Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm-Chapter 445 - 444: A Major Blunder in the International Court

After signing the contract, Goodman Hall stepped out of Baghdad's government building, feeling utterly refreshed.

Even the scorching desert wind, carrying grains of sand, felt oddly pleasant to him.

Fantastic. He had finally wrapped up this major deal. He was already fantasizing about the rewards he would receive—money, a promotion, or both?

At the same time, the magical imprint in his mind slowly began to dissolve.

Later, during a call with Director Goldson, Goodman Hall, as if under some mysterious compulsion, said,

"Mr. Goldson, I've secured the contract. I have an idea—there's a saying in China, 'strike while the iron is hot.' Why don't we immediately sue Martin's Campbell Oil Company and catch them off guard?"

As he spoke, waves of magic vibrated through the electromagnetic signals of the call.

Goldson hesitated for a brief moment before responding, "That's a great idea. I'm authorizing you to take full charge. Can you handle it?"

Goodman Hall was overjoyed and quickly replied, "I can, Mr. Goldson."

Seven days later, Director Goldson received a call from James Hendricks.

"Mr. Goldson, I have to let Martin go. His legal team is putting enormous pressure on me."

"Fine."

By this point, Goldson no longer cared whether Martin was still detained or not. Everything had already been set in motion. All that remained was for the lawsuit to begin.

Meanwhile, on Martin's side, he was also eagerly awaiting the lawsuit.

He was curious to see just how "surprised" Texas Oil Group's executives would be when they saw the names and stamps on the contract.

That day.

The United Nations International Court of Justice.

Texas Oil Group officially filed a lawsuit against Campbell Oil Company.

The news quickly spread to major media outlets across Europe and America, thanks in part to Texas Oil Group's efforts to fan the flames.

The bigger the scandal, the greater the pressure on Campbell Oil.

Moreover, if Texas Oil won the case, it would further cement the company's dominance in the industry.

They even managed to persuade the International Court of Justice to allow the first hearing to be broadcast live.

A highly anticipated trial commenced, with a massive screen set up behind the judge's bench, making it easier for journalists to see the case documents.

Goldson himself was present, seated smugly in the courtroom, watching Martin Meyers and David Scott at the defendant's table.

At the White House.

President Bush and his top advisors were also watching the trial live.

Chevanton frowned. "Martin didn't try to block the live broadcast? That's not normal."

In his view, given Martin's influence, if he had strongly objected, the International Court of Justice would have given him some leeway.

Texas Oil had achieved their objective far too easily.

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Bush, however, dismissed the concern with a smirk. "Who does he think he is? The Meyers family doesn't have as much international clout as Texas Oil, and besides, we aren't backing him."

Chevanton still had a nagging feeling that something was off but couldn't pinpoint exactly what.

With the judge announcing the start of the hearing, the plaintiff's side began presenting their case.

After swearing on the Bible, Goodman Hall stated,

"...We accuse Campbell Oil Company of illegally seizing an Iraqi oil field that rightfully belongs to Texas Oil Group. Furthermore, we charge them with colluding with an illegitimate government for personal gain..."

Then, it was the defense's turn to respond.

David Scott glanced at Martin and received an encouraging nod.

Adjusting his suit, he stood up and confidently addressed the court.

"...The contract we signed with Iraq's former government predates the United Nations' declaration of it as an illegitimate government. Furthermore, we submitted a copy of the contract to OPEC well in advance, as OPEC's records will confirm..."

What followed was a fierce exchange of legal arguments, with both sides submitting evidence.

Campbell Oil's documents contained no issues.

However—

When Texas Oil Group submitted their evidence, and the judge opened the documents—displaying them on the courtroom's giant screen—

Everyone was stunned.

The judge was stunned.

Goodman Hall was stunned.

Texas Oil's elite legal team was stunned.

The journalists in the room erupted into a flurry of discussion.

What the hell just happened?

The judge rubbed his eyes, double-checked the contract's party names and seals, and then, bewildered, asked,

"Plaintiff, are you sure this is the correct contract?"

Goodman Hall stared at the screen, his mouth hanging open, completely speechless.

Wait... This... This is the contract I signed?

His eyes scanned the giant screen over and over again.

Uh... It kinda... kinda looks like my signature...

Then he turned to his company's lead attorney.

The veteran lawyer and his two courtroom assistants were also frozen in shock, their minds reeling.

Before this trial, Texas Oil's entire 50-person legal team had meticulously reviewed every document.

How had none of them noticed such a colossal blunder?

The lead attorney was having an existential crisis.

This mistake would not only destroy his own reputation but also tarnish his law firm's standing in the industry.

And what was this massive blunder?

Well—

The name, signature, and seal on Texas Oil Group's submitted contract did not belong to "Texas Oil Group" or any authorized representative.

Instead, the contract's second party was—Campbell Oil Company.

By this logic, the contract for West Qurna-1's oil rights had actually been signed between Iraq's new government and Campbell Oil—not Texas Oil Group.

At that moment, David Scott leaned over and whispered something to his attorney.

The lawyer chuckled and addressed the judge.

"Your Honor, I have something to say."

After receiving permission to speak, the lawyer continued,

"My client previously signed a separate oil transfer agreement with Iraq's new government. However, the original contract was stolen.

"Now, that stolen contract has conveniently appeared in the plaintiff's possession.

"So, am I to assume that the party responsible for stealing our contract... is the plaintiff?"

Meanwhile, the journalists in the courtroom were on fire, whispering and jotting down notes at a furious pace.

This unexpected twist in the very first hearing had sent shockwaves through the room.

At the White House.

President Bush and his advisors exchanged bewildered glances.

Chevanton muttered under his breath, "What the f*** just happened? How the hell did Martin's team pull this off?"

He refused to believe this was a simple oversight—after all, so many legal professionals had scrutinized those documents.

Someone must have switched the contract before it was presented in court.