One day, George Finkle himself goes to Eddie’s home with a crew of reporters and bodyguards. Mr. Finkle privately explains that next month, a report will be released, revealing that Finkle cakes cause cancer. He explains that the legal fallout from this development will cost him a lot of money. With this in mind, he offers Eddie a deal. He will give Eddie’s mom her job back and provide her with a raise if Eddie deliberately misses the shot. Eddie says he’ll think about it.

Eddie calls Mr. Finkle to tell him that he is still going to try to make the shot. Mr. Finkle offers to pay for Eddie’s college expenses in full if Eddie misses the shot on purpose, but Eddie refuses to back down from his decision. When Eddie asks if his mom will get her job back if he misses the shot, Mr. Finkle hangs up. At this moment, Eddie realizes, “I would either win a million dollars, or I’d get nothing” (68).