NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 69 We Can Finally Start
"Mr. Go dropped the case?" Michael repeated the text message. Well, that's an unexpected outcome. He didn't expect them to drop the case so early and easily as their faces back then when they were talking together were firm and left no room for negotiation. Michael, as of now, is outside the Technological Institute of the Philippines. In his hand was a stick of kwek-kwek, the popular Filipino street food consisting of hard-boiled quail eggs wrapped in an orange batter and deep-fried to perfection. The snack, with its crunchy exterior and soft, warm center, was a simple pleasure that Michael had not indulged in for some time. As he took another bite, he read the one who sent the message was Antoinette Estolas. He tapped the call icon and wedged the phone between his shoulder and ear. The phone rang twice before Antoinette picked up.
"Michael? Did you get my message?" Antoinette asked.
"Yeah, I just saw it. Mr. Go dropped the case? Just like that?" Michael's tone was incredulous, seeking confirmation as much as he was expressing his disbelief.
"That's right," Antoinette confirmed. "Their lawyer called me this morning. They're officially withdrawing the lawsuit. No strings attached."
Michael paused, taking a moment to process the news. "But why? They seemed pretty determined last time we spoke."
"That's right," Antoinette confirmed. "Their lawyer called me this morning. They're officially withdrawing the lawsuit. No strings attached."
Michael paused, taking a moment to process the news. "But why? They seemed pretty determined last time we spoke."
"I'm not entirely sure," Antoinette admitted though Michael could feel that there was a tinge of lie in her voice, suggesting she might know more than she was letting on. "Hmm…let me guess, it has something to do with the Solar Dynamics Corporation, am I right?" Michael said.
"I can't tell you the specifics," Antoinette responded. "Yeah, you can't tell because possibly, you made a backroom deal with the CEO of the Solar Dynamics Corporation correct? Well, it's too obvious that the CEO is willing to do anything to delay the release of my solar panel to the public. Well, he can't stop the inevitable, the only business could do in this situation is to adapt, right?"
Antoinette paused, a heavy silence on the line hinting at the complexity of the situation. "Michael, you're not wrong to suspect there's more at play here. Let's just say negotiations took place that ensured a more favorable outcome for all parties involved. The details aren't important. What matters is that the lawsuit is off your back, and you can focus on your work."
08:00
"I don't know if I'm the only one noticing this, but you speak as if you are my mom," Michael chuckled. "Well, it's good that the lawsuit is off my back. Now I can fully concentrate on the pro—" Michael's phone vibrated. He looked at the display of his phone and saw email notifications from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Curious, he put Antoinette on hold and opened the emails.
The first email from the SEC confirmed that his business, SolaraTech Innovations, was officially registered as a corporation. The second email, from the DTI, similarly acknowledged the registration of his business name and granted him the necessary permits to operate legally within the Philippines.
"Well, that's another piece of good news," Michael muttered to himself, a smile forming on his lips. The official recognition of his business by these governmental bodies was a crucial step in bringing his solar panel project to market. It not only legitimized his venture in the eyes of potential investors and partners but also in the regulatory landscape of the country.
And also with the lawsuit done, there's nothing stopping him from starting a business. Oh wait—he had just put Antoinette on hold for more than one minute. He promptly switched back to the call.
"Mrs. Estolas, sorry for putting you on hold. I just received two more pieces of incredible news. My business, SolaraTech Innovations, is now officially registered with both the SEC and the DTI. We've got the green light to operate legally in the Philippines," Michael announced, barely containing his enthusiasm.
There was a brief pause on the line before Antoinette responded. "That's fantastic, Michael! Congratulations! Now, we can finally discuss the amount of money for ten percent shares. Have you already calculated the valuation of your company?"
"I did and I'll present it to you along with Bridget von Reimann. Speaking about her, I'm going to inform her about this. She deserves to know," Michael said, taking another bite of his kwek-kwek, now slightly cold but still enjoyable.
"Of course, that sounds like a plan. Bridget has been a key supporter from the start; she should be part of this conversation," Antoinette agreed. "Just let me know when you're ready for the meeting, and we'll set it up."
Michael nodded, even though Antoinette couldn't see him. "Will do. I'll reach out to Bridget and then we can coordinate a time that works for all of us. "Indeed, Michael. This is where the real work begins. Having the legalities sorted is one thing, but now it's about execution and bringing your vision to life. I'm looking forward to seeing where you take SolaraTech Innovations from here," Antoinette said, her tone shifting to one of encouragement.
"Okay thank you…I will hang up now and call Ms. Bridget," Michael said, ending the call. He navigated to Bridget's contact and dialed her number. The phone rang a few times before Bridget answered.
"Michael, what's up? Is everything okay?" Bridget inquired.
"Everything's more than okay, Bridget. We've cleared two major hurdles today. First off, the lawsuit from Mr. Go has been dropped. No more legal battles over our heads," Michael announced.
Bridget's surprise was evident even through the phone. "Seriously? That's incredible news! But how did that happen so suddenly?"
"It's a long story, but let's just say some negotiations happened behind the scenes. And there's more good news. SolaraTech Innovations is now officially a corporation. We've got our registrations and permits from the SEC and DTI. We're all set to operate legally in the Philippines," Michael continued, unable to hide the pride in his achievements.
Bridget's excitement mirrored Michael's. "Wow, Michael, that's fantastic! We can finally start!" Michael took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Next, we need to talk business—specifically, about the valuation of SolaraTech and the investment for the ten percent shares. Antoinette Estolas is already on board, and I thought it's crucial you're involved in this discussion too."
"Absolutely, count me in. I've been with SolaraTech since the beginning, and I'm not stepping back now, especially when things are getting really exciting," Bridget responded, her commitment clear.
"Great. I'll coordinate with Antoinette to set up a meeting. We'll go over the valuation and discuss the future strategy for SolaraTech." "Just give me the date and schedule and I'll be there," Bridget said.
"Of course,"
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