Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 229: Invitation to Elena

In the following weeks, Aegis Pharmaceuticals was under fire from scrutiny and speculation from the media, science communities, and investors. Headlines about the company's internal leak and its alleged plans to steal proprietary technology from Reyes Corporation dominated the news. Stock prices continued to plummet, and public trust was eroding quickly.

Elena Skies worked around the clock to manage the crisis. She issued statements, gave interviews, and assured investors that the situation was under control. However, behind closed doors, she was struggling to maintain her composure. The pressure was immense, and the stakes were higher than ever.

One morning, as Elena reviewed yet another damaging article in the newspaper, her assistant knocked and entered her office.

"Mrs. Skies, the IT team has completed their internal audit. Sadly, they couldn't find the exact source of the breach," he said, looking apologetic.

Elena frowned, frustration building. "Nothing? How is that possible?"

"I don't know, but they said that they haven't found any traces of intrusion that can pinpoint the exact source. It's like whoever did this was a ghost," the assistant explained. "But there were some speculations that the leak didn't even originate in our company, instead it was created outside our systems."

Elena's eyes narrowed. "So, they think it might have been fabricated?"

"Yes," the assistant replied. "They believe it's possible someone planted false information to make it look like an internal leak."

"Wait, who would do that?" Elena asked, confused.

"From the perspective of whoever made it, it doesn't make sense. But one thing they got right is that we have intentions of stealing the Medipod schematics. It must be from someone who knew we were targeting the Medipod schematics," her assistant continued. "Whoever they are, they have inside information."

Elena nodded slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. "We need to find out who that someone is and why they're doing this. Keep the cybersecurity team focused on tracing the origins. And inform our legal team to prepare for any eventualities."

Just as her assistant was about to leave, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and frowned. "It's an unknown number."

Elena gestured for him to answer it. "Put it on speaker."

The assistant answered the call, putting it on speaker as requested. "Hello, this is Aegis Pharmaceuticals. How can I help you?"

There was a brief pause before a disguised voice came through. "If you want to know who's really behind the leak, meet me at the old warehouse on 5th Street tonight at 8 PM. Come alone."

The call ended abruptly, leaving Elena and her assistant staring at the phone in shock.

Elena's assistant was the first to speak. "Do you think it's a trap?"

"It could be," Elena replied, her mind already calculating the risks and benefits. "But it's also our first solid lead. We can't ignore it."

"Should I inform security?" her assistant asked.

Elena shook her head. "No, we don't want to spook whoever this is. But I'll take precautions. Make sure we have backup nearby, but out of sight."

"Understood, Mrs. Skies," she said, leaving the room to make the arrangements.

As evening approached, Elena prepared for the meeting, feeling a mixture of apprehension and determination. She knew this could be dangerous, but she also knew it might be the key to turning the tide in their favor.

At 8 PM, Elena arrived at the old warehouse on 5th Street, her senses on high alert. She entered cautiously, scanning the dimly lit space for any signs of movement.

A figure stepped out of the shadows, their face obscured by a hood. "Mrs. Skies, I presume?"

Elena nodded, keeping a safe distance. "Who are you."

"I'm but a mere messenger," the figure replied, keeping their voice low and distorted.

Elena crossed her arms, remaining cautious. "What do you want? Why should I trust you?"

The figure pulled out a small envelope and extended it towards Elena. "Inside this envelope is a personal message from the leak. It's someone from the Reyes Corporation."

"Reyes Corporation?"

"Indeed," the figure confirmed.

Elena grabbed the envelope and opened it. Inside was a letter.

[Dear Elena Skies,

I hope this letter finds you well. We, the Reyes Corporation, know what you are up to. You won't get away with what you are trying to do without consequences. But we can be diplomatic. You just have to go to the Philippines and meet the CEO of Reyes Corporation, Michael Reyes.

This is your chance to discuss terms and possibly find a resolution. However, if you choose not to comply, we will proceed with measures that will ensure Aegis Pharmaceuticals' downfall.

You have 48 hours to decide.

Sincerely,

A Friend]

Elena read the letter twice, her mind racing. This was unexpected. She folded the letter and looked up at the figure.

"Is this a threat or an invitation?"

The figure shrugged. "It's an opportunity. Use it wisely."

With that, the figure disappeared into the shadows, leaving Elena alone in the warehouse. She quickly exited and headed back to her car, her thoughts in turmoil.

Back at the office, she called a meeting with her top executives to discuss the letter. Richard Lawson and Susan Harding were the first to arrive, followed by the rest of the team.

"What's going on, Elena?" Richard asked as they settled into the conference room.

Elena handed him the letter. "We just received this. It's from Reyes Corporation, or at least someone claiming to represent them."

The room fell silent as Richard read the letter aloud. When he finished, he looked up, his expression serious.

"The Reyes Corporation already knew and they wanted to get something out of our mishaps. Perhaps we should entertain the idea of meeting them," Richard suggested.

Susan Harding frowned. "This could be a trap. They might use this opportunity to gain more leverage over us."

Elena nodded, understanding the risks. "I agree, but we also can't ignore this. If there's a chance to resolve this without further damage, we have to consider it."

Richard spoke up again, "We need to be strategic. If you decide to go, Elena, you should have a clear agenda and a backup plan."

Elena looked around the room, seeing the concern and determination in her team's eyes.

"Alright. I'll go to the Philippines and meet with Michael Reyes. But we'll prepare thoroughly. Susan, coordinate with our legal team to draft potential agreements and protections. Richard, I need you to handle the operations here and maintain our communications."

The team nodded, getting to work immediately. Elena spent the next 48 hours preparing for her trip, reviewing all possible scenarios and gathering as much information as possible.