Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 214: Reconnection

Michael checked his name on Google to learn what the internet has to say about him. Once his name was typed into the search bar, the screen quickly populated with various headlines and articles about him. The first result highlighted him as "Michael Reyes: Businessman in the Philippines with a Net Worth of Over 10 Billion Dollars."

Below the headline were snippets of articles praising his recent innovations in medical technology and discussing his significant impact on the healthcare and energy industry both locally and internationally.

Michael scrolled through the search results, noticing several profiles from major business publications and tech blogs detailing his achievements and the rapid growth of his companies, Reyes Pharmaceuticals, and Reyes MedTech Solutions. There were also a few opinion pieces speculating on his future moves and the potential of his groundbreaking product, Medipod.

Despite the accolades and recognition, Michael couldn't help but feel a pang of concern about how much of his personal and professional life was available to the public. He clicked on a particularly detailed article that outlined his journey from a young entrepreneur to a billionaire.

As he read through the article, he noted a couple of inaccuracies and exaggerated claims about his success rates and the scalability of his treatments. These misrepresentations reminded him of the responsibilities that came with his public persona and the influence he wielded in the medical community.

Well, that's the internet for you. You know what they say, do not believe everything that you see on the internet. Even the Net Worth is wrong. He is already worth over 30 billion dollars and he is determined to make it to 12 digits.

Determined to maintain the integrity of his work and prevent misinformation, Michael decided to reach out to his PR team to discuss strategies for managing his online presence more proactively.

He knew that in the world of high-stakes business and innovation, maintaining a truthful and positive image was crucial not only for his peace of mind but also for the trust and confidence of his stakeholders and the public.

He drafted an email to his PR team, outlining his concerns about the inaccuracies and emphasizing the need for corrective action.

As he was doing that, Michael's phone rang. He picked it up and saw Bridget's name flashing on the screen. Answering the call, he heard Bridget's familiar voice, "Michael, can we meet now? It's urgent."

Michael, slightly taken aback by the urgency in her voice, asked, "Where should we meet?"

"In your office, if that's okay. I'm actually already here," Bridget replied.

"Okay, I'll be expecting you. You can just enter the office when you arrive," He ended the call, set his phone aside, and refocused on his computer screen, but his mind was now partially attuned to the door, anticipating Bridget's entrance.

A few moments later, there was a soft knock before the door swung open, and Bridget stepped in.

Her expression was serious, a rarity for someone who usually carried a calm and controlled demeanor.

"Michael, we need to talk about something important," she said without preamble as she closed the door behind her.

Bridget took a deep breath, her hands briefly clasping together in her lap before she began.

"It's about us actually. Not business-related stuff. You see, Michael, I was curious as to how you feel towards me. You said you are going to pursue me but you are not even taking action. Our relationship is turning too platonic and I hate to say this…but it's hurtful." She paused, her eyes searching Michael's for any sign of reaction.

Michael was taken aback, his thoughts momentarily shifting from business to personal concerns. He leaned back in his chair, trying to process her words.

"Bridget, I..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I didn't realize you felt that way. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was not making an effort. It's just that with everything going on—expanding the company, the business, and everything–I might have neglected our personal relationship."

He sighed, his expression softening. "I value you immensely, not just professionally but personally. If I've seemed distant, it's not because of a lack of interest."

"I understand you're busy, Michael. I really do. But sometimes, it feels like we're colleagues rather than...more. I need to know where we stand."

"You are right. I'm truly sorry Bridget…do you want to grab dinner later?" Michael offered, hoping to make amends and spend some quality time together away from the pressures of work.

Bridget's expression softened, a small smile appearing on her face as she nodded. "Yes, I'd like that," she said. "It's a start."

Michael smiled back, relieved by her response. "Great, it's a date then. Let's make sure we set aside time just for us, away from all these business obligations."

"Agreed," Bridget replied. "I'll look forward to it, Michael."

With their personal matter tentatively resolved, Bridget stood to leave the office. "I'll let you get back to your work. See you tonight."

Michael watched her leave. As the door closed behind her, he turned his attention back to his computer, but with a renewed sense of balance. He knew that moving forward, he needed to manage his time and priorities better, ensuring that his relationships did not suffer due to his business endeavors.

With that in mind, Michael finished drafting the email to his PR team, pressing send with a feeling of accomplishment. He then organized his desk, planning his tasks for the rest of the day to ensure he could leave on time for his dinner with Bridget.

***

Four o'clock in the afternoon, same day.

Michael parked his RAM TRX in front of Bridget's hotel, and he saw her walking out of the main entrance in a beautiful and elegant casual dress. She smiled as she approached the vehicle, her steps light and confident.

"Ready for a break from all that business talk?" Michael asked, opening the passenger door for her.

"Absolutely," Bridget replied, sliding into the seat. "I'm looking forward to just enjoying the evening with no work discussions."

As Michael drove off towards their dinner destination, a cozy local restaurant known for its excellent cuisine and ambient setting, he felt a sense of relief. The chance to reconnect with Bridget on a personal level was something he had been missing amidst the whirlwind of his professional responsibilities.

The drive was filled with light conversation, a pleasant change from the intense discussions of earlier. They talked about recent movies, and favorite books, and shared a few laughs over personal anecdotes. It was a reminder of how much they enjoyed each other's company outside the confines of the office.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, they chose a quiet table in the corner. The soft lighting and gentle music created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing dinner. As they ordered their meals, Bridget took a moment to express her appreciation.

"Michael, thank you for this. I know how busy you are, and it means a lot that you're making the time," she said sincerely.

Michael nodded, "Bridget, it's important to me. You're important to me. I'm glad we're doing this."

The dinner proceeded with an easy flow, allowing them both to unwind and discuss topics unrelated to work. They shared thoughts on travel destinations they hoped to visit one day and hobbies they wished to explore. It was a refreshing evening that reinforced their connection.

As they finished dessert, Michael reached across the table, taking Bridget's hand. "Let's make sure we do this more often. Not just special occasions but whenever we need a break or just want to enjoy good company."

Bridget squeezed his hand in agreement. "I'd like that very much."

The night ended with a promise to prioritize their relationship alongside their careers, a mutual understanding that their personal happiness was just as crucial as their professional success.

Driving back to drop Bridget off at her hotel, Michael felt a renewed sense of partnership. It felt good, and he missed it.

As Bridget exited the car, she leaned in and gave Michael a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for a wonderful evening, Michael."

"You're welcome, Bridget. See you tomorrow at the office. And in the future, we will be returning home to the same house together, not just meeting like this," Michael added, half-joking but with a hopeful undertone.

Bridget paused, then smiled warmly. "That sounds like a plan. You know what, I kind of want to see that future with you. Good night, Michael."

"Good night, Bridget," Michael replied, watching her until she disappeared into the hotel. As he drove away, his mind replayed the evening's events, and he couldn't help but feel optimistic about the future. The night had been perfect and he wanted to experience that again.

Tomorrow, it's going to be a normal day at work again. He has a plan in mind to make his business stronger, and that is turning his company into a huge corporation where every enterprise is interconnected.