Chapter 282: Assurances and Threats

Michael removed his straps and followed David out of the plane. The extraction team led them to a waiting convoy of black SUVs. They drove for a short distance before arriving at a heavily guarded compound surrounded by high walls and barbed wire.

As they entered the facility, they were escorted into a large, stark building. The interior was cold and functional, with minimal decoration. The team led them down several corridors before finally arriving at a huge hall.

"This will be your rest area," one of the agents said. "Food and water will be brought to you later."

Michael nodded, taking in the austere surroundings. "Thank you."

The agent left, and Michael and his security team settled in. The hall was spacious but empty, with a few tables and chairs scattered around.

David sat next to Michael, still on high alert. "Sir, are you sure about this? This place feels like a prison."

Michael sighed. "I know, David. But we have to see this through. Let's rest and wait for the President."

Three hours later, the doors to the hall opened.

Agent 1 bowed his head to Michael and spoke.

"Mr. Reyes, the President of the United States has arrived. Please, come with us to a secure conference."

Michael and David stood up, following Agent 1 out of the hall. They were led through a series of corridors until they reached a secure conference room. The room was equipped with high-tech security features and a large table in the center.

The President was already seated at the head of the table, surrounded by several high-ranking officials and advisors. He looked up as Michael entered and gestured to the seat opposite him.

"Mr. Reyes, please have a seat," the President said.

"Which is why it's suspicious because your team didn't work for you before you started your company."

"I can't tell you everything, Mr. President but rest assured, I don't have any hidden agendas. My goal is simply to advance technology and improve lives."

President Greene leaned back, studying Michael carefully. "Your intentions may be noble, Mr. Reyes, but the implications of your work are far-reaching. Just now you started your own shipbuilding company. However, you don't have any ship designs to supply the Philippine Navy. Let me guess, you also have advanced naval technology ready?"

"Well, you can say that," Michael simply said. "It's my job, and there's no better way than helping your own nation by developing worthy technologies."

President Greene's expression remained serious. "Mr. Reyes, we need to ensure that these technologies do not fall into enemy hands."

"Like what country? China, Russia...don't worry, I don't think anyone can copy my technology. I always make sure it's always ahead of the curve."

President Greene nodded slightly. "That's good to hear, Mr. Reyes."

"The constant interference from your government," Michael shifted to another topic. "Is hindering my progress. I need you to stop the CIA from investigating me and let me work in peace."

President Greene glanced at his advisors, then back at Michael. "Well, we have your assurances, and you seem to be a very friendly individual. So, we'll consider easing the investigation."

"Finally...I just want to work in peace that's all," Michael sighed in satisfaction. "I hope you keep your word, Mr. President. I am expecting it. Do expect that I will hold my end of the bargain too," Michael finished, leaning back in his chair.

President Greene nodded, signaling the end of their intense discussion. "We will monitor the situation closely, Mr. Reyes. You have my word that the CIA will scale back their operations, but know that any sign of a threat, and we will have to act."

"Is that a threat?"

"You can consider it that way," the President said.

"I don't like getting threats," Michael said. "So I'll make my own threat against you as well. If you interfere, then you might not like what I'm going to do."