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“So is what you’re asking of my client. You want to expand his exclusivity, use his image and influence across multiple markets, and add international campaigns to his existing obligations. Twenty million in additional compensation does not reflect the value Mr. Ross brings to this expansion.”

“Our valuation is based on several factors, including market projections.”

“I’m aware. Mine is based on what he’s already accomplished and where he’s headed. JuMarion isn’t just another athlete with a recognizable face. He’s a brand. If we’re expanding his existing partnership worldwide, I intend to make sure he’s compensated like one.”

Juvie shifted beside me but didn’t interrupt.

“What else are you proposing?” Mr. Tanaka asked.

I opened my folder. “Creative approval on his signature cleats and the apparel collection. Royalties on merchandise sales, and no more than ten required appearances annually. His baseball obligations come first, and anything additional needs to be mutually agreed upon.”

The woman across from me started taking notes. “Full creative approval would be difficult,” she admitted.

“I’m not asking for him to run Nike’s design department. I’m asking for him to have a meaningful say in products carrying his name. If you’re selling JuMarion Ross to the world, people should be getting JuMarion Ross. Not somebody’s watered-down version of him.”

I felt him looking at me, but I kept my attention on the executives.

“And there’s one more thing. Beyond Nike’s existing community commitments, we want an additional investment in youth baseball programs in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Equipment, training opportunities, and access for children who otherwise wouldn’t have it.”

“What level of investment are you requesting?”

“One million in additional funding over the remaining term of the agreement.”

Juvie leaned forward. “That’s important to me,” he said. “I came up where a lotta kids ain’t got access to shit. If we gon’ do somethin’ this big, I want it to mean somethin’ back home.”

Mr. Tanaka nodded. “We understand. We’ll need some time to discuss these terms with our senior leadership.”

“Of course.” I smiled. “Take your time.”

Forty-five minutes later, we were back at the conference table. I’d spent most of that time going over the numbers in my head. Juvie, on the other hand, sat beside me, relaxed as hell, scrolling through his phone. This nigga didn’t have a nervous bone in his body. Mr. Tanaka placed a revised proposal in front of us.

“We’ve received approval to move forward with an additional twenty-eight million in guaranteed compensation over the remaining term of his existing agreement, subject to final documentation. We’re also prepared to include the additional Baltimore community investment and the appearance limitations you requested.”

Twenty-eight million on top of the deal he already had. I wanted to jump out of my damn chair, but I kept my face straight.

“And the creative approval and royalties?”

“We’ve agreed to a defined approval process for his signature products, along with a royalty structure based on sales. Our legal teams will finalize those provisions.”

I looked through the revised terms, taking my time. I wasn’t about to start celebrating and overlook something important. When I was satisfied, I turned to Juvie.

“What do you think?”

He looked at the proposal, then back at me. “You good with it?”

“I wouldn’t bring it to you if I wasn’t.”

That crooked ass grin spread across his face. “Then I’m good.”

I turned back toward the executives. “Have your legal team coordinate with ours. Once the agreements are finalized and signed, we can move forward with the announcement.”

We stood, shook hands, and exchanged a few more pleasantries before gathering our things.

I was halfway to the door when Juvie leaned in and whispered in my ear. “I told you, Juicy, you were going to kill that.”

I looked up at him, trying my hardest not to smile. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

He chuckled and took my briefcase from my hand. “Yeah, aight, big money.”