"What do you mean I have to return there now," Michael said. "Exin it to me so I can understand."


    "Mr. Reyes, a female named Elena Skies has just arrived in Man and wished to see you in person," Juliet revealed.


    "Elena Skies?" Michael repeated the name, he was unfamiliar with it.


    He added. "Juliet, I need more information. Who is Elena Skies and why is she looking for me?" Michael pressed the phone closer to his ear, his gaze shifting to the panoramic view of the city outside, now tinted with the irritation of his disrupted ns.


    "Elena Skies is the CEO of Aegis Pharmaceutical. The top Pharmaceutical Company in the world with a market share of over 35% globally," Juliet exined quickly, recognizing the urgency in Michael''s voice. "She''s known for her aggressive expansion strategies and innovations in pharmaceutical technologies. It seems she''s in Man specifically to meet with you."


    Michael''s mind raced as he absorbed the implications of this sudden news. Aegis Pharmaceutical was a giant in the industry, renowned not just for its size but also for its cutting-edge research and development. Could it be that they came to the Philippines to discuss his pharmaceutical and medical technological enterprises?


    It is possible, otherwise, why would they be here?


    "Juliet…you do know that there is a due process whenever I take visitors or business proposals, right? Was there anymunication sent to my office about this visit? It''s unusual for such a high-profile figure to arrive unannounced."


    "I understand, Mr. Reyes," Juliet responded, her voice carrying a slight edge of concern. "There was no prior notice from Aegis Pharmaceutical. Ms. Skies arrived and immediately requested a meeting. She mentioned it was too sensitive and urgent to discuss over any digital tform, insisting on a face-to-face meeting."


    Michael weighed the situation, tapping his finger lightly on the ss table as he contemted the potential gain from a meeting. The potential gain would be a business proposal. However, he doesn''t know the contents of the proposal so he''d guess it will be about his medical enterprises.@@novelbin@@


    "Mr. Reyes, Mrs. Elena Skies will arrive in our office in thirty minutes. She is expecting that you''ll be here."


    "Well too bad for her, I won''t. She didn''t even make an effort to know my schedule or inform me properly about her intentions," Michael replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "However, set up a video conference instead. If she is as eager as you say, she''ll understand the situation and agree to it."


    "Understood, Mr. Reyes. I will arrange everything and get back to you with the details shortly," Juliet assured him.


    Michael ended the call and turned to Myra, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Business always follows, no matter where we go," he said with a slight smile, trying to lighten the mood.


    Myra nodded, understanding the pressures of his work. "I understand, Michael. If you need to be at a ce you can leave me here…"


    "That''s nonsense Mom," Michael interrupted gently, giving her a reassuring look. "I''ll be here with you. Besides, it''s been a while since myst trip. I don''t think I can handle the pressure if my life''s every day is monotonous."


    Myra smiled warmly at her son, appreciating his attempt to stay positive despite the sudden disruption.


    "Well, in that case, let''s make sure we enjoy our time here. You can handle whatever your business is remotely, and then we can explore," she suggested encouragingly.


    ***


    Meanwhile, in the PSE Tower. Juliet waited at the ground floor entrance of the PSE Building where she watched a convoy of ck SUVs with the Cadic Escde pulling up smoothly to the curb. The first vehicle''s door swung open, and men dressed in impable ck suits stepped out, quickly scanning the area with sharp, practiced eyes.


    They spread out, establishing a protective perimeter around the vehicle.


    As they secured the area, the door of the Escde opened, and another man, equally well-dressed, stepped out and opened the rear passenger door.


    Elena Skies emerged from the vehicle, her appearance striking even from a distance. In her mid-thirties, she carried herself with a confident poise thatmanded attention. Her hair, lustrous and styled in gentle waves, cascaded over her shoulders, catching the sunset sunlight with its rich tones.


    Her figure was entuated by a tailored dress that hugged her curves, the fabric a deep, mesmerizing blue that set off her fairplexion, and the subtle makeup that highlighted her features.


    And she walked forward gracefully as if a model with her eyes fixed on Juliet.


    Once she neared the distance, Elena spoke. "Who are you?"


    "Good evening, I am Bridget Schmidt, Chief of Staff for Michael Reyes. Wee to Man, Ms. Skies," Juliet responded, extending her hand for a handshake professionally.


    Elena Skies looked at the extended hand, her expression unchanging, and she chose not to take it. Instead, her gaze remained fixed on Juliet''s face, assessing and direct.


    "Is Mr. Reyes here? Is he waiting inside?" she asked, bypassing the usual pleasantries.


    Juliet smoothly withdrew her hand, masking any reaction to the slight.


    "Mr. Reyes is currently not in the office. He''s attending to urgent matters remotely today. However, he is avable for a video conference to discuss whatever is needed," she exined.


    "What did you just say? He is not here? Where is he?" Elena asked sternly.


    Juliet was taken aback by the stern tone of Elena''s voice but she still answered. "He''s one and a half hours away from us currently."


    "Then tell him I''ll wait for him in his office. It''s imperative that we speak in person, not in any digital format," Elena insisted.


    Juliet nodded, understanding the gravity of the request, yet knowing she had to manage the expectations.


    "I will convey your message and see what arrangements can be made. However, I must inform you that Mr. Reyes had specific reasons for his current location and might not be able to return immediately."


    Elena''s expression hardened slightly, a sh of annoyance crossing her sharp features. "Make sure you do. I''ll be in his office," she stated, turning on her heel and striding towards the elevators with an air of authority that left little room for argument.


    Juliet watched her go and was annoyed by her behavior. Who does she think she is? For her to act like a boss as if the world revolved around her. But nevertheless, sheposed herself before pulling out her phone to update Michael.