Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 391: Turning Up the Heat

Michael Reyes sat in his corner office, the early morning light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Golden Topper. He sipped his coffee while scrolling through the latest reports Juliet had sent over. It had only been a few weeks since they began targeting Gokongwei, and already, the impact was becoming evident. Cebu Pacific's market share was in free fall, Globe Telecom was scrambling to keep up with Reyes Corporation's rapid 5G deployment, and the whispers of instability within JG Summit were growing louder.

"Juliet," Michael called out as she stepped into his office, tablet in hand. "What's the status update on Gokongwei's response?"

Juliet's expression was a mix of satisfaction and determination. "Their countermeasures are becoming more desperate. Cebu Pacific just launched another round of heavy discounts, but it's cutting into their margins. It won't be sustainable for long. As for Globe, they're trying to accelerate their 5G expansion, but they're hitting supply chain delays."

Michael set down his coffee, his mind already working through the next steps. "Good. But I don't want them to stabilize. We need to keep up the pressure. What's our next move?"

Juliet swiped through her notes. "We've already locked down their key suppliers. But there's a new opportunity—an infrastructure project Globe was counting on for their 5G rollout. If we can acquire it through one of our subsidiaries, it'll delay their expansion by months."

Michael's eyes narrowed. "Do it. And let's make sure the deal goes through quietly. I don't want them realizing it's us until it's too late."

As Juliet left the room, Bridget entered with another set of updates. "Michael, we've confirmed that Cebu Pacific is looking for emergency funding to stabilize their operations. Their stock prices have been fluctuating as investors grow more nervous."

Michael nodded. "Perfect. Let's use that to our advantage. Start shorting their stocks discreetly. The moment news leaks about their funding issues, we'll profit from it."

Bridget smiled, appreciating the ruthlessness of Michael's approach. "Understood. I'll have our financial team execute it immediately."

Across the city, Lance Gokongwei was sitting in his own boardroom, surrounded by his top executives. The reports were grim. Cebu Pacific's profits were dwindling, Globe was months behind on their 5G project, and even their food manufacturing division was seeing disruptions due to Reyes Corporation's aggressive moves.

"Sir, we've tried everything," one of his advisors said, frustration evident in his voice. "Reyes Corporation has locked down our suppliers. We're having trouble securing the materials we need for production."

Gokongwei slammed his fist on the table. "How are they moving so quickly? We've been blindsided at every turn."

"They've been building relationships with our suppliers for months," another executive said. "We didn't realize it until it was too late. And their new contracts have penalty clauses that make it nearly impossible for anyone to back out."

Gokongwei's face was a mask of fury and frustration. "What about Globe's 5G expansion? We need to beat them to market."

"Reyes Corporation has somehow secured the permits and infrastructure we were planning to use," the head of their telecom division admitted. "We're now looking at a six-month delay at minimum."

Gokongwei leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Michael Reyes was playing a different game, and for the first time, he was starting to feel like he was losing control. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "If they want a war, we'll give them one. Focus on acquiring new suppliers, even if it costs us. And tighten security on all our projects. I don't want any more surprises."

Meanwhile, back at Reyes Corporation, the atmosphere was electric. The team had been working around the clock, but the results were worth it. Michael's aggressive strategy was paying off, and they weren't about to let up.

Juliet entered Michael's office with a new update. "We've secured the infrastructure project. Globe won't be able to proceed with their 5G rollout without significant delays."

Michael smiled, pleased with the progress. "Good. Now, let's push this further. Launch our 5G network in their priority cities. Make sure it's well-publicized. I want their customers to see us as the better option."

Bridget joined them, holding a report on Cebu Pacific. "Their stocks are continuing to drop. If we keep applying pressure, they won't last another quarter without a significant cash injection."

Michael's smile widened. "Perfect timing. Let's leak a few well-placed rumors about their instability. That should be enough to push their investors over the edge."

"On it," Bridget said. "Our PR team will handle the leaks anonymously."

The impact was swift. Within days, news outlets began picking up stories about Cebu Pacific's financial troubles. Investors panicked, leading to a sharp drop in their stock prices. Globe, meanwhile, struggled to explain the delays in their 5G rollout as consumers flocked to Reyes Corporation's superior network.

Lance Gokongwei was now facing a full-blown crisis. Every move he made was met with a counter from Michael, leaving him with fewer and fewer options. In a desperate bid to save face, Gokongwei called for an emergency board meeting.

"We need new strategies," he demanded. "If we don't act now, Reyes will crush us."

But deep down, Gokongwei knew he was losing ground. Michael Reyes was relentless, and the cracks were already beginning to show.

Back at Reyes Corporation, Michael watched the news reports with a sense of satisfaction. Juliet and Bridget stood by his side, ready for whatever came next.

"This is only the beginning," Michael said. "We're not stopping until we've secured our dominance."

Juliet nodded. "What's our next move?"

Michael's eyes narrowed. "We're going after their most loyal clients next. If we can pull them over to our side, Gokongwei will have nothing left. This is the price he is going to pay for messing up on the wrong person."

The war was far from over, but one thing was clear: Michael Reyes was no longer playing defense. And as the city's most powerful conglomerates were about to learn, he was just getting started.