"Mr. Reyes, Mrs. Elena demanded that you return as soon as possible. She insists on meeting you in person and will not ept a video conference."


    Michael sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "The heck? Who does she think she is? Bossing me around as if the world revolves around her schedule," Michael muttered under his breath, his frustration evident.


    He continued. "Did she give any reason why it has to be in person? We could handle this discussion just as effectively remotely."


    Juliet hesitated."She didn''t specify, but she was quite adamant. It seems she believes the matter is too sensitive for digitalmunication. She''s waiting in your office now, expecting you''ll show up shortly."


    "Yeah…argh…fine, I''ll be there. I''ll entertain her but if the subject of the meeting is insignificant, I would make her pay for everything. How much does she think the fuel of the aircraft costs?"


    "I understand your frustration, Mr. Michael, and I could say the same to her as well. I felt disrespected earlier," Juliet shared.


    "I''ll contact my pilot for an immediate departure. Book me a helicopter flight from Man International Airport to PSE Tower. I''ll be there in two hours."


    "Consider it done, Mr. Reyes," Juliet said. "I will hang up the phone now."


    After that, Juliet hung up the phone. Michael stowed his phone in his pocket and turned to face his mother.


    "Mom, I have to go. I have to meet this important person in my office. But don''t worry, I''ll be back when it''s all over," Michael exined.


    "Okay Michael, have a safe trip," Myra said as she watched Michael preparing to leave. And once everything was settled, Michael made a beeline towards Myra and gave her a kiss on the forehead.


    "Bye Mom," Michael said.


    The ride to the airport was brisk, with Michael reviewing the possible scenarios of the meeting in his head. He was perturbed by the abruptness of the demand and the possible implications of refusing or even questioning Elena Skies'' intentions.


    Once arriving at the airport, he didn''t waste any time and climbed aboard the waiting Dreamliner.


    "Good evening sir. I didn''t really expect that we''d return back moments after wend," Heathmented.


    "I''m sure there''d be more clearances and permits for an immediate departure?" Michael asked, remembering that even charting a flight from point A to B took a considerable amount of time. He doesn''t want that to happen again. It needs to be swift this time."


    "Absolutely, Mr. Reyes. I''ve already coordinated with the tower for an expedited clearance. We will be airborne in five minutes," Captain Heath assured him.


    Michael nodded appreciatively and settled into his seat, the plush leather offering a smallfort in the midst of his hurried schedule.


    The Dreamliner swiftly took to the skies, the lights of Cebu fading into the background as they ascended.


    While he was open to potential business coborations that could propel hispany forward, he remained cautious about the intentions behind such sudden, forceful approaches.


    During the flight, he reviewed hispany''s current projects and financial standing, aligning his thoughts on how Aegis Pharmaceutical''s proposal could integrate or disrupt their operations. He also revisited the research on Aegis, noting their recent expansions and innovations that had positioned them as a powerhouse in the pharmaceutical industry.


    One notable discovery was that they made a lot of drugs for oncology, meaning for cancer. And they made a significant profit from it. So they are threatened by technology that can cure cancer. Because if the technology exists, there is no need for those high-maintenance drugs.


    This realization brought a new dimension to the uing meeting. Michael considered the possibility that Aegis might be seeking either a partnership to harness his technology or a possible acquisition. Meaning the Aegis might consider buying his medical enterprise.


    As the ne touched down in Man, Michael''s resolve solidified. He would enter the meeting prepared to defend his interests. He knew hispany''s worth, and it would be more worth than what Aegis would offer to him today.


    His phone chimed and in it were the details of the helicopter Juliet booked for him. Michael looked around, searching for the helicopter with the tail number indicated on his phone. He found it and made his way toward it.


    "Are you Mr. Reyes?" the pilot asked.


    "I am, here''s the details of the booking," Michael showed them his phone. The crew of the helicopter leaned forward to get a clear view of the details on Michael''s phone before nodding in confirmation.


    "Everything seems to be in order, Mr. Reyes. Please, step aboard," the pilot gestured towards the helicopter.


    Michael nodded and climbed into the helicopter, settling into one of thefortable seats. As the helicopter lifted off the ground, he texted Juliet about his time of arrival.


    The journey to PSE Tower was rtively shortpared to the flight from Cebu to Man. Within minutes, the helicopter descended toward its destination, smoothlynding on the helipad atop the towering structure.


    With a brief word of thanks to the pilot, Michael disembarked from the helicopter and made his way into his office. Outside, he found Juliet standing by.


    Juliet checked the time on her watch and said. "Well done, you arrived in exactly two hours."


    "It was an exhausting trip," Michael said, not delighted by it. "So, she''s inside?"


    "Mrs. Skies is waiting for you inside," Juliet confirmed, gesturing towards the door.


    Michael nodded, steeling himself for the meeting ahead. He took a deep breath, adjusted his suit, and stepped into his office. There, sitting across his desk, was Mrs. Elena Skies, her demeanorposed but expectant.


    "Mr. Reyes, thank you for making time to meet with me," Mrs. Skies greeted him with a polite smile.@@novelbin@@


    "I should bepensated for this," Michael said.


    "We will pay for your troubles," Elena assured him, her tone indicating a willingness to amodate his concerns.


    Michael nodded, acknowledging her response. "Thank you, Mrs. Skies. Now, let''s get down to business. Why are you in my office so suddenly?"


    "Mr. Reyes, I''m going to make you an offer, something that you''d find yourself difficult to refuse," Mrs. Skies said confidently.


    Michael leaned back in his chair, intrigued but wary. "Go on."


    Mrs. Skies leaned forward with earnestness. "Aegis Pharmaceuticals is prepared to offer you a significant sum for your medical enterprises."


    Michael raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And how much are we talking about?"


    Mrs. Skies didn''t hesitate. "We are prepared to offer you 100 billion dors for the acquisition of your medical enterprises."