Chapter 40 Contract
Arthur's first instinct was to get angry.
And rightfully so - the contracts he needed to sign personally were projects worth billions.
Every single clause required his careful consideration and deliberation. How did the Hall family go bankrupt back then?
Wasn't it because Aria's father suddenly fell ill, lost his mental sharpness, and signed a disastrous contract that instantly drained all the company's cash flow?
The investment was too large and the returns too slow, dragging down the parent company along with all its subsidiaries.
With that lesson right in front of him, Arthur, despite his youth, was extremely cautious with every contract he signed, researching and evaluating repeatedly.
And now, Sophie had actually gone ahead and signed a contract in his absence, completely bypassing him?!
It was only because it was Sophie - if it had been anyone else, he would have already contacted the legal department to sue them and send them to jail.
The cotton swab in Arthur's hand snapped in an instant.
"What contract?" His tone turned cold.
"The supplementary agreement for that real estate development project in the east part of the city." Sophie didn't notice at all that Arthur's face had turned frighteningly dark.
Her tone was casual, even carrying a hint of seeking credit. "It was supposed to be signed yesterday afternoon. They were pushing hard for it, and you weren't around, so I signed it for you."
She pushed her burned hand closer to Arthur. "Don't worry, I read through all the clauses carefully. It just added a bit to the budget."
Arthur took a deep breath and let it out heavily.
He had deliberately held off on that agreement. He wasn't signing it because he was waiting for the market research results.
But after just half a day of being away, Sophie had found an opening and signed this risky contract without knowing what was really in it!
He forced out a sentence. "Don't do this again. Contract matters must be reviewed and approved by me personally."
Sophie's smile froze, but quickly returned to normal.
"Okay, I got it. I just didn't want to delay things."
She moved closer and took Arthur's arm. "By the way, I heard your mother was hospitalized. I don't know how she's doing now, but I'd like to go see her."
Arthur frowned slightly. "Who told you that?"
"Everyone at the company is talking about it." Sophie blinked. "Your mother has always been good to me. It's only right that I visit her."
Arthur was silent for a few seconds.
"No need. My mom's situation is complicated, she needs rest." He brushed her off. "Let's talk about it later."
Sophie's smile faded a bit.
Of course she knew Elizabeth didn't like her.
Even before Arthur got married, Elizabeth was only polite to her, never close.
But Aria? Even though it was just a business marriage, Elizabeth treated her like family.
Thinking about this, Sophie felt a sour feeling rise in her heart.
"You're right, Elizabeth's health comes first." She suppressed her discomfort and changed the subject. "What about you and Aria? When are you going to do the paperwork?"
Arthur's fingers suddenly tightened.
"Soon." His voice was a bit dry.
"When is soon?" Sophie pressed, her voice turning sweet. "Arthur, we've already waited three years. Are you going to make me keep waiting?"
Arthur looked out the window.
"After my mom goes back to Switzerland. While she's here, I can't make her worry."
Sophie's eyes lit up.
"When is Elizabeth going back?"
Arthur frowned.
He suddenly realized he was very resistant to this topic, as if being forced to make a choice.
"Probably next month." His voice was cold. "The doctor suggested she rest a bit longer."
"That's great!" Sophie couldn't help but smile, hugging Arthur's arm and pressing into his embrace. "Then I'll wait for you. Oh, are you free next week? Let's go pick out wedding dresses together!"
Arthur didn't say anything.
He pulled his arm away, stood up, and grabbed his coat. "I have other things next week. The wedding dress isn't urgent. When I have time, I'll have the brands send some to your place for you to choose from."
"It's late, let me take you home."
Sophie said happily. "No, I want to be with you! I know a newly opened—"
"I still have some things to handle." Arthur interrupted her. "I'll take you home first."
Sophie's smile faded again.
But she didn't say anything more, obediently following behind him.
On the way to take Sophie home, Arthur didn't say a word.
Sophie tried to speak several times, but seeing his expression, swallowed her words back.
When the car stopped downstairs at her apartment, Sophie unbuckled her seatbelt but didn't get out immediately.
"Arthur." She said tentatively, "Are you... not wanting to divorce Aria anymore?"
Arthur's hand gripped the steering wheel tighter.
He forced a smile, cupped the back of her head with his large hand, and kissed her on the lips.
"How could that be? Alright, stop overthinking. Go on up."
Sophie stared at him for a few seconds, finally saying nothing more.
On the way back to the company, Arthur called his assistant.
"The contract Sophie signed yesterday - bring it to me to look at."
"Yes, Mr. Grant."
Meanwhile, Aria's project finished on schedule.
Normally, after completion, Arthur would need to come for inspection, but he really couldn't spare the time. Aria had no choice but to take photos and send them to him.
No reply came for a long time.
Not replying wouldn't do - she was still waiting for the final payment. Since she had nothing else on hand at the moment, she decided to go to Arthur's company in person to get the money.
Grant Corporation's building was located in the city center, over thirty floors. When Aria walked in, the receptionist was stunned for a moment before reacting.
"Mrs. Grant? What brings you here?"
"I'm looking for Mr. Grant," Aria said. "Work matters."
"Please wait a moment, I'll call the elevator for you."
"No need, I have an elevator card."
Come to think of it, this elevator card was given to her by Arthur three years ago, saying it would be convenient for her to come to the company to find him.
She had never thrown it away, and unexpectedly it came in handy today.
The elevator went straight to the top floor.
Everyone in the executive office froze when they saw her coming.
A young assistant wanted to stand up and greet her, but was pulled back by someone next to them.
Aria pretended not to notice and walked straight to Arthur's office door.
The assistant quickly stood up. "Mrs. Grant, Mr. Grant is in a meeting. Please wait a moment, come sit over here."
He pointed to the reception area.
Aria sat down and scrolled through her phone idly.
After waiting for several dozen minutes, Arthur's meeting still hadn't ended. She checked the time - it was almost noon.
"When will his meeting be over?" she asked the assistant.
"I'm not quite sure about that either," the assistant said carefully. "How about you go eat first? The cafeteria downstairs has your favorite sweet and sour chicken today."