Chapter 210

Vivian's curiosity sparked instantly. She propped her chin on her hand, leaning forward like an eager student awaiting Professor Wood's revelation.

The professor adjusted his glasses with deliberate slowness. "Mr. Blackwood visited today to discuss acquiring fifty percent of Stanford University's management rights—"

"What?" Vivian nearly choked on her drink. "He wants to buy Stanford?"

Her hands trembled with indignation. "Stanford ranks among the nation's top public institutions! Its engineering programs are globally renowned. How dare Nathaniel target a public university?"

Professor Wood waved a dismissive hand. "Now, now, it's not like that. He's proposing a partnership to secure Stanford's future. You know how public funding has dwindled for research projects—"

"If Blackwood Group takes partial control, Stanford becomes semi-private. We'd maintain academic integrity while gaining unlimited research funding. It's an ideal solution."

The logic sounded flawless. Any faculty member would find the offer tempting.

But Vivian knew Nathaniel too well.

The man bled profit margins and calculated ROI before breakfast.

No way would he pour millions into academia without expecting something monumental in return.

"Professor, this can't be as simple as it seems. Nathaniel Blackwood doesn't do charity. What's the catch?"

Wood hesitated. "There are conditions, yes. But reasonable ones, I assure you."

Vivian's nails dug into her palms. "Spell them out."

"Full funding for facilities, experiments, and faculty incentives. In exchange..." The professor cleared his throat. "All future research discoveries would be shared with Blackwood Group. Physics and electronics patents would become their exclusive property."

"Over my dead body!"

Vivian shot up, knocking over her chair. "Stanford's physics department produces groundbreaking work! He thinks he can buy decades of research for pocket change?"

Professor Wood remained calm. "If you object, Ms. Lockhart, you're welcome to make a competing offer. Assuming you have the capital."

Her retort died on her lips.

Her startup barely kept afloat. Challenging a corporate titan like Nathaniel? Impossible.

For now.

Five years from now? She'd bury Blackwood Group in dust.

"Vivian, I understand your pride. We academics cherish our independence. But modern research requires astronomical funding." Wood's face darkened. "Stanford's rankings have slipped. Without drastic change, we'll become irrelevant."

The harsh truth silenced her.

This wasn't just about Nathaniel's greed. Public universities nationwide struggled as private institutions surged ahead with billionaire backing.

Sophia emerged from the kitchen balancing steaming dishes. "Enough shop talk! Dinner's getting cold—"

The front door swung open.

Nathaniel stood framed in the doorway, his tailored suit absorbing the hallway light.

"Mr. Blackwood! Perfect timing." Sophia beamed. "We were just about to eat."

Vivian's smile turned glacial. Why couldn't this man stay gone?