Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 253: Sensing It

February 3rd, 2028

In a dimly lit office within the CIA's Manila station, Agents John Harris and Stacy Mitchell were deep in discussion, outlining their next steps to intensify surveillance on Reyes Corporation. The room was filled with the hum of computers and the soft glow of multiple monitors displaying various feeds and data points related to Michael Reyes and his company.

"Alright, we need to move quickly and discreetly," Harris said, his eyes scanning a list of potential contacts. "First, let's identify key employees who might be susceptible to bribes."

Mitchell nodded, already pulling up profiles on her laptop. "We have a few targets in mind. Lower-level employees are often easier to approach, especially those with financial difficulties or personal issues."

Harris pointed to a name on the screen. "Carlos Mendoza. He's already shown a willingness to talk. We should consider offering him a significant bribe to become a regular informant."

"Agreed," Mitchell replied. "I'll set up a discreet meeting with him tonight. Meanwhile, we need to look at installing surveillance equipment inside Reyes Corporation's headquarters and facilities."

"Yes," Harris said, pulling out a burner phone to make a call. "I have a contact who specializes in covert installations. He can get us cameras and microphones inside without raising any suspicions."

As Harris made the call, Mitchell began drafting a detailed plan for tracking Reyes Corporation employees. "We'll need to monitor their movements, both inside and outside the office. GPS tracking devices on their vehicles and surveillance on their personal devices should give us a comprehensive view of their activities."

Harris finished his call and turned back to Mitchell. "Our guy can start tonight. He'll need access to the building after hours. Can you arrange that?"

"I'll handle it," Mitchell assured. "I'll also set up a team to follow the key employees outside of work. We'll need eyes on them 24/7."

Later that evening, Mitchell sat in a dimly lit café, waiting for Carlos Mendoza. He arrived looking nervous and glanced around before sitting across from her.

"Thank you for coming, Carlos," Mitchell said, her voice calm and reassuring. "We appreciate your cooperation so far. We need you to continue helping us."

Carlos nodded, swallowing hard. "What do you need me to do?"

"We're prepared to offer you a substantial sum of money," Mitchell said, sliding a thick envelope across the table. "In exchange, we need you to provide us with regular updates on what's happening inside Reyes Corporation. Any new developments, meetings, or unusual activities. And we need you to plant these." She handed him a small bag containing tiny surveillance devices.

Carlos's eyes widened as he looked at the envelope and then at the bag. "This is dangerous. If they find out..."

"They won't," Mitchell assured. "You'll be careful, and we'll protect you. The information you provide is crucial. We need to know what Michael Reyes is up to."

Carlos hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'll do it."

"Good," Mitchell said, standing up. "We'll be in touch. Remember, be discreet."

Meanwhile, Harris met with a covert operations specialist known for his skill in installing surveillance equipment without detection. They stood in the shadows near Reyes Corporation's headquarters, discussing the plan.

"These are the entry points," Harris said, showing a blueprint of the building. "You'll have a two-hour window after the cleaning crew leaves. Install cameras here, here, and here," he pointed to strategic locations. "And microphones in the main conference rooms and Reyes's office."

The specialist nodded, memorizing the locations. "Consider it done."

As the specialist slipped into the building under the cover of night, Harris watched from a distance, his heart pounding. They were taking significant risks, but the potential rewards were worth it.

Over the next few days, the CIA team ramped up their efforts. Small GPS trackers were discreetly attached to the vehicles of key employees, and sophisticated spyware was installed on their personal devices. Every move, every conversation, every interaction was monitored and analyzed.

Mitchell and Harris coordinated with local informants and third-party operatives to expand their network. They bribed janitorial staff and maintenance workers to report anything unusual and to provide access when needed.

Oblivious to what was happening, Michael Reyes continued his work at Reyes Corporation. He was deeply involved in overseeing the development and refinement of his VR technology, unaware of the increasing scrutiny from the CIA.

On the evening of February 5th, Michael was in his office, going over the latest performance reports of the VR systems. Sales were skyrocketing despite the recent lawsuit against VirtuReal Innovations.

"Michael, here are the latest updates from the R&D department," Juliet said, placing the documents on his desk.

"Thanks, Juliet," Michael replied, glancing up. "Anything I should be aware of?"

"Just some minor tweaks to the neural interface," Juliet said. "The team believes it will improve the user experience significantly."

"Good," Michael said, nodding. "I am going to take my lunch break."

***

Michael stepped out of the office, deciding to take his lunch break outside. The bustling atmosphere of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) always helped him clear his mind. He walked down the corridors, passing by the ground floor lobby, and then out onto the busy streets.

As he made his way to one of his favorite restaurants, Michael couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, scanning the crowd, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. People were going about their business, seemingly unaware of his presence.

Reaching the restaurant, Michael chose a table near the window, giving him a clear view of the street outside. He ordered his meal and settled in, trying to focus on the latest updates from the R&D department. Yet, the nagging sensation of being observed persisted.

He looked up from his documents and casually surveyed the area. There were a few people who seemed to linger a bit too long, their gazes darting away whenever he glanced in their direction. A man in a business suit was pretending to read a newspaper, but his eyes kept shifting towards Michael. A woman at a nearby table was typing on her phone, but she too seemed overly interested in his actions.

Michael's instincts, honed over years of dealing with corporate espionage, told him something was off. He decided to finish his meal quickly and return to the office. He left a generous tip and exited the restaurant.

Walking back to his office, one idea popped up in his mind.

"I really need to bolster my defense."