Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

389  I am coming for you first!

Michael Reyes stood at the heart of Reyes Corporation's executive boardroom, the panoramic view of Metro Manila's skyline stretching behind him. The glow of the city lights reflected the quiet storm brewing within its business landscape. In front of him, Juliet stood ready, holding a tablet displaying intricate data charts and bullet-pointed strategies. This was no ordinary meeting. It was the beginning of an offensive move that would redefine the rules of corporate warfare.

"Lance Gokongwei," Michael said, the name rolling off his tongue with deliberate intent. "He's the linchpin to the conglomerates' unified front against us. Take him down, and the entire alliance weakens."

Juliet nodded, swiping through her data to bring up a detailed profile of JG Summit Holdings. "Gokongwei has influence across multiple sectors: aviation, telecommunications, food manufacturing, real estate, and banking. His empire is vast, but it isn't without its vulnerabilities."

Michael crossed his arms, eyes narrowing as he studied the screen. "Start with his most vulnerable sectors."

"Aviation is the weakest point," Juliet replied. "Cebu Pacific is under pressure due to rising operational costs, fluctuating fuel prices, and increased competition from low-cost carriers. It's their crown jewel but also their Achilles' heel."

Michael leaned forward, a glint of determination in his eyes. "What about telecommunications?"

Juliet shifted the display to Globe Telecom's portfolio. "Strong, but their infrastructure is aging. Their 5G rollout has been slow and costly. If we outpace them with our advanced, cost-effective network, it'll push them to the edge."

Michael's mind worked through the implications, connecting dots faster than most could follow. "And food manufacturing?"

"They rely heavily on their established supply chains and partnerships with local agricultural producers," Juliet said. "There's been tension there in the past over pricing and sustainability. If we can secure stronger relationships with those same suppliers, we could create enough disruption to rattle their operations."

Michael's jaw tightened as the plan took shape. "So, we target their aviation, outmaneuver them in telecommunications, and destabilize their supply chain. We make them play defense."

Juliet nodded, her face set with determination. "This needs to be executed flawlessly. Any slip, and they'll come back harder."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Bridget stepped in, her eyes sharp with urgency. "I've just finished reviewing the resources for 'Project Soar,' our passenger jet initiative. We can accelerate development, but we'll need to allocate additional funds and secure a few more key partnerships to hit the twelve-month timeline."

Michael gave a brief nod. "Do it. We can't afford delays."

Bridget continued, "I've also been coordinating with the tech division. We're ready to deploy our 5G network in select urban areas within the next three months. If we launch an aggressive marketing campaign emphasizing superior speeds and coverage, we'll undercut Globe's positioning before they can react."

Michael's lips curved into a small smile. "Good. Position our brand as the future of connectivity. Highlight the flaws in current networks and promise an affordable, seamless experience."

The boardroom was a hive of controlled activity for the next few weeks. Engineers, financial analysts, and strategic planners moved in and out, contributing pieces to what would become Michael's most ambitious move yet. The plans for the new budget-friendly jet, code-named 'Project Soar,' were finalized. Sleek blueprints outlined an aircraft with innovative fuel-efficient engines and composite materials that reduced weight and increased efficiency by over 30%.

Alex Tan, the lead engineer, pointed to a section of the blueprint during a review meeting. "This hybrid propulsion system will be a game-changer. Lower operational costs mean we can undercut ticket prices without sacrificing margins."

Juliet glanced at the financial projections. "We'll need to secure permits and fast-track approvals from aviation authorities. We're going to need some leverage to make that happen smoothly."

"I'll handle that," Michael said. "Start approaching local governments to showcase how this project will boost employment and tourism."

Meanwhile, Bridget coordinated with logistics teams and suppliers. The first signs of Reyes Corporation's aviation ambitions began to seep into industry news. Whispers circulated, sparking concern among competitors. Globe Telecom, on the other hand, began noticing an uptick in permits and infrastructure developments initiated by Reyes Corporation in key cities.

Lance Gokongwei sat in his office at the JG Summit headquarters, eyes narrowing as he read through the morning brief. Reports of Reyes Corporation's maneuvers were now on his desk daily. The conglomerate heads had always viewed Michael Reyes as a formidable rival, but now, with these aggressive plays, the landscape was shifting faster than expected.

