Chapter: 812

James' smile couldn't be kept hidden any longer. His eyes were beaming with delight. He had been looking forward to this day for so long! All the following projects of the Salazar Group had already been settled. Those projects could be pushed forward as soon as the contract was signed, and the Salazar family would join the Sullivan and the Jimenez family as the most respected clans in Apliaria.

James grabbed the contract with no hesitation and prepared to sign on the last page.

As the tip of the pen glided on the piece of the paper, Carson suddenly interrupted, “You know most people would want to read the contract first before signing it."

James paused for a bit and looked up at Carson. He noticed the profound smile in his eyes and looked down at the signature spot.

"Is there any problem with the contract? Susan informed me a long time ago that Mr. Sullivan would work with Salazar Group. Isn't the purpose of this contract to discuss our future projects and collaboration?" James asked with a smile, but when he saw the amused expression on Carson's face, he wasn't so sure anymore.

Carson gave a small, teasing smile and said nothing, his eyes focused on James.

When James saw this, he became even more skeptical. He grasped the pen at first, then let go of it. He finally put down the pen and turned to the first page after a few attempts.

The large conference room was deafeningly quiet, except for the sound of paper shuffling as James went back and forth the pages of the contract.

About ten minutes later, Carson laid down the pen in his palm and looked up at James. He took his time reading every word, and when he turned to the second last page of the contract, James froze, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

He went over the contents of this page numerous times to make sure he hadn't read it wrong, and the smirk at the corners of his mouth could no longer hold on.

“Carson, did you get the wrong contract?" James turned to look at him and forced a smile.

“How so?"

"Isn't it supposed to be a contract to strengthen the Sullivan Group and Salazar Group's partnership? But why is this..."

"Alright, since you're confused, it's specified in the third term. In the next five years, the Sullivan Group will provide financial support, scientific research, and technology for your investments in real estate, apparel, and other fields, deepening the strategic partnership between Sullivan Group and Salazar Group." On the way here, Carson had read the contract thoroughly. He placed both of his elbows on the table and rested his chin on the top of his hands that were linked together.

“This contract is important to the development of the Salazar Group in the next five years. Why don't you take it seriously?"

James fixed his gaze on Carson. He understood Carson didn't give him the wrong contract, and everything written in the document was legit.

If he didn't sign the contract today, the Sullivan Group and Salazar

Group's collaboration would come to an end, and the entire blueprint he laid out would be shattered.

If he did not sign the deal, he would be competing with the Sullivan

Group for the Salazar Group's expansion and development in Apliaria.

But if he signed it...

James lowered his eyes and looked at the last term of the contract.

All of the cooperation between the two companies was based on the assumption that Victor and Susan's engagement would be null and void.

“As you know, Victor entrusted me to deliver the contract. He is currently waiting for me to let him know about the results, so if you've finished reading all the terms, it's time to sign it.”

Carson's tone was casual but firm.