Chapter 205: Safehouse

Three days after the extraction. Michael looked out of the window from inside the Toyota Alphard where he gazed up at a rundown apartment.

"This is their safe house?" Michael scoffed softly and then signed. "I was expecting something better but why would I expect it in the first place?"

Juliet tilted her head to the side, wondering why Michael was talking all by himself.

"Sir...are you stepping out?" Juliet asked.

"Ah...yes," Michael snapped back to reality and signaled the guards to open the door of the van.

The guard stationed outside promptly reached over to the handle of the van, pulling it open with a quiet click. Michael stepped out, his eyes quickly scanning the surroundings before his gaze settled back on the nondescript building. It looked even less welcoming up close, its walls marked with years of neglect.

"Good afternoon Mr. Reyes," Carter said as he walked towards him with an extended arm. "Welcome to our safe house in the Philippines."

Michael nodded, accepting Carter's handshake with a firm grip.

"Thank you, Carter. How is he doing?" Michael asked, his tone serious as he glanced toward the building's entrance.

"He's stable, but still recovering from the ordeal. We've got him comfortable and under constant surveillance for safety," Carter replied, leading the way inside.

As they walked through the dimly lit hallway, Michael's attention was drawn to the peeling paint and the faint musty smell that lingered in the air. The building might have been secure, but it was far from the standards he usually associated with safety.

Inside the apartment, Dr. Villanueva sat by the window, looking out with a distant gaze. The room was sparse, with only essential furniture and a single lamp providing a soft glow.

There was an IV line dripping steadily into his arm, and bandages were visible on his hands and neck. Michael's frown deepened as he observed the physical signs of Dr. Villanueva's recent hardships.

"Dr. Villanueva, it's good to see you safe," Michael said, offering a gentle smile despite his concern. "We're doing everything we can to ensure your recovery and security."

Dr. Villanueva turned to look at him, and a glad expression streaked across his face.

"Mr. Reyes. I-I didn't expect that you'd be here yourself," Dr. Villanueva stammered, trying to sit up straighter in his chair, wincing slightly as he did.

"Fortunately, they aren't but for good measure, we coordinated with the police to increase their protection during this period," Michael explained, ensuring that every possible precaution was in place.

Dr. Villanueva frowned slightly, his concern for his family's safety apparent. "I appreciate that, Michael, but I'd rather not risk anything at this point. If something were to happen to them on their way here... I couldn't forgive myself. Let's wait until I'm better and it's completely safe.

I'll see them soon enough."

Michael nodded in understanding. "Of course, your family's safety is paramount. We'll make sure when the time is right, the reunion will be safe for everyone involved."

"Thank you for understanding," Dr. Villanueva said, visibly relieved by the decision to wait.

"Always," Michael replied with a reassuring smile. "In the meantime, we'll continue to ensure your recovery is smooth and uninterrupted. If you need anything—anything at all—just let us know."

Dr. Villanueva nodded, settling more comfortably into his chair, reassured by Michael's words and the measures being taken. Michael gave him a final nod before exiting the room with Carter, both of them deep in conversation about the next steps to enhance security.

***

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world.

Viktor Gravsen was sitting comfortably on a chair. Across the desk was none other than the CEO of the largest pharmaceutical company based in the US.

She was a woman in her mid-thirties. Her name was Elena Skies of Aegis Pharmaceuticals.

"I know you tried to kidnap one of Mr. Reyes's employee to get information about the Medipod, but it failed," Viktor commented.

"And you weren't doing anything at all to protect your interest, Mr. Gravsen," Elena said monotonously, leaning back in her chair with a controlled, almost imperceptible smile.

Viktor adjusted his posture, his expression remaining unreadable. "Well, I have made some calls in the Congress to ensure my interest is safe and besides, oil is not a dying industry. It would be decades away before renewable energy replaces it. So, I'm chilling here."

"So why come here?"

"To give you my support," Viktor revealed. "This past year, Mr. Reyes was a threat, today's year was not, but I get the feeling he'd be a threat to me in the next few years again."