An executive from Cebu Pacific burst into his office, panic lacing his words. "Sir, Reyes Corporation is rumored to be developing a low-cost, fuel-efficient passenger jet. If this is true and they execute before we adapt, it'll slice right through our market share."

Gokongwei's face hardened. "We need verification. Call in favors, leverage our contacts. I want every detail on this 'Project Soar.' If they're moving into aviation, we need to know what their weaknesses are." n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The pressure didn't stop at aviation. A high-level meeting at Globe Telecom was convened after reports emerged that Reyes Corporation had filed for massive infrastructure projects for a rapid 5G rollout. The executives exchanged worried glances as one of them laid out the details.

"They're bypassing the traditional route and partnering directly with city councils for expedited permits. If they succeed, they'll cut into our growth before we can fully establish our own 5G services," one executive said.

Gokongwei's influence reached across these sectors, and he knew that if Michael succeeded, JG Summit's position would weaken. "Initiate contingency measures," he ordered, eyes cold. "Divert more resources to counter their telecommunications push and secure exclusive partnerships with suppliers. We can't let him get ahead."

Back at Reyes Corporation, Juliet monitored the ripple effects of their offensive. Reports from their partners came in daily: some suppliers were feeling out discreet offers from JG Summit to break contracts, while competitors ramped up pressure on shared infrastructure providers.

"They're moving to counter," Juliet informed Michael during a late-night briefing. "We expected this. Gokongwei isn't sitting idly by."

Michael's expression was unreadable, his mind calculating. "Good. We need to show them that every step they take will be met with two of ours. Reinforce our contracts with suppliers and add performance incentives for loyalty. We'll make it costly for anyone to break ties with us now."

The 5G rollout began with a city-wide event in Metro Manila. Billboards and digital screens displayed Reyes Corporation's promise of the fastest, most affordable 5G network in the region. The response was immediate—consumers flooded social media with excitement, and tech publications praised the move as a bold disruption.

Cebu Pacific executives, meanwhile, struggled to mitigate the growing rumors about 'Project Soar.' Press releases attempted to quell the anxiety, but the public and investors had already caught wind. Shares dipped, and internal meetings turned frantic.

Gokongwei's phone buzzed during one of these meetings. It was a trusted advisor. "We have to move faster, Lance. This is spiraling, and Reyes' new partnerships with local farmers for exclusive supply agreements are undermining our food and manufacturing arms. We're losing ground."

He slammed the phone down, frustration boiling over. Reyes' strategic push was relentless and perfectly timed. The public, seeing a surge of new innovations and services, lauded Michael as a revolutionary, while Gokongwei's empire fought to stem the tide.

Back in the Golden Topper, Michael stood by the window, watching the city lights that hid the intense rivalries playing out. Juliet approached, a rare look of admiration crossing her usually composed features. "Reports show public sentiment is overwhelmingly on our side. Gokongwei is scrambling."

Michael's eyes narrowed as he nodded. "This is only the beginning. If they thought I'd only defend, they've underestimated me."

The battle was on, and for the first time, it was clear who was dictating the terms.

Michael turned away from the window, his expression steely and determined. The noise of the city outside felt distant, a mere backdrop to the silent war he was waging. Juliet watched him, knowing that this victory was just a chapter in a much larger conflict that would continue to test their resolve and strategy.

"Ensure our next steps are airtight," Michael said, breaking the silence. "We're not letting up the pressure. If they want a fight, we'll give them one they won't forget."

Juliet nodded, already anticipating the flurry of actions that would follow. Meetings with new partners, negotiations for fresh contracts, and strategic PR moves would keep them ahead. The battle for dominance was not just about business—it was about legacy, a reshaping of the entire corporate landscape.

"Understood. I'll have the teams double down on initiatives and set up a public outreach campaign emphasizing our community projects," she said.

Michael took a deep breath and smiled faintly, a rare moment of calm breaking through. "Good. Let's make sure that when they think of Reyes Corporation, they remember not just who we are, but why we can't be stopped. Gokongwei, I am coming for you first."

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