126 Reaching an Agreement

"Don't tell me--"

"Here are my terms," Oliver stated, forcing the men to listen carefully. "I won't need a down payment, but I want no one in your family claiming power over me and I won't claim to be an official member of the family or seek special treatment. I'll need full control of my own course selection in the institute and you aren't allowed to question my decisions, no matter how unconventional they may be. Also, I don't want to remain under your family's influence after the institute, though I'm fine with remaining friends or possible allies should it be beneficial for the both of us."

"You understand that you're success or failure in the institute will affect our reputation, correct?" Hurman added.

"And you realize that I'll be giving you free publicity after I graduate at the top of my class?"