Chapter 613
A One-Sided Breach of Contract
There was no way she was going to just stand by and watch Claire Bennett swagger around right under her nose, so she was going to snatch that storefront from Claire Bennett, no matter what it took!
After what happened with Hudson Capital last time, Ava Bennett had suffered such a huge loss, and she had been bottling up that anger for who knew how long.
"But..." Out of consideration for Ava Bennett's status, the manager didn't reject her outright. He only said sincerely, "The contract for storefront A21 has already been signed and finalized. The storefront now belongs to Maison Verne. If we give it to you instead, that would be a breach of contract, and we'd have to pay quite a lot in liquidated damages."
"It's just liquidated damages. I can afford it. I can pay you both the contract penalty and the price of the storefront."
Ava Bennett paused, a determined look appearing on her face. "I only want the A21 storefront."
"This..." The manager hadn't expected anyone to make such a request.
The auction price had already been far higher than that of ordinary storefronts. Almost no one would try to snatch away someone else's property like this after the contract had already been signed. Ava Bennett was the first.
"Go ask your boss for instructions. I'll pay all the liquidated damages, and you won't suffer any losses." Ava Bennett continued, sweetening the offer even more. She smiled and said, "On top of that, I can also increase the rent for storefront A21 by 1%."
When the manager heard that, he felt like there really wouldn't be any loss for them at all.
And it even seemed like they would be coming out ahead without realizing it. Although Maison Verne had once belonged to Bennett Group, it had now left Bennett Group and wasn't any well-known brand. It had no backing behind it either, so there was no fear in offending them.
He said to Ava Bennett, "All right, then please wait a moment while I call our boss."
After saying that, he turned and went out.
Ava Bennett sat calmly on the sofa. She knew they would definitely agree.
After all, merchants are driven by profit. No one would refuse money delivered right to their door, especially when there was no loss involved at all.
Very soon, the manager returned and said, "Our boss has already agreed. I'll draw up the contract for you right away. As for Maison Verne's side, we'll notify them ourselves."
A smug curve appeared at the corner of Ava Bennett's lips. "Okay."
She knew there was no way this matter could go wrong.
What happened with Hudson Capital last time was because she had been careless. She had trusted others too easily, which led to that situation. This time, she would solve everything directly with money.
Only money would never betray her.
...
That night, inside a hot pot restaurant.
Claire Bennett was eating with Molly Lee, Sienna Shaw, and the others. Originally they had considered several places, but because everyone's tastes were different, they ultimately chose hot pot, which had broader mass appeal and could accommodate everyone's preferences.
The atmosphere in the private room was very harmonious. Although Claire Bennett had only won a small storefront, for Maison Verne, it was still a good start.
"Boss, let me toast you." Sienna Shaw raised the glass in her hand.
Just as Claire Bennett finished her drink, the phone on the table rang. She picked it up and looked at it, discovering that it was a call from the shopping mall's management staff.
For some reason, she had a bad feeling in her heart. Could something have happened over there?
She picked up the phone and said, "I'm stepping out to take this call."
After saying that, Claire Bennett left the private room and went outside to the entrance of the hot pot restaurant to answer the phone.
"Hello, Supervisor Parker. You're calling me so late—is there some problem?" Claire Bennett swiped to answer, asking in a fairly polite tone.
Supervisor Parker's voice came from the other end of the line. "Miss Bennett, I'm very sorry to inform you that there may be an issue with storefront A21, and we won't be able to continue the contract with you."
Claire Bennett's brows furrowed tightly. What did he mean, they couldn't continue the contract?
She remembered that she had already signed the contract. Wouldn't that make this a one-sided breach of contract?
Before Claire Bennett could question him, Supervisor Parker continued, "As for the liquidated damages, we will compensate you according to the amount specified in the contract, and then our contract will be void."
Claire Bennett took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress the anger in her heart.
She asked calmly, "Supervisor Parker, may I ask what exactly the problem is?"
Supervisor Parker had assumed Claire Bennett would get angry, but seeing that her attitude was still fairly mild, he was willing to say a bit more. He said, "Because someone took a liking to storefront A21 and offered a higher price than you did..."
Claire Bennett practically didn't need to guess who this "someone" was. After all, the only person she had run into at the auction was Ava Bennett.
She had originally thought that Ava Bennett had no way to keep interfering, but unexpectedly, she was still cut off at the last moment.
Claire Bennett asked patiently, "If A21 is gone, I can choose another one instead."
She had already made up her mind that if it wasn't enough, she could add a little more money. At worst, she would just work harder in the future.
"Well... Miss Bennett, to be honest, you know how popular our storefronts are. There were many people competing for them that day, and there really aren't any extra storefronts available to rent to you now. We're truly sorry. As for the contract breach, now that I've notified you, we'll begin the process. All funds will be transferred into your account within three business days."
After saying that, the manager seemed afraid that Claire Bennett would keep pressing him, so he directly hung up the phone.
Listening to the beeping tone in her ear, Claire Bennett still couldn't help cursing under her breath.