Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

379  The Comfort

A day later.

Michael sat at his desk, tapping his fingers impatiently as he waited for Juliet to return with the formal response from the legal team. The door to his office opened, and Juliet walked in, holding a thick folder. Her expression was calm, but the weight of the situation was clear.

"Here it is," she said, placing the folder on his desk. "The legal team's formal response to the PCC's requests. They've gone over every detail, making sure we've covered all angles."

Michael nodded and reached for the folder, flipping it open. His eyes scanned the pages.

[To the Honorable Members of the Philippine Competition Commission:

On behalf of Reyes Corporation, we submit this formal response to the allegations of monopolistic behavior.

Monopolistic Allegations

Reyes Corporation firmly denies engaging in any anti-competitive practices. Our growth has been driven by innovation, efficiency, and consumer demand, not by restricting competitors or reducing market competition. We operate in a dynamic market where numerous players continue to thrive. Market Impact

Our presence in various sectors has fostered healthy competition, driving other companies to improve their products and services. Reyes Corporation's innovations have lowered costs for consumers and created numerous jobs, contributing to national economic growth. Commitment to Fair Competition

We remain committed to adhering to all regulations governing fair competition. Reyes Corporation has always acted within the law, and we welcome further dialogue with the Commission to address any concerns.

]

 It was direct and to the point—exactly what they needed to submit to the PCC. He nodded, feeling more confident about the situation. The legal team had done a good job preparing their defense.

"This looks solid," Michael said, closing the folder and placing it on his desk. "Make sure this is delivered to the PCC by the end of the day. We need to stay ahead of this."

Juliet nodded, already making a note. "I'll have it sent immediately."

She hesitated for a moment before adding, "There's something else. Bridget wants to see you."

Michael looked up, his mind shifting gears from business to personal. It had been a while since he'd spent quality time with Bridget, and with everything going on, he had almost forgotten how long it had been.

He gave Juliet a nod, signaling her to go and bring Bridget in. "Tell her I'll see her now."

Juliet smiled faintly before turning to leave, her heels clicking lightly on the floor as she exited his office. Michael sat back, rubbing his temples. The investigation, the media, the pressure—it was a lot to handle, but he knew he couldn't let it spill over into his personal life. Bridget was important, and he needed to make time for her, despite everything else.

Moments later, the door opened again, and Juliet entered with Bridget following behind her.

Bridget walked in slowly, her eyes scanning Michael's face with concern. It was clear that she had been following the news, and the weight of the situation had made its way to her as well. She stopped a few feet from his desk, her hands clasped in front of her as if unsure of how to start the conversation.

"Michael," she said softly, her voice filled with worry. "I've been reading the headlines. Is everything as bad as they're making it sound?"

Michael leaned back in his chair, giving her a tired but reassuring look. He motioned for her to come closer, and she walked over to the side of his desk, her eyes never leaving his face.

"We're handling it," Michael said, his voice steady but showing the strain. "The legal team just finished our formal response to the PCC. It's a roadblock, but nothing we can't manage."

Suddenly, his formal voice turned casual. "Anyways, just sit in my lap."

Bridget looked at him, surprised by the sudden change in his tone. A small smile crept onto her face as she walked closer, the tension in the room easing for a brief moment. She let out a soft sigh and sat gently in his lap, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Bridget let out a contented sigh as Michael snuggled closer, resting his head against hers. For a moment, the worries of the day seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth and comfort of simply being close to her. She felt him relax under her touch, his grip around her tightening slightly, as if anchoring himself in the calm she brought. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Then she felt ticklish, eliciting soft chuckles that made her push Michael's face.

"Michael…be proper."

Michael chuckled, the tension from the day melting away as Bridget's laughter filled the room. He leaned back slightly, still holding her, a grin spreading across his face. "Proper? You sure you want that right now?" he teased, his voice lighter than it had been in days.

Bridget smiled, pushing him playfully again, but her eyes softened. "Yes, proper. You've had a long day. Let's not add more trouble to it."

He shook his head, but the playful glint in his eyes remained. "Alright, alright," he said, letting her settle back in his lap. "But you're right. It's been a long day."

Bridget gazed at him, her expression turning more serious. "I just want to make sure you're okay. You don't have to carry all this weight on your shoulders alone. I know what's happening with the company is huge, but I also know how hard you're pushing yourself."

Michael sighed, his hand brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I know. I've been so focused on fixing things—dealing with the PCC, the media, everything. But being with you right now... it's the first time I've felt like I could breathe in days."

Bridget gave him a soft smile, her eyes full of understanding. "Then let's make sure you keep that balance. You're strong, Michael, but you don't have to be invincible. Lean on me when you need to. I'm here for you."

Michael nodded, appreciating her words. "Thanks, Bridget. I don't say it enough, but I do appreciate everything you do. You're my constant in all of this."

She kissed him gently on the forehead. "Always. And don't forget it."

For a moment, they just sat there, savoring the peace between them. Michael knew the storm outside was far from over, but right now, in this moment, everything felt manageable with Bridget by his side.