Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 80  Wanting to Visit

"I will hang up this phone if you don't introduce yourself to me right now," Michael demanded, his finger already hovering over the end call button. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

There was a brief pause on the other end, and then a woman's voice, clear and professional, spoke up. "My apologies for the sudden call, Mr. Reyes. My name is Carla, and I'm the personal assistant to Mr. Alexander Tan, the CEO of UniVida Pharmaceuticals."

Michael's finger froze in mid-air, his heart skipping a beat at the mention of that name. Alexander Tan. The CEO of a pharmaceutical giant and, more shockingly, the father who had abandoned him and his mother years ago. A whirlwind of emotions churned inside him—surprise, confusion, and an unbidden spark of curiosity.

"Why... Why would Mr. Tan want to speak with me?" Michael managed to ask, trying to keep his voice steady despite the turmoil of feelings.

"Mr. Tan has been following your progress with SolaraTech, and he's impressed with your achievements. He believes there could be potential synergies between SolaraTech and UniVida Pharmaceuticals. He would like to discuss possible collaboration opportunities with you," Carla explained, her tone professional but hinting at an underlying urgency.

Michael was silent for a moment, processing the information. The idea that his father, who had shown no interest in him for so long, was now reaching out because of his professional success was both ironic and infuriating.

"I don't think our industry would match well, so I think I'm going to decline the offer. Thank you very much." "Wait!" Carla paused, her voice now carrying a note of desperation. "Please, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Tan insists it's in both your best interests to at least hear him out." "Do you know who I am to Mr. Tan?" Michael asked. "No…is there something between you two?" Carla asked.

"I see you don't know. Well, tell him that I don't want to meet him."

After saying that, Michael hung up the phone and stowed it in his pocket. "Who is that?" Bridget asked. "No one that you should concern yourself about," Michael said, avoiding Mr. Tan from being their topic. "How about we join Mrs. Estolas and then share our progress?" Bridget noted on Michael's expression that there was something wrong but she couldn't bring herself to ask further, sensing the sudden shift in his mood. "Sure, let's go and meet her."

***

Meanwhile, in the headquarters of the Univida Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Tan leaned forward, steepling his fingers and then probing his eyes on his secretary, Carla.

"So…what did he say?" "Mr. Reyes didn't accept the invitation to meet with you, sir," Carla reported carefully, her voice neutral. "He seemed... resistant to the idea of discussing potential collaboration."

Mr. Tan sighed. "As expected." "Though he asked me if I know something between you two," Carla continued, watching Mr. Tan closely for his reaction.

Mr. Tan's expression remained unreadable, a skill he had perfected over years in the pharmaceutical industry. "And what did you tell him?" he inquired, his voice steady.

"I told him I wasn't aware of any personal connection between the two of you," Carla replied, hoping she had responded appropriately.

"Good," Mr. Tan nodded slightly.

"Well, is there something between you two, Mr. Tan? Anything that I should be aware of?" "It's none of your concern," Mr. Tan responded tersely. "There is something I need you to do, where is his office located?" "It is at the Philippine Exchange Tower in BGC. According to my research, it seems that he had leased office space there for SolaraTech," Carla responded, flipping through her notes to confirm the details. "The lease started a few weeks ago, and from what I've gathered, the office is quite sizable. It seems that Mr. Reyes has a lot of startup capital thanks to its investors."

Mr. Tan nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "Interesting," he murmured, more to himself than to Carla. "Who are his investors?" "Mrs. Antoinette Estolas and Ms. Bridget von Reimann." "What? Mr. Reyes has two powerhouse investors behind him?" Mr. Tan's surprise was evident. The names Antoinette Estolas and Bridget von Reimann were well-known in the business world for their acumen and successful ventures. Having them as investors significantly bolstered Michael's position and SolaraTech's potential.

"Yes, sir. Both are highly influential in their respective fields," Carla added. "Since Mr. Reyes does not want to talk to us, then we got to make him talk to us and leave him with no choice," Mr. Tan said.

"How are you planning on doing that sir?" Carla asked.

"Simple, we are going to visit his office," Mr. Tan said. "We will be visiting his office in the morning." "I'll make the necessary arrangements for the visit," she said, already thinking through the logistics of such an unexpected move.

"Ensure everything is discreet. I don't want any unnecessary attention drawn to this visit," Mr. Tan instructed, his tone indicating the importance of this directive.

"Understood, sir. Everything will be arranged to ensure privacy and minimal disruption," Carla assured him.

As Carla left the room to start the preparations, Mr. Tan sat back in his chair, contemplating the upcoming confrontation. He knew this was a delicate matter, one that required careful handling. The estrangement with his son was a personal issue, but it had now intertwined with potential business interests, complicating matters further.

The thought of facing Michael after all these years, under such circumstances, weighed heavily on him. Yet, Mr. Tan also recognized the necessity of bridging the gap, not just for the potential business collaboration but perhaps to mend broken ties, even if he wasn't fully ready to admit it to himself.

***

The day later, in the Philippine Stock Exchange. Mr. Tan was inside the BMW i7 parked a block away from the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower. And the first thing he noticed was the long queue of people outside with folders clutching to their chests, a clear indication of the ongoing recruitment drive.

Carla, sitting beside him, checked her tablet one last time. "We're on schedule, sir. Your visit hasn't been announced, as per your instructions. We should be able to enter without drawing too much attention."

Mr. Tan nodded, his gaze still fixed on the building. The reality of what he was about to do — confronting his past in the form of his son — was beginning to settle in. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the encounter. "Let's proceed."

They exited the car discreetly, thanks to the careful planning of Carla and the security team. As they made their way to the private entrance previously arranged, Mr. Tan couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and determination. This was more than just a business meeting; it was a chance to perhaps start mending a relationship that had been neglected for far too long.

Inside the building, they bypassed the main lobby, avoiding the crowded area where the interviews were taking place. The elevator ride to SolaraTech's floor was quick, giving Mr. Tan little time to second-guess his decision.

Upon arriving, they were greeted by the receptionist, who looked momentarily surprised at their unannounced presence but quickly composed herself. "How can I help you?" she asked, maintaining her professionalism.

"We're here to see Mr. Michael Reyes," Carla stated, her tone leaving no room for question.

The receptionist paused, then nodded. "One moment, please." She picked up the phone, discreetly informing someone of their arrival.

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