Chapter One Hundred and Forty: The Sinister Amusement of Using the Official Seal

"I should still be in Atlanta for another two years. To be blunt, I need you both to assure me that within those two years, Forest Bank and your Burke Bank won't encounter any issues. Are you confident you can do that?"

Before signing the letter of intent in the meeting room, Patterson asked Carter and Goodman one last time before picking up the pen.

"According to regulations, we can provide some financial assistance to banks or savings and loan associations that can take over failed institutions. But regarding your financial situation... honestly, I was planning to request your financial reports next month and conduct a comprehensive inspection of your bank..."

"So handing over control of Forest Bank to you now already puts me under a lot of pressure. I can't ask for financial assistance, and even if I did, I doubt I'd get anything..."

Patterson, who had been hot-blooded with anger earlier, seemed decisive and relieved. But now, after the emotions had subsided, his face bore even more worry. Knowing that Burke Bank was up to something and probably making money was a good thing!

But from the perspective of the bank's long-term operation, this didn't seem like such a good thing...

The reason was simple: risk!

"Please rest assured, Mr. Patterson! I can't guarantee we'll always make money, but if it's just for two years! Please believe me, Burke Bank can weather it... even if all of Forest Bank's loans go bad, I'll make sure it doesn't go bankrupt!"

Upon hearing the news that Patterson had planned to overhaul and inspect their bank next month, Carter, while secretly relieved, bypassed Goodman and made the promise directly.

"Besides, we don't need FDIC's financial assistance. I have enough funds to take over Forest Bank. Of course, with your help in this process, it'll be even smoother!"

As Carter finished speaking, Patterson didn't immediately respond but instead looked at Goodman...

"Mr. Burke is right, we currently have the capability! Or rather, Mr. Burke has the capability to fulfill his promises!"

Understanding that Patterson was not confident in Carter, Goodman immediately nodded in agreement with Carter's statement. At the same time, he subtly emphasized their actual relationship by leaning back slightly.

Although he didn't say anything directly, Patterson understood the meaning behind Goodman's gesture: Yes! We did use interbank loans and some shady dealings. But we made money! And the one who orchestrated it was Carter!

Looking at Carter's young face under his mature demeanor, Patterson was momentarily stunned. After carefully examining Carter's resolute eyes fixed on him, Patterson nodded gently:

"Very well, you've surprised me! I hope there will be more surprises to come... Let's sign! After signing, let's have dinner together, and tomorrow you can start raising funds. We'll complete the transaction within a week!"

As Patterson stepped aside, Carter stepped forward to sign his name on the agreement. Then, he solemnly took the bank's official seal from Goodman and pressed it onto the agreement...

As Patterson watched Carter sign, he suddenly saw something on Carter's wrist, more precisely, the brand of his watch: Vacheron Constantin!

The appearance of this watch undoubtedly gave Patterson some confidence. When he felt a slight relief in his heart, he suddenly saw Carter using the official seal...

"It's a good habit, and it has boosted my confidence in you even more!"

"Mr. Patterson, are you referring to...this?"

After finishing using the seal, Carter heard the relaxed tone in Patterson's voice and found it somewhat strange as he looked at the seal in his hand, asking.

"Yes, nowadays, young people don't like using these old items anymore. But you and they are different, and that's good. Bankers need innovation, but more importantly, they need stability."

Of course not! If it weren't for that damn Vacheron Constantin watch on your wrist, I wouldn't have an ounce of confidence in you...

Patterson smiled on the surface but cursed inwardly.

"Haha, you're too kind. It's just that compared to writing 'L.S.', I feel using the seal is more solemn. After all, we are a savings bank, which concerns the livelihood of the people and involves social stability. Seriousness is the attitude we should have!"

Exactly the same as Patterson's inner thoughts, beneath Carter's radiant surface, there was a sense of embarrassment. Indeed, Patterson was blowing things way out of proportion...

In the minds of many, seals are unique to China, and Western countries only recognize signatures, not seals. But this statement is not entirely accurate!

For example, in the United States, the most well-known seal is the Great Seal of the United States. It even has another name: the Seal of the United States...

In addition to this seal, each state also has its own seal. Furthermore, regarding company seals, this concept actually originated from the Anglo-American legal system. So saying they don't use seals is inaccurate; a more accurate statement is that their usage has decreased over time.

Note that it's decreased, not disappeared!

Except for California, which explicitly states in Sections 207 of the Corporations Code, 1629 of the Civil Code, and 1932 of the Code of Civil Procedure that a personal signature carries more evidentiary weight than a company seal, most states recognize the legal validity of seals.

Even in New York State, a personal seal can replace a company seal and fulfill all legal obligations. If you don't want to spend money making a seal, simply add "Seal" or "L.S." in parentheses after your signature, and it will have the same legal effect as a seal.

In fact, even in the future, at the federal level, only Chapter 2, Section 203 of the Uniform Commercial Code specifies that seals lose their effectiveness in contracts for the sale of goods. In other types of contracts, such as agreements and agreements, seals still hold legal validity.

Having said so much, the reason why Carter likes to use the official seal stems from a bit of sinister amusement in his heart...

Thinking back to his past life, in a small company where seals might not be used more than a few times a year. And now? Although it's still a small bank, loan applications are numerous! A smack of this small seal satisfies that feeling...

Sinister amusement, sinister amusement, it's just self-entertainment, a little satisfaction that belongs to oneself and shouldn't be revealed. Being suddenly pointed out by Patterson and then excessively praised made Carter's ears feel a bit hot.

Too embarrassing!

Fortunately, just as the usage of seals in Western countries has decreased, Patterson's enthusiasm for praise quickly waned. After Carter signed the two copies of the agreement, Patterson waved his hand:

"Please follow me to the banquet hall on the third floor of the hotel. I've already booked dinner. We'll discuss the specifics there..."

Patterson's mention of specifics, after Carter assured him of the funds to take over Forest Bank, seemed to leave only one possibility:

"If that old bastard Bass finds out about this agreement, he probably won't let it go easily. An increase in unemployment in Pearson City is also foreseeable. Do you have any plans or opinions on this situation?"