In a contract between Mr. Smith and Corp. & Co. dated February 15, Corp. & Co. agreed to build a shop in Manhattan, New York. The shop was to be completed and ready for occupancy by January 1 of the following year. In December a hurricane struck the New York area and flooded the work site, where construction works had almost finished. In January, Mr. Smith refuses to pay Corp. & Co. and declared Corp. & Co. to be in breach of contract. Corp. & Co. claim that they have performed the required services. 

 How would you evaluate Mr. Smith's chances to win the case? Identify the legal framework applicable under contract law.