Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 279: The Pestering CIA

As Michael continued to address the media, the two CIA operatives in the crowd exchanged glances. They had their orders and knew the risks involved in their mission. Agent 1, a tall man with a stern expression, adjusted his earpiece and whispered into it.

"Target is in sight. Awaiting further instructions," he said quietly.

Agent 2, a woman with sharp eyes, scanned the area, ensuring no one was watching them too closely. "We need to be careful," she murmured. "This place is crawling with security."

"Understood," Agent 1 replied. "Let's move to a better position."

They slowly made their way through the crowd, trying to get closer to Michael without drawing attention. Meanwhile, Michael wrapped up his answers and excused himself, heading back toward the VIP tent.

The agents saw their chance and followed at a safe distance, blending in with the throngs of people still milling about the shipyard.

Once inside the tent, Michael was greeted by his team, who had more updates for him. Juliet noticed the tension in his face.

"Michael, is everything alright?" she asked softly.

Michael nodded, but before he could respond, the tent flap opened, and Chief of Security, David Natividad entered.

"Mr. Reyes, there is something you need to know," David said with an underlying tone of urgency.

"You looked troubled, Mr. Natividad. What's concerning you…"

David continued in a hushed tone, "There are interlopers here. CIA agents. I don't know their intentions yet, but it's best we be careful."

Michael's expression hardened as he processed the information. "Then why aren't you doing anything? They could be here because they might kidnap one of our employees."

"Sir…we can't really provoke the CIA," David reasoned.

"What do you mean you can't provoke them? You already provoked them when you killed their agents," Michael said in a suppressed manner with the sounds only coming out from the corners of his mouth.

David took a deep breath. "Sir, capturing them here would cause a scene. The shipyard is crowded, and it would be impossible to do it discreetly. If the CIA wanted to make their move, they would wait until there are fewer people around."

Michael frowned, nodding slightly. "I understand. So, what's the plan?"

David leaned in closer. "We'll keep a close watch on them. Ensure they don't get the opportunity to act. Once the event is over and most people have left, we'll be in a better position to handle the situation discreetly."

Michael agreed. "Alright, let's keep everything under control. Make sure our security teams are on high alert and monitor all movements."

David nodded and stepped back, signaling his team to maintain a heightened state of vigilance. Juliet sensed something was off when David said something to Michael, though she didn't know what it could be.

The celebration continued with speeches and presentations, but Michael's mind was now divided. He kept glancing at the crowd, searching for any sign of the agents. He trusted David's judgment but knew they had to be ready for anything.

As the event wound down and the crowd began to thin, Juliet stepped closer to Michael. "Michael, can we speak privately for a moment?" she asked.

Michael nodded. "Of course. Let's go to my office."

They left the tent and walked briskly to the office located within the shipyard. Once inside, Michael closed the door, ensuring their conversation would remain private.

Juliet took a deep breath. "Mr. Reyes. I'm beginning to suspect something is off. What's really happening here?"

Michael's expression tightened, and he shook his head. "It's none of your business, Juliet."

Juliet crossed her arms and stood her ground. "It is my business, Michael. I'm your Chief of Staff and secretary. I need to know what's going on to do my job effectively."

"This is above your paygrade, Juliet, and when I said it was none of your business, then it means exactly that. I need you to trust me on this."

Juliet held his gaze, clearly not satisfied with his response. "Mr. Reyes, if there's a threat, I need to know. I can't do my job if I'm kept in the dark."

Michael's tone remained firm. "I appreciate your concern, Juliet, but you need to leave it alone. Trust me on this."

Juliet was visibly frustrated but she nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Mr. Reyes. But if you need anything, please let me know."

"I will. Thank you, Juliet," Michael said, his tone softening slightly.

Juliet gave him one last concerned look before leaving the office. Michael watched her go, knowing he had to keep her and the rest of the team safe from whatever the CIA agents were planning.

Outside, the two CIA agents watched through their binoculars. They saw Juliet leave the office and noted that Michael was now alone. They exchanged a glance and prepared to make their move, ensuring the security wasn't close enough to intervene.

Just as they were about to take a step forward, David and his close gunmen appeared, blocking their path. David's face was calm, but his eyes were cold and determined.

"Going somewhere?" David asked menacingly.

The agents froze, realizing they had been outmaneuvered. Agent 1 tried to play it off. "Just taking a walk, enjoying the event."

"Yeah…we are part of the international media from the United States, we were lost and thought we could take a closer look at the facilities," Agent 2 added, attempting to maintain their cover.

David shook his head slowly, his expression unimpressed. "I don't think so. We've been monitoring you since you arrived. You two are coming with us."

The agents exchanged another glance, realizing they were cornered. Agent 1 raised his hands slightly, signaling compliance. "I don't know what you guys are up to but we definitely want to call the embassy because you are scaring people who are here to cover this event."

David's patience was wearing thin. "Enough. Stop acting. We know who you are."

The agents kept to their cover, denying any wrongdoing. David sighed, knowing he had no choice but to take them down discreetly. He gave a subtle nod to his men.

Two of David's men crept behind the agents, and in one swift motion, they smashed the butts of their rifles onto the agents' heads. The agents crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"Get them out of here," David ordered quietly. "Take them to a secure location. We need to find out what they know."

His men quickly moved to follow the order, dragging the unconscious agents to a waiting vehicle. David watched them go, ensuring no one had noticed the altercation.