I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World-Chapter 55: The Contract Signing with the US Agency

The next morning, Matthew sat in the conference room, awaiting Daniel's arrival. The digital copy of the U.S. government contract had been delivered overnight. Matthew hadn't touched it yet—he wanted his legal team to go over every word first.

Daniel entered with a tablet in hand, followed by two junior lawyers carrying additional reference material. His expression was serious but calm, indicating he was ready for a long review session.

"Good morning," Daniel said, setting his tablet on the table. "The contract is here. I skimmed through it already. It's extensive, but we'll tackle the critical sections together. Let's make sure there are no hidden traps."

Matthew nodded, motioning for Daniel to begin. "Let's hear it."

Daniel tapped his tablet, bringing up the contract on the large conference room screen. "Alright, here's the structure. The contract spans 75 pages, divided into sections covering deliverables, intellectual property, collaboration terms, payment schedule, and legal provisions. I'll highlight each key section."

Section 1: Deliverables and Scope.

Daniel scrolled to the relevant page. "This outlines what Sentinel Systems is expected to provide. The contract specifies selective integration of your cybersecurity framework into U.S. government networks, with a focus on classified defense infrastructure. This includes adaptive threat detection, real-time encryption, and vulnerability mitigation protocols. Your team will be required to collaborate with their cybersecurity experts."

Matthew read through the clauses on the screen. "I don't see any timelines for system integration milestones. Are they assuming we'll move on their schedule?"

Daniel shook his head. "Good catch. There's a vague reference to a phased deployment, but no specific deadlines. We'll add an amendment stating that Sentinel Systems retains control over the deployment timeline to ensure proper testing and security."

Section 2: Intellectual Property Rights.

"This one's crucial," Daniel emphasized. "The contract states that Sentinel Systems retains full ownership of the technology but grants the U.S. government a restricted license for classified use. They can't modify, replicate, or distribute the system without your consent."

Matthew nodded. "Good. But what about improvements? If we develop new features as part of this collaboration, do they have any rights to those?"

Daniel scrolled further down. "There's a clause regarding derivative works. They're requesting joint ownership of any features developed specifically for their infrastructure. We'll negotiate that to limit their rights. You'll retain full ownership unless the feature was custom-built exclusively for their use."

Section 3: Payment and Financial Terms.

"This part is straightforward," Daniel continued. "The initial payment of $300 million will be made upon contract execution. Additional payments for ongoing support and scaling will follow based on quarterly performance evaluations."

Matthew crossed his arms. "We need clear definitions for those performance evaluations. I don't want arbitrary metrics determining whether we get paid."

"I'll flag that for negotiation," Daniel replied. "We'll require mutual agreement on performance criteria."

Section 4: Liability and Security Provisions.

"This section limits Sentinel Systems' liability in the event of a breach. However, the U.S. government is also asking for indemnification in certain scenarios where classified information is compromised."

Matthew leaned forward. "Absolutely not. We're not taking responsibility for breaches caused by their own internal failures."

Daniel smirked. "I figured you'd say that. We'll push back on that clause. Liability will be limited to issues directly caused by Sentinel Systems' negligence."

Section 5: Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure.

"This section is standard but extensive," Daniel said. "Both parties agree to maintain strict confidentiality. However, they've included a clause allowing the U.S. government to share limited information with allied agencies under certain circumstances."

Matthew's eyes narrowed. "No way. If allied agencies want access, they need separate agreements with us."

"Understood. I'll mark it for revision," Daniel assured.

After an hour of reviewing the contract, Daniel summarized their revisions. "Alright, those are the major points. I'll schedule a call with the U.S. legal representatives to discuss these changes. If they agree, you can sign the final version."

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"Good," Matthew replied. "Let's get that call scheduled ASAP."

***

Later that day.

The video conference with the U.S. legal representatives began promptly. On the screen, two senior attorneys from the Department of Defense appeared, along with Mathis and Harrington. Daniel led the discussion, going over each proposed revision in detail.

The negotiations lasted two hours, with both sides eventually reaching compromises on key points. The U.S. agreed to Sentinel Systems' autonomy over development timelines and performance evaluations. In return, they requested slightly broader collaboration terms, which Daniel and Matthew deemed acceptable.

By the end of the call, the revised contract was finalized.

That evening, Matthew sat alone in the conference room. The contract, now in its final form, was displayed on the large screen. Daniel stood beside him, tablet in hand.

"This is it," Daniel said quietly. "Once you sign, the deal is official. The funds will be transferred immediately."

Matthew stared at the screen for a moment, reflecting on how quickly things had escalated. This contract would define the future of Sentinel Systems. He took a deep breath, then reached for the stylus.

With a few swift strokes, he signed his name electronically.

"Done," Matthew said, exhaling slowly.

Daniel tapped a few keys on his tablet, confirming the signature. "The U.S. representatives have received it. The transfer should happen momentarily."

A notification pinged on Matthew's phone within minutes. He opened his banking app, his heart racing slightly. The screen displayed a new balance—17 billion pesos.

Saimon and Leo, who had been watching from the back of the room, leaned forward in disbelief.

"Holy shit," Leo whispered. "It's real."

Saimon grinned. "Seventeen billion pesos. We're in a different league now. But the taxes on it are going to be astronomical," Saimon finished, shaking his head.

Matthew chuckled lightly. "No kidding. But that's why we have Daniel here."

Daniel smirked and crossed his arms. "Relax, guys. The deal is structured as a foreign contract with government exemptions. We've accounted for taxes already. A good portion will go toward business operations and infrastructure, but you'll still retain most of it after deductions."

Leo let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, good. But what's next? Are we just going to sit on that cash?"

Daniel straightened, his tone becoming serious. "Absolutely not. Seventeen billion pesos isn't just a payday—it's an opportunity to redefine Sentinel Systems. You're no longer a mid-sized tech company. This contract has propelled you to giant status in the global tech landscape."

Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "I figured you'd say that. What are you suggesting?"

"Expand and upgrade!"