Chapter 213: The Decision

The board of directors, investors, and Michael exchanged an intense debate over the proposed acquisition by Aegis Pharmaceuticals. The conference room was charged with differing opinions, as some board members pointed out the immediate financial gain from the sale, while others raised concerns about the long-term impact on the company's innovations and independence.

"I think we shouldn't sell," one board member, Thomas, said firmly. "The potential for growth in our R&D is too great to give up now. We're on the cusp of breakthroughs that could redefine entire sectors of the medical industry."

On the other side of the argument, another board member, Linda, countered, "But you're not looking at the financial security this deal offers. Two hundred billion is not just a drop in the bucket. It secures our financial future and provides capital for new ventures without the risk."

A younger board member, Eric, chimed in."I've been quiet, but I will share with you my opinion. Our independence has allowed us to innovate without being tied to the short-term goals of investors. If we sell, we're answering to someone else's agenda."

"Exactly, and let's not underestimate our future market value based on current trends and our development pipeline. We're selling ourselves short if we take this offer now. The technologies we're developing could be worth triple that if they hit the market as we're projecting," Antoinette said.

The room nodded, absorbing Antoinette's conviction.

"There's no way we can make a decision with half of us differing from the other half," Michael said, noting the division in the room. "We need a unified front, whatever our decision is."

"Then we need more information," suggested another board member, Sarah. "We should conduct a thorough analysis of the market trends and potential future earnings against this immediate offer. Let's not make a decision in haste."

"That's prudent," agreed Antoneitte. "Decisions such as this can't be rushed. Mr. Reyes, please tell Mrs. Skies that she won't be making the decision she'd like immediately.

"Oh, I will give her the answer later. For now, I want to confirm that we are going to think of the proposal and it'll take a week or month to fully assess the implications of this deal," Michael responded firmly.

Seeing that there wasn't any objection, Michael continued.

"Very well, I will be adjourning this meeting now. Thank you for your input, it is all appreciated," Michael bowed before the board members left the conference room. As the screens went dark, Michael remained seated, staring at the now blank monitors.

"Looks like we are not going to sell our medical enterprise," Juliet said, handing him a bottle of water.

Michael took the water bottle and opened it, taking a long drink before responding.

"Their reaction is expected and I already knew it would come to this," Michael explained. "Though half of them want to sell, I still feel their reluctance over it.

They knew those companies were going to grow big and I too believed that. And I find it baffling that the Aegis Corporation is willing to buy it for a ridiculous amount of money. 200 billion over a fledgling company? It's too good to be true for me."

"I must say, Mr. Reyes, your decision is disappointing but not unexpected. You have built remarkable technologies, and it's understandable that you want to see them reach their full potential independently."

Michael nodded. "Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Skies. Aegis Pharmaceuticals is a formidable player in the industry, and while we decline this offer, I hope this won't preclude future collaborations where our companies can work together on different terms."

Elena stood, smoothing her suit jacket. "The door remains open, Mr. Reyes. Should circumstances change, feel free to reach out." With a polite nod, she added, "I wish you the best with your endeavors."

***

March 3rd, 2027.

Elena was on her way to Manila International Airport. She looked out of the window with a melancholic expression on her face. Her reasons why she was in the Philippines didn't turn out as she had planned. The meeting with Michael Reyes had ended without the agreement she had hoped for.

The refusal of his board to sell the company—left her feeling both frustrated and uncertain about the next steps for Aegis Pharmaceuticals.

As the cityscape sped by, Elena's thoughts drifted to the implications of this setback. The acquisition of Reyes MedTech and Reyes Pharmaceuticals was crucial to Aegis's strategy to dominate the global medical technology market. Without it, her own position within Aegis might be at risk. Most of Aegis's profits come from oncology drugs, so it's only natural for her to control it.

"Should I resort to that action again?" Elena muttered under his breath.

Well, it failed. And she doesn't want to do that again as she knows there's someone high-level involved in it. For example, the militia that she hired to kidnap, Mr. Villanueva were all dead in a place where they were holding the doctor. The doctor was her way of knowing about the Medipod.

Elena's eyes narrowed as she recalled the details. She couldn't afford the potential legal repercussions. She tried being diplomatic but that too failed. She must stop Reyes at all costs from expanding and taking over the market her company had long dominated. The stakes were too high and her role at Aegis demanded decisive action, albeit through more legitimate means.

As the airport terminal came into view, Elena dialed her chief strategist on her phone.

"We need a new plan," she began without preamble. "Reyes has resisted our acquisition attempt, and it's clear he will not be easily swayed."

"He resisted? That's 200 billion dollars, they refused the acquisition?"

"Unfortunately. This is why I'm calling you to inform you that we need to do something. I can't let a young man thwart my plans and potentially damage our market position."

Her strategist, sounding equally determined, replied, "Understood. I'll begin by analyzing potential vulnerabilities in Reyes MedTech's business model and current market strategies. Perhaps there are opportunities we've overlooked that could give us a competitive edge without direct acquisition."

"Do that."