44 Benico's Offer
Michael scanned the interior of the vehicle. It was stylish and comfortably appointed. The leather seats felt cool and soft under him and the smell was nice. It was his first time sitting inside a luxury car. "What is the brand and model of this car? If you don't mind me asking," Michael asked. Benico, who was driving paused for a moment before answering, "It's a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the latest model. We use it for company executives and important meetings." He glanced briefly at Michael through the rearview mirror, a small smile on his face, indicating pride in the company's choice of vehicle.
Michael nodded, impressed but quickly refocused on the matter at hand. "Let's get straight to the point, Engineer Benico. What exactly does Solar Dynamics want from me?"
Benico took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Michael, your solar panel technology has the potential to disrupt the market significantly. Solar Dynamics recognizes that. We want to explore a partnership with you, one where your invention can be developed further and brought to market effectively."
"Wait...so it was a lie all along? You faked the technical report." Benico nodded regretfully. "I have no choice, it was an order from the top brass." "Hmm...so you didn't throw my solar panel right? Instead, you were studying it so you can figure out how to reverse engineer it." Benico remained silent, but the answer was written all over his face, that they were doing exactly that.
"Unbelievable. So this shit happens huh?" Michael mused.
"Look, Michael, your technology is impressive but you won't be able to market it by yourself," Benico said, trying to change the topic. This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
Michael shook his head. "I think I'll manage." Benico sighed as he realized his first plan of approach failed, so he decided to shift his strategy. "Michael, let's be realistic here. The solar energy market is competitive and complex. Solar Dynamics has the infrastructure, the resources, and the network to get your technology out there on a global scale. Without that kind of support, it's challenging to make a significant impact."
"Don't worry about how I'll run my company," Michael said flatly.
"Hmm...if the partnership is not going to work, Michael, then how about we offer you money in exchange for the solar panel and the technology required to manufacture one? Ten million dollars," Benico finally stated, watching Michael closely for any reaction.
With that, Benico returned to Michael's home. "I'll send you a text about the company's decision on the statement, but don't get your hopes up. They will do anything just to preserve their image."
"It's fine, if they won't retract then the test of the independent evaluators would speak for themselves," Michael said as he closed the door. The car roared and accelerated away from Michael's home. After seeing the car disappear into the distance, Michael went back to his house.
"So...what did you two talk about?" Myra asked.
"Nothing that will cause you concern, ma," Michael replied. "Anyways, I'm going back to my room, I have some work that needs to be done."
"Okay, I'll cook for dinner," Myra said, going to the kitchen.
Michael entered his bedroom and opened his laptop. He opened his brokerage account which was now at 65 million pesos, thanks to the boost of capital from the winnings in the casino. Due to that, there were countless emails from the trading platform, asking for his audience. But Michael refused to do any of it. There's no need to mingle with them as he already possessed the cheating tool for stock trading.
He cracked his knuckles as he prepared to work. But before he could even begin buying stocks, his phone rang.
Michael glanced at the screen to see who the caller was, and it was Bridget. He answered the call. "This is Michael, how can I help you, Bridget."
"I just saw you on my feed, very interesting, taking on the biggest solar panel company in the Philippines," Bridget commented. "So that's the technology that you have been talking about huh?" "Yeah...So why did you reach out to me? Something happened?" "Nothing, I just want to check up on you, see if you are doing okay." "I'm doing very well, thank you for your concern." "I see...ehem...Michael...I want to invite you to dinner tomorrow, can you come?" "Why does everyone want to talk to me?" Michael mumbled under his breath.