been calculated and merciless.

Rose shrugged.

"No one forced her to sign. She knows exactly how much value my database will bring to her project. She’s chasing fame and fortune. We’re not running a charity."

Besides, a significant portion of Samantha’s funding came from Ryan.

The money was practically sitting on the table.

Rose would be foolish not to plan ahead.

In truth, she didn’t particularly care who licensed the database.

From her perspective, it was always a win-win situation.

She benefited either way.

The rivalry between her and Samantha no longer mattered much.

People could leave.

Mountains could crumble.

Only what she truly possessed would remain hers.

*****

That afternoon, Diana called.

She had been working nonstop for nearly a month.

"Did you really license your database to Samantha?"

Rose laughed. "How did you find out so quickly?"

"That Samantha has already celebrating on social media. She even organized a dinner party. She’s using your reputation to boost her project’s credibility."

Diana sneered. "She’s popping champagne before the race has even started. With Ryan backing her, she’s certainly confident."

If they ever learned that Aster was actually Rose, would they still be able to enjoy that champagne?

Rose, however, seemed unconcerned. "It doesn’t matter. Either way, I benefit."

At that moment, a message notification popped up on WhatsApp.

To her surprise, it was from Grace Morris.

Rose immediately sat up straighter.

Grace was someone she genuinely admired.

A remarkable woman worthy of respect.

Grace’s message read: "Rose, are you free this weekend? The Taylor family is hosting a cocktail party at our villa. Would you be willing to come and meet me?"

Rose hadn’t expected Grace to personally invite someone as insignificant as herself.

Naturally, she responded politely.

"Of course. It would be my honor. I’ll be there on time."

Grace replied almost immediately. "Wonderful. I’ll send you the address and time."

Just after finishing the conversation, Rose heard Diana sigh heavily on the other end of the phone.

"But Trevor is probably facing a major crisis right now."

Rose was puzzled. "Does Mr. Robinson actually have problems he can’t solve?"

Diana clicked her tongue. "The Taylor family invited both of us to the cocktail party. What else could it be? They’re almost certainly planning to bring up the engagement."

She paused before adding, "I’m honestly curious to see how Trevor plans to get himself out of this one."