Chapter 161 A Hard Choice

"Then what about Kate Group? You failed to keep your promise to them. Or, do you think that Kate Group is so weak that you don't need to take them into consideration?" Joseph interrogated Cooper, leaving him panicking.

"I didn't mean it, I just…"

"No matter what benefits you have received from Smith Group for this project, you have a second chance to make the right decision. I need you to give me a truthful answer though!" Joseph looked at him aggressively, waiting for his response.

Cooper had never felt so trapped. He originally agreed to work with Kate because of Joseph, but before the project began, Joseph was removed as president of Smith Group. When Samuel took over, he requested that Cooper cancel the contract and work directly with Smith Group. Everyone was aware that Vincent behind the transactions of Smith Group, so Cooper believed that after paying the fees to Kate, everything was over. He never thought that Joseph would personally visit him and question his actions.

Smith Group's president had changed, but it was obvious that their success was linked to Joseph. Samuel was capable, but it seemed that he was walking in after Joseph had done all of the hard work. With Joseph's past achievements, it was likely that his own business would thrive as well.

Cooper knew that if he didn't help Joseph, he might have to pay the consequences in the future. After thinking the situation over, Cooper said, "Joseph, we are old friends. As the president of this company, it is my duty to make sure the company prospers. Therefore, I am going to implement this plan, and I am willing to continue working with Kate Group, but I have one condition."

"What condition is that?" Joseph listened quietly.

"I will take care of the finances between Cooper Group and Smith Group in accordance with the contract. However, if anyone from Smith Group causes trouble for me, now or in the future, I hope you will help me," Cooper was trying his best to be careful and not offend anyone.

"As long as you keep your promises, you can rest assured that you or your company will not be put in any predicaments," Joseph completely understood his concerns.

Cooper sighed, "Joseph, I trust you. I want to collaborate with you!"

"I appreciate your adventurous spirit," Joseph said, "After all, my business has just started, and so has Kate Group."

"Smith Group is strong, but I do believe that its success and development was dependent upon you. Now, that you have left…" Cooper did not say anything more, but Joseph knew what he was thinking.

"Don't worry," Cooper waved the plan in his hand and said, "I am a man who's trustworthy."

Later in the afternoon, Smith Group received the news of Cooper Group's decision to cancel the contract. When the sum for the contract was deposited in the account, Samuel was confused but he knew it was serious.

Mayne, Samuel's assistant, walked into his office and explained, "Cooper Group not only refused to work with us, but they have resumed their relationship with Kate Group!"

"How dare Cooper goes back on his word?" Samuel was furious. He shouted, "Since Joseph has got involved with this, I have nothing to be afraid of."

Mayne didn't understand what Samuel meant. He was about to ask when Samuel started to ramble, "Cooper couldn't tell a good decision from a bad decision. But others will, we can go to Cooper's rivals, Lewis Group and Bill Group. They will join with us and we can easily take Joseph down."

"You are right! With Smith Group's reputation, they will flock to you. We don't need to worry, even if Cooper Group backed out of working with us," Mayne tried to flatter Samuel.

"Confidence is important, but we can't underestimate the enemy. Joseph's very capable, that's why he managed Smith Group well," Samuel thought about how he could make outstanding achievements in his new position. He wanted to convince his grandpa and the employees. Cooper Group's actions crushed him and made him feel uncomfortable, but he knew there was nobody backing Cooper, so he didn't understand how he could openly offend him. Samuel suddenly realized, "It has to be Joseph helping him!"

"That's true. Many people will still support Joseph. I heard someone talking about you…" Mayne lowered his head, too anxious to say anything more.

Samuel was not surprised at all, and snorted, "Let's go and find out! Anyone who supports Joseph will be dismissed from Smith Group sooner or later."

Mayne knew that Samuel had a bad temper and was jealous of Joseph. Yet, he was still too afraid to say anything bad, "President, I will stand by you forever. You are very capable, so you will be able to make great achievements!"

**

At Kate Group, Max informed Kate that Cooper Group would be reinstating their contract. She was stunned and had no idea why.

Max was thrilled, "Lady Kate, this is good news. Why aren't you happy?"

"Don't you think it's a bit strange?" Kate wondered. She knew that the business industry was serious, but within two days, Cooper Group changed their plans twice and Smith Group would clearly be offended.

"Strange?" Max couldn't understand why Kate thought it was strange, "I think everything is fine. We convinced them with our plan; that shows that it is was better than others."

"But we presented our plan before Smith Group, it doesn't make sense. And…"

She knew something must be wrong.

"Yes, they had our plans before," Max understood what Kate was thinking.

"Don't panic, we could wait and see," She planned to speak to Cooper.

"OK, I'll call to set up a meeting," Max stated and walked out of Kate's office. He was shocked to see Cooper and his assistant walk in a few moments later. Max showed Cooper to the conference room and quickly rushed to get Kate.

Kate and Cooper sat across from each other. Kate's expression looked calm while Cooper's expression was full of regret.

"Miss Kate, I know that you are questioning my sudden decision. To show my sincerity, I personally come over and explain it to you," Cooper put the project proposal that Joseph gave him in front of her, "I don't know if Joseph told you, but this plan is impeccable. Even at first glance, I know that a lot of work has been done. I have no reason to refuse such a perfect plan."

Until that moment, Kate didn't know for sure that it was Joseph's efforts that caused Cooper to change his mind.