Three days after the extraction. Michael looked out of the window from inside the Toyota Alphard where he gazed up at a rundown apartment.


    "This is their safe house?" Michael scoffed softly and then signed. "I was expecting something better but why would I expect it in the first ce?"


    Juliet tilted her head to the side, wondering why Michael was talking all by himself.


    "Sir…are you stepping out?" Juliet asked.


    "Ah…yes," Michael snapped back to reality and signaled the guards to open the door of the van.


    The guard stationed outside promptly reached over to the handle of the van, pulling it open with a quiet click. Michael stepped out, his eyes quickly scanning the surroundings before his gaze settled back on the nondescript building. It looked even less weing up close, its walls marked with years of neglect.


    "Good afternoon Mr. Reyes," Carter said as he walked towards him with an extended arm. "Wee to our safe house in the Philippines."


    Michael nodded, epting Carter''s handshake with a firm grip.


    "Thank you, Carter. How is he doing?" Michael asked, his tone serious as he nced toward the building''s entrance.


    "He''s stable, but still recovering from the ordeal. We''ve got himfortable and under constant surveince for safety," Carter replied, leading the way inside.


    As they walked through the dimly lit hallway, Michael''s attention was drawn to the peeling paint and the faint musty smell that lingered in the air. The building might have been secure, but it was far from the standards he usually associated with safety.


    Inside the apartment, Dr. Vinueva sat by the window, looking out with a distant gaze. The room was sparse, with only essential furniture and a singlemp providing a soft glow.


    There was an IV line dripping steadily into his arm, and bandages were visible on his hands and neck. Michael''s frown deepened as he observed the physical signs of Dr. Vinueva''s recent hardships.


    "Dr. Vinueva, it''s good to see you safe," Michael said, offering a gentle smile despite his concern. "We''re doing everything we can to ensure your recovery and security."


    Dr. Vinueva turned to look at him, and a d expression streaked across his face.


    "Mr. Reyes. I-I didn''t expect that you''d be here yourself," Dr. Vinueva stammered, trying to sit up straighter in his chair, wincing slightly as he did.


    "Please, don''t strain yourself," Michael quickly said, motioning for him to stay seated. "Your well-being is what matters most right now."


    Dr. Vinueva nodded, settling back into his seat with a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. Well, I didn''t expect that I''d be kidnapped."


    "It happens when you are working on sophisticated technology," Michael said. "I apologize for everything that has happened to you. Because of you working for mypany and handling one of the greatest inventions, it made you a target of mypetitors, which I still don''t know who."


    "It could only be pharmaceutical or governmental interests trying to gain leverage," Dr. Vinueva offered, his voice low. "The technology we''ve developed could disrupt many traditional industries. It''s not just about the money—it''s about control."


    Michael nodded, his expression turning grim. "Yes, and it''s my responsibility to ensure that our work doesn''t fall into the wrong hands, and more importantly, that our team is safe. I''m going to beef up security for all key personnel, starting with you."


    Dr. Vinueva looked reassured by Michael''smitment. "I appreciate that, Michael. I''m just eager to get back to work and continue what we''ve started."


    "Are you not scared? I was expecting you''d take some day off after all that happened. After all, it was a traumatizing experience," Michael noted, his concern palpable as he leaned slightly closer, his voice softening.


    Dr. Vinueva paused, his gaze shifting momentarily to the view outside the window, reflecting on the question.


    "Honestly, yes, I''m scared," he admitted, turning back to face Michael. "But I also know that what we''re working on is crucial. The potential to change lives for the better... it''s worth the risk. And knowing that you''re enhancing security gives me the confidence to continue."


    Michael nodded understandingly, his expression resolute. "I promise you, we are taking every measure to ensure this doesn''t happen again. Your bravery and dedication to our mission are what drive thispany forward."


    Dr. Vinueva offered a weak but genuine smile. "Thank you, Michael. That means a lot to me."


    Michael stood up and faced Carter. "So far in our investigation, we don''t know who was responsible for this but we are doing everything we can to find that one out.


    From sr panels to medical technologies …it''s scary when you think that you are doing everything for mankind only to be bogged down or neutralized by someone or some group who sees it as a threat to their interests," Michael mused aloud, his gaze hardening.


    Carter nodded, his expression solemn. "We''ll keep digging, Mr. Reyes. Whoever is behind this, we''ll find them."


    Michael turned back to Dr. Vinueva, his demeanor softening. "Doctor, would you like to see your family? They''ve been informed of your safety, and we can arrange for them to visit you now."


    "My family, aren''t they targeted by kidnappers?"


    "Fortunately, they aren''t but for good measure, we coordinated with the police to increase their protection during this period," Michael exined, ensuring that every possible precaution was in ce.


    Dr. Vinueva frowned slightly, his concern for his family''s safety apparent. "I appreciate that, Michael, but I''d rather not risk anything at this point. If something were to happen to them on their way here... I couldn''t forgive myself. Let''s wait until I''m better and it''spletely safe.


    I''ll see them soon enough."


    Michael nodded in understanding. "Of course, your family''s safety is paramount. We''ll make sure when the time is right, the reunion will be safe for everyone involved."


    "Thank you for understanding," Dr. Vinueva said, visibly relieved by the decision to wait.


    "Always," Michael replied with a reassuring smile. "In the meantime, we''ll continue to ensure your recovery is smooth and uninterrupted. If you need anything—anything at all—just let us know."


    Dr. Vinueva nodded, settling morefortably into his chair, reassured by Michael''s words and the measures being taken. Michael gave him a final nod before exiting the room with Carter, both of them deep in conversation about the next steps to enhance security.


    ***


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the world.


    Viktor Gravsen was sittingfortably on a chair. Across the desk was none other than the CEO of thergest pharmaceuticalpany based in the US.


    She was a woman in her mid-thirties. Her name was Elena Skies of Aegis Pharmaceuticals.


    "I know you tried to kidnap one of Mr. Reyes''s employee to get information about the Medipod, but it failed," Viktormented.


    "And you weren''t doing anything at all to protect your interest, Mr. Gravsen," Elena said monotonously, leaning back in her chair with a controlled, almost imperceptible smile.


    Viktor adjusted his posture, his expression remaining unreadable. "Well, I have made some calls in the Congress to ensure my interest is safe and besides, oil is not a dying industry. It would be decades away before renewable energy reces it. So, I''m chilling here."


    "So whye here?"@@novelbin@@


    "To give you my support," Viktor revealed. "This past year, Mr. Reyes was a threat, today''s year was not, but I get the feeling he''d be a threat to me in the next few years again."