Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

The collapse of Ayala Corporation had sent shockwaves through the Philippine business community. First Gokongwei, then Pangilinan, and now Zobel de Ayala—three titans of industry, once thought untouchable, had all succumbed to the relentless onslaught of Michael Reyes and Reyes Corporation. What was once unthinkable had now become a terrifying reality: Reyes Corporation was an unstoppable force, reshaping the landscape of power, wealth, and influence in the country.

***

The air in Manny Villar's boardroom was heavy with unease as he sat at the head of the table. Around him were some of the remaining magnates: Henry Sy Jr., Ramon Ang, and a handful of other top businessmen who had yet to feel the full force of Michael Reyes' campaigns. Their faces, usually calm and collected, now showed signs of strain.

"This… this is unprecedented," Henry Sy Jr. said, his voice breaking the tense silence. "Three of the most powerful conglomerates in the country have been dismantled in a matter of months. Gokongwei, Pangilinan, Ayala—all of them. Gone."

Ramon Ang, chairman of San Miguel Corporation, leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "And they didn't just lose. Reyes made sure to strip them of their strongest assets. He took their clients, their projects, and their reputations. Their empires are shadows of what they used to be."

Villar, normally the composed architect of his own vast empire, was no longer masking his frustration. "I warned you all. Reyes isn't like anyone we've faced before. He's calculated, ruthless, and he has the resources to pull this off. And let's be clear—he's not going to stop until there's no one left to challenge him."

A murmur swept through the room, the other magnates exchanging uneasy glances.

"And now we sit here, waiting," Henry Sy Jr. muttered. "Waiting to see which one of us is next." Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

Villar's gaze hardened as he addressed the group. "We can't afford to wait any longer. We've seen his tactics—media campaigns, targeting contractors, regulatory pressure, poaching clients. If we sit idle, he'll dismantle us just like the others. We need to understand our legal position. Can we fight this?"

Ramon Ang nodded in agreement. "We need clarity. We've tried countering with discounts, PR campaigns, and securing contracts, but it's not enough. Reyes is too far ahead. If we can't beat him in the market, maybe we can stop him through legal means."

Villar stood up, pulling out his phone. "Then we bring in our lawyers. I want answers today."

An hour later, the magnates were gathered in a private legal office in Makati. Their lawyers—some of the most expensive and powerful legal minds in the country—sat across from them, reviewing files and discussing the unfolding crisis.

"The question is simple," Villar began, his tone sharp and direct. "Is there any way we can stop Michael Reyes legally? What he's done to Gokongwei, Pangilinan, and Ayala—can we argue anti-competitive behavior? Corporate sabotage? Anything?"

The lead lawyer, a composed man in his sixties, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. "I understand the urgency of the matter, Mr. Villar, but the reality is not in your favor. From our review of Reyes Corporation's activities, they have stayed within the bounds of the law."

A murmur of frustration filled the room.

"Explain," Henry Sy Jr. demanded.

The lawyer opened a folder, flipping through the detailed analysis. "Mr. Reyes has been aggressive, yes, but his actions have been carefully planned and legally sound. His media campaigns focus on facts—highlighting flaws in his competitors' services and positioning Reyes Corporation as the superior choice. That's not illegal; that's good marketing."

Another lawyer chimed in, continuing the explanation. "As for poaching contractors and clients, it's simply a matter of offering better terms and innovative solutions. The contractors and clients chose to leave. Reyes didn't force their hand. He created better opportunities, and they accepted. That's fair competition."

Ramon Ang shook his head in disbelief. "But what about regulatory pressure? It's too much of a coincidence that agencies suddenly began scrutinizing our operations."

The lead lawyer sighed. "Reyes Corporation has been smart. They've partnered with local governments and organizations to promote sustainable solutions, especially in utilities. It naturally puts your companies under a microscope, but there's no evidence that Reyes initiated these investigations. At best, he's taken advantage of existing public dissatisfaction, but he hasn't broken any laws."

Villar's voice turned icy. "So you're telling us there's nothing we can do?"

The lawyer hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "Legally speaking, there's very little ground to stand on. Reyes Corporation is operating within the law. Unless we find concrete evidence of misconduct—fraud, bribery, or anti-competitive collusion—there's no case to be made."

The silence that followed was suffocating. The remaining titans of Philippine business were used to control, to power. The idea that they were being outplayed—legally and strategically—was a bitter pill to swallow.

Meanwhile, at Reyes Corporation, Michael Reyes stood at the head of the strategy room. His top advisors, Juliet and Bridget, were flanking him as they prepared for the next phase of their campaign. The success against Ayala Corporation had solidified their dominance, but Michael knew it was only a matter of time before his remaining rivals moved to counter him.

"Villar, Sy, and Ang," Michael began, pointing to their names on the digital board. "They're the last ones standing. If we take them down, Reyes Corporation will control the major sectors—telecommunications, energy, real estate, utilities, logistics, and infrastructure."

Juliet tapped her tablet, pulling up a detailed report. "Villar's strength lies in real estate and retail, but his leverage is tied to heavily mortgaged properties. Sy's empire revolves around retail and banking—profitable but vulnerable to market shifts. Ang's San Miguel Corporation has a vast portfolio, but their dependence on energy and infrastructure projects makes them susceptible to regulatory hurdles."

Michael studied the board, his mind already connecting the dots. "Good. Start with Villar's real estate. Target his flagship projects and key contractors. If we disrupt his supply chain, it'll ripple through his entire portfolio."

Bridget chimed in. "For Sy, we focus on retail. Introduce a direct competitor—high-tech, consumer-friendly, and affordable. Undercut SM's pricing and leverage our technology to dominate e-commerce."

Michael nodded, his tone decisive. "And for San Miguel, go after their infrastructure projects. Partner with local governments to introduce alternatives that are cheaper and more efficient. Regulatory pressure will do the rest."

Juliet smiled faintly, her confidence evident. "We'll make sure it's executed flawlessly."

Michael's gaze hardened as he turned back to the board. "The moment they start to feel safe, we strike. Let them scramble. Let them watch as their empires crumble."

Back in Villar's boardroom, the remaining magnates sat in silence, each man lost in his own thoughts. The lawyers had made their position clear: Reyes Corporation was untouchable—for now.

"What do we do?" Henry Sy Jr. finally asked, his voice quiet.

Ramon Ang leaned back, exhaling heavily. "We prepare. We reinforce our operations, we lock down our contracts, and we adapt. If Reyes comes for us, we need to be ready."

Villar's gaze was dark, his tone steely. "And if that's not enough?"

No one had an answer.

As the shadows of night crept across the city, Michael Reyes stood at his window, watching the skyline that was now his battlefield. The final giants were beginning to tremble, and Michael knew it wouldn't be long before they fell.

"They thought they could hold onto their empires forever," he murmured. "But they never saw me coming."

And with that, Michael Reyes prepared to strike the final blow.