Chapter 187: The New Year

December 31st, 23:59:00. At the London Bridge.

Bridget handed Michael a cold can of beer.

"Thank you," Michael said gratefully as he accepted the can of beer and felt its cold, smooth surface against his palm. He pressed his thumb into the metal tab, listening to the soft hiss as the pressure released. A burst of carbonation followed, and a faint mist rose from the can as the aroma of hops and malt wafted through the air.

Michael tilted the can slightly, taking a cautious sip to avoid the frothy head of foam that had formed.

It was a simple pleasure, a moment to relax and unwind as the final seconds of the year ticked away.

Standing next to him was his mother. He wrapped his arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze. Myra leaned into him, a contented smile on her face as they watched the bustling scene on London Bridge. The crowd was growing, their excitement building as they anticipated the New Year's Eve fireworks.

"Thanks for being here, Mom," Michael said, his voice low but filled with warmth. "I wouldn't want to spend this moment with anyone else."

Myra looked up at him, her eyes shining. "I'm glad to be here with you, Michael. It's been an incredible year, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," he agreed, taking another sip of beer. "It's been a wild ride, but I'm grateful for every moment."

Around them, people chatted, laughed, and occasionally glanced at their watches, waiting for the clock to hit midnight. A DJ played upbeat music over the loudspeakers, adding to the festive atmosphere. Street vendors sold hot snacks and drinks to keep the crowd warm on this chilly London night.

The countdown had started. A digital display on a nearby building showed the time ticking down, each second bringing them closer to the new year. Michael and his mother joined in with the crowd, counting down from ten. The excitement was contagious, and the energy of the moment lifted Michael's spirits.

As the final second passed, a cheer erupted from the crowd. The sky lit up with a spectacular fireworks display, the colors and shapes dancing across the night. Michael pulled his mother closer.

"Happy New Year, Mom," Michael said, leaning in to speak over the noise. The sky erupted with light and sound as the fireworks display intensified.

Myra turned to him with a big smile. "Happy New Year, Michael. This is the best way to start the year, isn't it?" She looked up at the fireworks, her face glowing with the reflections from the brilliant explosions.

"Yeah," Michael replied, feeling the warmth of the moment. It was a new year with new opportunities, and he was ready to embrace it, with his family by his side.

Of course, it wasn't his mother that was just there. Bridget, Antoneitte, and Juliet, those three ladies who had been with him in the company, those women who were willing to help and guide him.

Michael faced them and bowed his head in appreciation.

"I couldn't have done this without you all," he said. "You have been my rock throughout everything. Thank you for sticking by me."

"No, I think the situation is not that desperate," Michael said. "We can build more Medipod to accommodate demands."

"Very well, Mr. Reyes. Now another news is that the committee of Health and Demography and Science and Technology is summoning you for a hearing at the Senate," Juliet continued, her tone a bit more serious. "It's about the inventions you made and their impact on public health."

Michael raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the summons. "Why are they interested in my inventions now? Is there a problem?"

Juliet shook her head. "It's not about a problem, but they have some questions about the scope and implications of your technology. They probably want to understand how the Alzheimer's pill and Medipod will be rolled out and regulated. Given how revolutionary your inventions are, they're likely concerned about safety, ethics, and accessibility."

Michael sighed, feeling the weight of the request. Dealing with Senate hearings was never easy, and it often came with political scrutiny and public pressure.

"Do I need to prepare any specific documents or presentations?"

Juliet checked her notes. "Yes, you'll need to prepare an outline of your work, focusing on safety and how you'll ensure equitable access to the treatments. They'll also want to know about your collaborations with the FDA and other regulatory bodies. I'll work with your legal team to make sure you're fully prepared."

Michael nodded, understanding the importance of this hearing. It was crucial to address the Senate's concerns and reassure them about the safety and effectiveness of his inventions.

"Okay, let's get started on that. Schedule some time for me to go over the materials, and I'll review everything before the hearing."

"Got it," Juliet replied, making a note on her tablet. "The hearing is in a week, so we have some time to get everything ready."

Bridget entered the room, sensing the shift in tone. "Is everything okay?"

Michael looked up, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. "Yeah, just got a Senate summons. They'll want to ask me about the Alzheimer's pill and Medipod, among other things."

"Hmm, I see...okay, Michael, about you planning on buying a private jet. Are you still interested in it?"

Michael nodded. "Are they open today?"

Bridget checked her watch, noting the time. "It's a holiday, but some places stay open for high-priority clients. I can make a few calls to see if we can arrange a viewing for today."

She picked up her phone and then dialed a number. Moments later, the person she was intending on calling answered and they spoke a few sentences over the phone. Bridget nodded, then glanced at Michael as she hung up.

"We're in luck," she said. "They are open, and they're willing to show us some jets today. How soon do you want to leave?"

Michael thought for a moment, considering his schedule. "Let's aim for early afternoon. I need some time to go over a few things first. Can you set it up for 2 p.m.?"

"2 p.m. it is!" Bridget said with a hint of excitement in her tone.