Chapter 292: Not a Threat

"Wait...you mean you are interested in partnering with SM Prime?" Richard asked, his eyebrows arching in genuine surprise.

Michael leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered his words carefully.

"Yes, I am. But let's be clear—I'm interested in a partnership, not a takeover. This project is very personal to me, and I want to ensure that my vision is realized."

Richard's surprise slowly turned into a smile of satisfaction. "Understood, Mr. Reyes. SM Prime respects your position and your vision. We see great potential in this collaboration, and we're willing to provide the resources and expertise necessary to make this project a success."

Michael nodded. "Thank you...I'm looking forward to it. So has SM Prime already discussed this internally?"

Richard nodded. "Yes, we've had preliminary discussions. Our executives are very excited about the potential of this partnership. We believe that combining our resources and expertise with your innovative approach can create a landmark project."

Michael leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What are the next steps from your side?"

Richard pulled out a tablet and started scrolling through some documents. "We propose setting up a joint task force comprising members from both our teams. This task force will handle the planning, design, and implementation phases of the project. We can start with a series of meetings to align our visions and create a detailed roadmap."

Richard nodded. "Yes, we've had preliminary discussions. Our executives are very excited about the potential of this partnership. We believe that combining our resources and expertise with your innovative approach can create a landmark project."

Michael leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What are the next steps from your side?"

Richard pulled out a tablet and started scrolling through some documents. "We propose setting up a joint task force comprising members from both our teams. This task force will handle the planning, design, and implementation phases of the project. We can start with a series of meetings to align our visions and create a detailed roadmap."

Michael considered the proposal. "That sounds reasonable. I'll have Bridget coordinate with your team to set up these meetings. We need to ensure that both sides are on the same page from the very beginning."

Richard smiled. "Excellent. We also propose a joint announcement to the media once we have finalized the details. This will help build excitement and anticipation for the new mall."

***

Later in the evening, at SM Prime Headquarters in Pasay City. The top executives of SM Prime Holdings had gathered for an urgent meeting to discuss Richard Lim's recent interaction with Michael Reyes.

Richard, having just returned from his meeting with Michael Reyes, took his seat and began his report. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have some significant news. I just returned from a meeting with Michael Reyes of Reyes Corporation. He's interested in partnering with us for the redevelopment of Citi Mall Philcoa."

The room erupted in murmurs of surprise and interest. Henry raised his hand to quiet the room, his eyes fixed on Richard.

"Who could have thought that Michael Reyes is gullible to even consider a partnership with us."

"That's because he sees the potential in a strategic alliance," Richard replied measuredly. "He was very clear that he's interested in a partnership, not a takeover. This project is personal to him, and he wants to ensure his vision is realized."

Henry Sy Jr. nodded thoughtfully. "What did he propose?"

"As far as I know, the project is simply personal for Mr. Reyes. He didn't propose anything besides only keeping his vision intact," Richard said.

Henry leaned back in his chair, his expression serious. "So, he's open to collaboration, but he wants to maintain control over the vision. That's understandable given how personal this project is for him."

Another senior executive spoke up. "What about the media announcement? How do we plan to handle that?"

Richard nodded. "Michael is interested in making a joint announcement once the details are finalized. This will help build excitement and anticipation for the new mall. We should prepare our marketing and PR teams to start working on a joint announcement strategy."

Henry looked around the table, seeing the determined expressions on his team's faces. "Okay, I think that settles it. Mr. Reyes is not a threat to our interests, but rather a potential ally. Perhaps we should invite him to a dinner party."

"That we all agree."