Chapter 286 Still Feeling Defeated
"I checked online, and the requirements for a construction company's qualifications to build a lab are super high, way different from building a regular house. And we also gotta think about the security system layout after the lab's built. That's tough for most construction companies," Camilla said.
The three of them were hanging out in a coffee shop.
Camilla took a sip of her coffee and shared what she found out with the other two.
Hestia had two servings of tiramisu in front of her, eating one bite after another while keeping her ears open.
"My dad knows a bunch of construction project managers, and some of them have businesses here in New York City. But when I asked them yesterday, they said they only build houses, not labs," Royce said.
Camilla sighed, "Specialized work needs to be done by professionals."
Royce added, "Also, it's best to hire a separate designer to act as a bridge between us and the construction company. Otherwise, there might be a communication gap, and the final product might not meet our expectations."
For the next few days, the three of them were swamped. Besides attending classes, they spent most of their time running around outside.
After thoroughly researching several reputable construction companies, they were still not satisfied.
Either the designers didn't understand lab construction, or the budget was outrageously high.
"I can't do this anymore, I'm exhausted. Let's take a break!" Hestia said.
After visiting two construction companies, Hestia was worn out.
Royce didn't have much luck either.
Camilla's situation was even worse.
Hestia downed two bottles of Coke and instantly felt rejuvenated. "I can't believe it! In such a big city like New York, there's no one who can build a lab!"
"I have an appointment with another company at five. They have all the qualifications and a good reputation. I'll go check it out." Camilla looked at her watch. It was 4:20, just enough time to catch a cab.
However, before she could hail a taxi, her phone rang. "Hello?" she said.
"Camilla, are you busy? It's Tobias."
"Tobias!"
They hadn't been in touch since Zoey's birthday party, and they rarely called each other before that, so Camilla didn't recognize his voice at first.
"Are you at school now? I'm near Harmony College for some business. Want to grab a meal together?" Tobias asked.
Just then, the construction company texted to say the designer had an emergency and couldn't meet.
Camilla readily agreed, "Sure!"
The siblings met at a small restaurant off-campus.
When Camilla arrived, Tobias was already there.
He was tall and slim, wearing a coat over his suit, which he took off and placed aside as he entered.
He looked a bit tired, probably from a busy day, but his face lit up when he saw Camilla. "I've been wanting to have a meal with you, but I've been so busy. I figured you just started school and might be busy too, so I kept postponing it."
Camilla smiled, "Tobias, you're too polite. Today is perfect."
"Yes," Tobias nodded quickly. "Order whatever you like. It's on me today."
"You seem to be in a good mood?"
Unlike their last meeting in Los Angeles, Tobias looked tired but his eyes were bright.
It was clear that Tobias had been doing well recently.
He waved his hand modestly. "It's not a big deal. I just secured a project. The company's been around for a while, and we finally got a legitimate order. The profit isn't huge, but it's a good start. So order whatever you want, don't hold back."
Camilla was genuinely happy for him. "Alright, then I'll order!"
"Go ahead!"
Despite his words, Camilla only ordered three dishes.
Tobias asked, "That's it?"
"Yes."
"Let's add two more dishes."
"No need! We can't finish it all! Tobias, are you trying to let me extort you today?"
Tobias laughed, "I don't mind being extorted by you once in a while."
"Really, it's fine. Don't waste food."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
Tobias ordered two cans of beer.
Soon, the dishes were served, and they ate and chatted.
"How's school? Are you adjusting well? Did you save my number? If you need any help, just call me," Tobias said.
Being away from home, siblings should support and look out for each other.
Camilla replied, "It's fine. I've encountered some issues, but I can handle them for now."
"That's good. Eat up." Tobias smiled and urged her to eat.
Midway through the meal, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen. "Camilla, you go ahead and eat. I need to take this call."
"Okay."
Five minutes later, Tobias returned and sat back down.
Camilla immediately noticed something was off with his mood.
"Tobias, eat something," she said.
"Alright!" Tobias nodded quickly, attempting to smile, but it came off as forced.
Camilla put down her chopsticks. "Tobias, what's wrong?"
At her words, Tobias's eyes reddened. "Sometimes I really don't understand these partners. We had a project all set, contracts signed, and so much time and effort spent on planning and following up. Why do they change their minds so easily?"
"Don't they understand the concept of contractual obligations? Don't they respect other people's hard work?"
"Maybe it's my fault. I haven't adapted to the harsh competition and don't have a good grasp of the market."
He started off indignant but ended up dejected.
Camilla said, "If they breached the contract, you can claim compensation. You can get money without doing any work, which is great."
"What?" Tobias asked.
"You said you signed a contract. Does it include clauses about breach of contract and compensation? If it does, you can sue for damages. Usually, you'll win such cases, and the other party can't get away."
"Of course, you might not even need to go to court. If they see you're serious, they might opt for an out-of-court settlement, and you can negotiate the compensation amount," she added.
These were things she learned when she started a business with Leopold.
Camilla had not only handled contracts but also worked as a project manager and negotiator.
Tobias scratched his head awkwardly. "The contract doesn't have a breach clause."
Camilla was shocked.
No wonder the other party reneged.
With zero cost, they had nothing to lose.
Tobias asked, "Camilla, how do you know so much?"
"Starting a company, isn't this basic knowledge?" she blurted out.
Although Camilla didn't mean to belittle or mock him, Tobias fell silent, clearly affected.
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