The number causes John to cough, and with his sputter her removes the pipe from his mouth entirely.

"One-third? Are you off your head? Spokespeople typically earn ten percent. Take it or leave it."

Though he likes Eames, John is fully prepared to walk away. The pipes were good, they could take off on their own, though it may need a bit more time. If he was reading this guy correctly then he would fold to the new terms relatively quickly.