166Once home, Emily was angry with Michael for his absence, saying she and Olivia called him many times without him picking up.Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Emily, I had an urgent matter to attend to at TecnoVen. Something unexpected came up."Emily crossed her arms, frustration evident in her voice. "Unexpected? Michael, we had plans, and you left us hanging. What could be more important than your family?"Michael tried to explain, "It's a cybersecurity crisis. TecnoVen is under a cyber attack, and I had to rush back to handle it. They're threatening to leak sensitive information if we don't pay them 10 millions dollars."Emily's expression softened slightly, concern replacing anger. "A cyber attack? Is the company in danger?"Michael nodded, "Yes, it's serious. I need to focus on resolving this issue to protect the company and its reputation."Concern etched across her face, Emily asked, "Do they know who the hackers are?"Michael shook his head, "Not yet. It's
167Michael needed to address the growing skepticism.He sighed, "This is a PR nightmare. We need to act fast to salvage our reputation."His father, reached out, "Michael, I've been through similar situations. Trust me, merging TecnoVen with my cybersecurity company is the best way to restore confidence."Michael hesitated, "I appreciate the help, but I want TecnoVen to stand on its own. I've learned from my mistakes, and I want to prove we can overcome this independently."Edward insisted, "Michael, this is not just about you. It's about the company, its partners, and public perception. A merger will strengthen our position."Michael argued, "But I want TecnoVen to succeed on its own merit. I can handle this setback."Edward pointed out, "This is not just a setback; it's a crisis. You need a strategic move to regain trust. Let me handle the merger details, and you'll still lead the new company."Reluctantly, Michael conceded, "Fine, but I want to be actively involved in the process.
168Next day, the documents for the merger of the two companies were ready, and Michael's father sent him Douglas, his right-hand man, along with the leaders of the cybersecurity company.Douglas handed over the documents, "Michael, these are the merger details. Your father believes it's the right step to rebuild TecnoVen's reputation."Michael scanned the papers, concern etched on his face. "I hope this doesn't compromise TecnoVen's identity."The cybersecurity leader assured, "We've structured it to preserve TecnoVen's essence. This merger will enhance our capabilities against future threats."Michael, still troubled by the events of the previous day, decided to pay a visit to Olivia's store in an attempt to see her and explain himself. On his way to Olivia's store, Michael contemplated the recent contract TecnoVen had signed.The merger and the ease with which the experts from the cybersecurity company had flushed out the hackers. He couldn't help but wonder if his father had orche
169Undeterred, Michael chuckled, "Well, I've played a fair bit. It's all in good fun, right?"The rich men exchanged smirks, clearly amused by Michael's audacity. The leader scoffed, "Fun? This is a game for winners, not someone like you."Despite the condescending remarks, Michael decided to persist. "Come on, a friendly match won't hurt. Let's see who the real winner is."Michael was an ace at billiards, he played it with his grandfather when he was still very young.The men laughed, their arrogance intensifying. "You're out of your league, buddy. Go find a corner to hide in or something," one of them mocked.Michael, undeterred by the insults, picked up a cue stick and confidently approached the pool table. "Let's play. Maybe I'll surprise you."The leader, a tall man with slicked-back hair and a disdainful smirk, sneered, "Surprise us? I highly doubt that." He glanced at his companions, who all seemed to share the same arrogance.A burly man with a thick beard chuckled, "Look at
170Marcus gave a subtle nod, and as Michael prepared for his next shot, Rick discreetly leaned against the table, attempting to subtly shift the balance and throw off the game.Michael took his stance, unaware of the subterfuge. He took his shot, and the cue ball veered off course—just as Rick had intended. A smug smile spread across Rick's face."Looks like your luck's run out, Ventura," Marcus taunted.But Michael simply chalked his cue, unfazed. "Let's see about that."On his next turn, Michael adjusted his stance ever so slightly, compensating for the altered position of the table. The rich men, thinking they had successfully disrupted Michael's game, exchanged triumphant glances.Alex, with a smirk, exclaimed,"Nice try, Ventura. But you can't recover from that."Undeterred, Michael calmly observed the new layout and took his shot. To the men's astonishment, the cue ball crossed the altered path flawlessly, sinking another ball.Jeremy, was in disbelief, "How did he...? That sho
171When he returned home, Michael found Emily working in the living room. He decided to apologize to Emily, acknowledging her excitement about the family business."Em, I want you to know that I support you in this new adventure with Dad's store," he confessed.Emily looked surprised but grateful. "Really, Michael?""Yeah, really. I might not agree with everything, but family comes first," he admitted.Emily smiled and hugged him. "Thanks, Michael. I appreciate that."Curious, Emily noticed Michael's somber mood again. "But what's going on with you? And why does it seem like you're on bad terms with Olivia?"Michael sighed, deciding it was time to come clean."I messed up, Em. I got caught kissing another girl, and Olivia saw it."Emily's eyes widened. "What? Michael, how could you? Olivia really liked you.""I know, Em. It was a misunderstanding, and I regret it deeply," he confessed.Emily scolded him. "No wonder she took my departure of her store so badly. You need to fix this, Mic
172Meanwhile, Emily had been working tirelessly to refine the last details for the opening of her store, which was scheduled for the next day. She returned home very late that evening, her fatigue evident.Concerned, Michael approached her. "Emily, you're back so late. Are you okay?"Emily managed a tired smile. "I'm fine, Michael. I was just putting the finishing touches on the store. It's going to be amazing."Michael's worry faded, replaced by pride for his sister's accomplishments. "I'm proud of you, Em. I hope the opening goes well.""Thank you, Michael. I really appreciate your support," Emily replied warmly. "I hope you'll be there tomorrow.""Of course," Michael assured her. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."The next morning, Emily left home early to prepare for the grand opening of her store.Michael headed to TecnoVen. He sought out Robert."Robert, I need to talk to you," Michael said, finding him in his office.Robert looked up from his desk, concern etched on his face.
173 "Michael, you don't need to fight this alone. You know, I've been running Luminory Inc, an electricity company, for years. We're not strangers to renewable energy projects. We don't have to be competitors, son." Edward said.Michael sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Dad, I appreciate the offer. I really do. But this is something I have to do on my own.""I understand, Michael," Edward replied, his voice softening. "But remember, there was a time when I had to face a mafia problem in the company. You stepped in, you ruled. It's already a part of you."Michael remained silent for a moment, before responding. "Thank you, Dad. But I'm not interested."Meanwhile, Emily had been trying to mend the relationship between Michael and Olivia. "Michael," she said one week later, "I've been talking to Olivia. I think she's willing to give it another shot."Michael raised an eyebrow. "Really?""Yes," Emily confirmed. "Just don't mess it up this time, alright?"The next weekend, Michael