Complex sentence: In the years preceding World War II, Jett's oil drilling company prospers, but determined to continue to be a cattle rancher like his forefathers, Bick rejects several offers to drill for oil on Reata.
Split into simpler sentences: In the years preceding World War II, Jett's oil drilling company prospers. Determined to continue as a cattle rancher like his forefathers Bick rejects several offers to drill for oil on Reata.