Elena Skies stepped off the plane in Manila. The tropical humidity hit her imdiately, She moved through the airport, her security team discreetly flanking her.
As she exited the terminal, a woman holding a sign with her na approached her.
"Ms. Skies, welco to the Philippines. I'm Juliet Schmidt, from Reyes Corporation."
"I know you," Elena said, recognizing her. "You are the Chief of Staff of the CEO of Reyes Corporation, Mr. Reyes himself."
"That is correct," Juliet replied with a professional smile. "I'll be taking you to our headquarters."
Elena nodded, appreciating the recognition. "Thank you, Ms. Schmidt. Let's get going."
Juliet led Elena to a black Toyota Alphard parked just outside the terminal. The vehicle was sleek and comfortable, a welco respite from the bustling airport. Once inside, Elena settled into her seat, her mind focused on the upcoming eting.
The ride to the Golden Topper in Bonifacio Global City was quiet, with only a few exchanges about the local area. Elena's thoughts were occupied with preparing for the discussions ahead. The towering structure of the Golden Topper ca into view, and it was a magnificent sight.
The car pulled into a secure underground parking area, and Juliet guided Elena to a private elevator that took them up to the executive floor.
Juliet led Elena into a spacious conference room where Michael Reyes was waiting. He stood as they entered, extending a hand with a confident smile.
"Mrs. Skies, welco," Michael said. "It's nice to see you again."
Elena shook his hand, noting his firm grip and confident deanor. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. I hope this eting will be productive for both of us."
Michael gestured to the table, where docunts and refreshnts were laid out. "Please, have a seat. Let's get started."
They both sat down, and Michael began, "As you know, our companies have been at odds recently. This isn't beneficial for either of us. I propose we find a way to collaborate and move forward…you know what, let's just drop the formalities and stop beating around the bush. We have irrefutable evidence that you have intentions of stealing our invention, the dipod."
Michael continued, "What proof do you have?" Elena said, not denying the accusations because she knew playing coy would be pointless.
Michael pulled out a USB stick from his pocket. "We have intercepted communications from one of your contractors that you tasked with stealing the dipod. Would you like to hear it?"
Elena kept her composure, knowing denial wouldn't help her now. "Play it."
Michael plugged the USB stick into a laptop and played the audio. The recording was clear and Elena recognized the voices—John Carter and herself.
"Wait…John?"
"It's sad to know that the contractors I hired to protect from unwanted threats would stab in the back," Michael said, clicking his tongue.
"How did you know that it was Carter? Don't tell he told it to you," Elena guessed.
"Oh no no no," Michael quickly dismissed her assumption. "I don't trust independent contractors, which is why I did my own digging. I had him under surveillance the entire ti. I knew he would eventually show his true colors."
Elena frowned, her frustration growing. "Where is he?"
"Outside, probably planning on how to acquire the dipod from us," Michael said, chuckling. "But you know it's all futile now because I don't keep the schematics of any of my inventions in the system, it's sowhere else and there's no way I'm going to give you a hint where it is."
"Okay…what do you want?" Elena asked.
"Well, I want to earn from this," Michael began. "What I want is for you to give us one percent of Aegis Pharmaceuticals' worth of equity."
Elena's eyes widened. "One percent? That's an astronomical figure. Aegis Pharmaceuticals is valued at 851 billion dollars."
Michael nodded. "Exactly. One percent would be around 8.5 billion dollars. It's either that or we go through legal ans, which would cost you more than just money. The damage to your reputation alone could be catastrophic."
Elena took a deep breath, weighing her options. "That's a significant demand, Mr. Reyes. I need to consult with my board before making such a decision."
Michael leaned back. "I understand. Take the ti you need, but rember, this offer won't last forever. If we can't co to an agreent, I have other options."
Elena knew he was right. The stakes were high, and the pressure was imnse. She nodded. "I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Let's continue our discussion while I arrange a call with my board."
"I need a decision today, Mrs. Skies," Michael said firmly. "I can't wait any longer. This needs to be resolved now."
"Fine. Give an hour to consult with my board. I'll get back to you shortly."
Michael nodded. "I'll be here. Please, take whatever space you need for your call."
Elena stepped out of the conference room and found a quiet spot. She quickly dialed into a video call with her board mbers, explaining the situation and Michael's demands.
The discussion was heated. So board mbers were vehently against giving up equity, while others saw it as a necessary step to protect the company and move forward. After a tense debate, the board reluctantly agreed to Michael's terms.
Elena returned to the conference room, her expression resolved. "Mr. Reyes, the board has agreed to your terms. We will grant Reyes Corporation one percent equity in Aegis Pharmaceuticals."
Michael smiled, extending his hand. "Excellent."
Elena shook his hand, sealing the deal. "Let's get the legal teams to draft the final agreent and move forward."
Over the next few hours, legal teams from both companies worked diligently to finalize the details.
Finally, the docunt was ready. Elena and Michael reviewed it one last ti before signing.
"Here's to averting the crisis," Michael said, raising a glass of champagne.
Elena clinked her glass with his. With the agreent signed, Aegis Pharmaceuticals was now obligated to give Reyes Corporation one percent equity.
"I wonder how would the dia react if they find out about this deal," Michael thought to himself.
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