Chapter 485

Justin Evans halted mid-step.

He turned to Evelyn. "What's his name? Don't tell me it's actually Alexander Vance?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

The Vance family gala was approaching. Alexander's identity would soon be public knowledge.

She was about to nod when Justin Evans snorted dismissively. "Miss Ross, his name isn't important. I'm just giving you friendly advice. Even in an arranged marriage, there should be limits. Don't make the infidelity so blatant."

Evelyn gave a wry smile.

Justin Evans turned to leave. "I need to pick out a gift for my sister. I always bought the wrong size before. I never realized she was so thin…"

Evelyn interrupted bluntly. "Has Jane forgiven you yet?"

His expression darkened. "Not yet… But we're siblings. She'll come home eventually."

Evelyn nodded and changed the subject. "Is the contract signed? My representative should have arrived at your office."

She was eager to finalize the alliance with the five major families. The delayed intel on the Nan family's backer had to be due to the Zhao contract holdup.

Justin Evans raised a brow. "The funds are transferred. Why the rush on paperwork? Legal is processing it."

Evelyn insisted, "The money isn't important. The contract must be signed today."

He studied her. "Afraid the deal will fall through? Does your new company need the Zhao name to break into the market?"

Alexander spoke calmly. "Do you even know her company's name? Why would she need the Zhaos?"

Justin Evans smirked. "Some obscure little firm. Real corporations collaborate as equals. The only entity in the entire country we'd beg to work with is the Nora Research Institute!"

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged an amused glance.

Justin Evans frowned. "What's so funny? Fine, I'll hurry them along."

He pulled out his phone and dialed the legal manager.

The manager answered respectfully. "Young Master Zhao, how may I assist you?"

"Has the contract delivered today been reviewed?" Justin Evans asked directly.

The manager hesitated. "Apologies, Young Master. We're swamped preparing the Nora Research Institute proposal. We haven't gotten to yours yet…"

The entire Zhao Corporation was prioritizing the Nora collaboration.

Justin Evans understood but pressed on. "This is urgent. It's only a dozen pages. Review it now."

Inside Zhao Corporation's legal department.

The manager rolled his eyes discreetly but dared not disobey.

He located Justin Evans's contract from the pile.

Opening the first page, he paused. "Young Master, the乙方 (second party) is our company? Is that correct?"

"Just focus on the content, not the party labels."

"...Very well." The manager sighed and checked the甲方 (first party) company name.

His eyes widened in shock.

The entire company had been researching Nora Research Institute. How could he not recognize its official registered name?

He rubbed his eyes and looked again.

The甲方 clearly stated: Watson Biopharma Inc.

This was Nora Research Institute!

His voice trembled. "Young Master, this contract… this甲方 company…"

Back in the boutique.

Justin Evans heard his stutter and grew suspicious. "Is there a problem with the甲方 company?"

He glanced at Evelyn. "Does your company even have a business license?"

Evelyn replied dryly, "We've been operational for three years. We're a legitimate corporation."

Justin Evans shook his head. "Founded around the same time as Nora? You have some catching up to do. Nora just developed the Alzheimer's breakthrough treatment. That's real capability. Relying on us to open doors won't help. Technology is what truly matters."

Evelyn crossed her arms with a slight smile.

Suddenly, the legal manager's voice shrieked through the phone. "Young Master! The甲方 is Nora Research Institute!"

Justin Evans's smile froze instantly.