Chapter 181 Signing the Order
I took the contract and glanced at it - the company's legal representative and official seal were all in order.
I opened my computer and typed in the client company's name. Their business operations were good, with an excellent reputation.
"I've already checked all of this, no problems."
York's voice came slowly from behind me. "I even went to the client's company in person, and I was present throughout the entire contract signing."
"So there's really no problem at all?"
I closed the contract, lost in thought.
"Yes, from what I can see right now, there really doesn't seem to be any issue."
York added, "I've already used the excuse of it being our first collaboration to add an extra 10% to the payment."
"And they agreed?"
I was somewhat surprised.
York nodded. "Yes, though they were a bit unhappy about it at the time, but Ivan smoothed things over."
York continued with some confusion, "Ms. Lockwood, do you think maybe Ivan doesn't have any hidden agenda and is just here to work?"
"You think so too?"
I walked over to the sofa and sat down, waving at York to sit as well.
Then I poured him a cup of the coffee I'd made and pushed it toward him.
York took the coffee and had a sip. "That's what I think. Look, since he arrived, his attitude has been serious and sincere, his work is solid and diligent, and he was able to close a deal this quickly."
"Such a big order - he's doing better than most veteran employees. Those veterans might not even be able to close a contract with such a high value."
The more he talked, the more confused I became. "If veteran employees can't do it, how could he close it so easily?"
Seeing I still didn't believe him, York said helplessly, "Then Ms. Lockwood, tell me - from the beginning until now, has Ivan done anything wrong?"
"No."
I shook my head directly. "The more perfect he seems, the stranger it is."
"I'm getting more confused the more you talk."
York scratched his head, puzzled.
"So what should we do next?"
I said, "Keep watching him. Just because he hasn't shown any flaws in the short term doesn't mean he won't over time. If he really came here with other motives, he'll slip up sooner or later!"
"Alright, I got it!"
York agreed immediately, then drained his coffee in one gulp. "I'll get back to work then."
He picked up the contract and asked, "So should we continue with this contract?"
I waved him off. "If you've checked and there's no problem, then produce according to the contract requirements. You keep an eye on this shipment - don't let anything go wrong."
York opened the door. "Okay, I'll definitely watch it carefully."
I nodded. "Good."
After he left, I looked again at the company I'd just searched on my computer, still unable to see any problems.
But I still wasn't at ease, so I called Atlas.
As soon as the call connected, Atlas's voice came through.
"Helena, I was just about to call you. Zane was discharged from the hospital today and has been taken away by the police."
"Really?"
I said with some surprise, "What about your family's reaction? No one gave you trouble?"
"How could they not make a fuss."
Atlas snorted coldly. "But what good does it do? I told them to choose between jail or broken legs, and they chose jail. It's not like I forced them."
Hearing his shameless words, I could instantly imagine the Lancaster family's furious expressions.
"Well done!"
Hearing my praise, Atlas on the other end chuckled softly. "So what's my reward?"
I laughed lightly and said coquettishly, "What reward do you want?"
Atlas on the other end thought for a moment. "Then reward me by treating me to dinner."
"Easy enough. Wait for my call tonight."
After saying that, I remembered the company on the contract.
"There's something else I want to ask you."
Hearing my words, Atlas said directly, "Whatever it is, just say it."
"There's a company called Paragon Industries Group - do you know it?"
I asked, "The legal representative is Rocco Hightower, and the company does metal equipment production and processing."
After hearing me, Atlas thought for a moment. "I think I know of it, but haven't dealt with them. What's up?"
I said, "I want you to help me check this company's financial situation and see if there are any other issues."
Atlas agreed without hesitation. "Okay, wait for my news."
After hanging up, I finally felt a bit more at ease.
But thinking about it, even if Ivan wanted to do something, he definitely wouldn't have problems with the first order.
So this order must be fine, but just because there's no problem now doesn't mean there won't be problems later.
If Ivan really came here with a purpose, exposure is just a matter of time.
With this thought, I closed the browser page.
I was about to start working when I heard a knock on the office door.
"Come in."
When the door opened, the person was actually Ivan.
After he came in, he looked around and saw no one else, then closed the office door and looked at me with a grin. "Helena, you know about me landing that big deal, right?"
I nodded, but became more alert. "What, want a reward?"
"Yes."
Ivan admitted openly, "Last time at home, didn't you promise to go shopping with me? Well, since I just closed a big deal, take this chance to go out with me - consider it my reward."
Hearing this, a strange feeling rose in my heart.
I asked, "Is that really all you want?"
"Yes."
Ivan answered very seriously and sincerely.
I laughed in spite of myself and stood up. "Then let's go. I happen to be free this afternoon, we can go now."
"Right now?"
Ivan looked outside. "But I'm still on the clock this afternoon. Is it okay to just leave?"
"I'll just let Lyndon know."
I urged him, "Come on, it's fine."
Seeing this, Ivan had to agree. "Alright then, I'll be playing hooky on company time."
I chuckled. "Better be careful - you skip work today, you might have to make up for it tomorrow."
"No problem, no problem. I'm happy to work overtime for Helena."
Ivan showed no displeasure at all, instead cheerfully went to press the elevator button. "Let's go."
I drove him to the most bustling street in the city center. After parking the car, I took him for a stroll along the street.
"This place has really changed!"
Ivan looked around. "I remember a few years ago, this was still wild grassland, but now it's turned into high-rises and so many shops."