I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World-Chapter 154: Timing is Off

Sentinel BioTech Headquarters, Manila

Three Days Later

Matthew leaned back comfortably in his leather chair, gazing thoughtfully out the expansive office windows that overlooked Manila's bustling skyline. It was late afternoon, and sunlight cast golden hues across the city, silhouetting skyscrapers against the horizon. Despite the serene view, his thoughts remained elsewhere—on the increasingly complex geopolitical chessboard he navigated carefully each day.

A quiet knock on the door drew his attention back to the present moment. Angel entered, professional as ever, carrying her ever-present tablet.

"Sir, General Volkov has requested a secure video conference," she informed him politely. Her expression revealed nothing, though Matthew sensed curiosity behind her usual calm professionalism. "He says it's urgent."

Matthew smiled faintly, unsurprised. Volkov's timing was impeccable, as always. "Thank you, Angel. Patch him through immediately."

She nodded, quickly closing the door behind her. Moments later, Matthew's private screen flickered, revealing General Sergei Volkov's sharp, guarded face. Even through a video connection, Volkov's presence felt commanding, authoritative, and wary.

"Good evening, General," Matthew greeted warmly, maintaining his confident composure. "To what do I owe this urgent call?"

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Volkov leaned forward, eyes narrowed, studying Matthew intently. "Mr. Borja, we have a problem. The Americans are becoming suspicious. We expected caution from them, but their inquiries are becoming increasingly specific."

Matthew raised an eyebrow calmly, feigning polite confusion. "General, the Americans have regular concerns. Their latest questions to me were routine—nothing I haven't easily managed."

Volkov shook his head, clearly unconvinced. "Routine or not, our sources indicate they suspect deeper connections—your secondary-tier technology licenses. The Pentagon suspects you've quietly improved our exosuit projects."

Matthew leaned forward slightly, voice steady and reassuring. "Suspicions without proof are meaningless, General. The Pentagon understands clearly that my primary loyalty is to our exclusive Titan contracts. Even if they suspect something, they have nothing concrete."

Volkov exhaled slowly, frustration evident on his normally reserved face. "We appreciate your confidence. But there's a limit to how long we can operate without drawing more scrutiny. We need further reassurance from you."

Matthew's voice softened slightly, reassuring but firm. "General, the discretion of our arrangement is mutually beneficial. Exposure hurts us all—especially me. My reputation and credibility rely on confidentiality. Rest assured, I will manage American suspicions. Have I not delivered exactly as promised so far?"

Volkov hesitated, weighing Matthew's words carefully. After a pause, he finally nodded reluctantly. "Yes, you have. But understand—our continued investment requires ongoing trust. Beijing shares similar concerns."

Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "General Wei has contacted you as well, I assume?"

Volkov's face tightened, irritation briefly surfacing. "Yes. Wei expresses similar discomfort. Both nations have invested heavily in your secondary technology. It must remain discreet, Borja. We cannot afford a political disaster."

Matthew smiled faintly, his calm confidence returning effortlessly. "General, I'm a businessman first. Discretion ensures profit and mutual benefit. Political disaster benefits no one—least of all me."

Volkov sighed deeply, accepting Matthew's assurances for the moment. "Fine. We'll maintain our trust—for now. But stay cautious. If American suspicion escalates, inform us immediately."

Matthew nodded calmly, voice measured and respectful. "Absolutely, General. Our partnership remains secure."

Volkov disconnected swiftly, leaving Matthew alone in his office, the screen darkened once more.

Matthew leaned back, thoughtfully rubbing his temples. The situation was becoming complicated, though he'd anticipated exactly this kind of tension. Playing multiple powerful nations off one another demanded precision, care, and an unwavering sense of calm. So far, he'd managed it perfectly, but the balance was fragile.

Another soft knock drew his attention again. Angel re-entered discreetly, clearly sensing the weight of the recent conversation.

"Everything alright, sir?" she asked gently, carefully gauging his mood.

Matthew smiled warmly, shaking off tension with practiced ease. "Yes, Angel. Everything remains perfectly manageable."

She hesitated briefly, obviously concerned but trying to respect his privacy. "Is there anything further I can assist with?"

Matthew considered this carefully before nodding slightly. "Actually, yes. Arrange a private meeting with Colonel Hudson—face-to-face. I'd like to reassure him personally."

Angel seemed mildly surprised, yet nodded swiftly. "Right away, sir."

As she left, Matthew stood quietly, stretching his legs and approaching the window once more. The city below hummed with activity, oblivious to the geopolitical game playing out quietly behind the scenes. It felt oddly comforting.

Pentagon, Washington D.C.

Three Days Later

Colonel Hudson sat patiently in a discreet Pentagon conference room, eyes glancing at his watch occasionally as he waited. This sudden request for an in-person meeting from Matthew Borja had caught him off guard. Matthew rarely came to Washington without careful planning, making this unexpected visit particularly notable.

The door opened quietly, and Matthew stepped calmly inside, offering a polite, confident smile.

"Colonel Hudson, thank you for accommodating my request on such short notice," Matthew greeted warmly, extending a firm handshake.

Hudson shook his hand, noting Matthew's calm confidence. "Of course, Matthew. Please, sit. Let's talk."

They sat comfortably across from each other. Matthew maintained eye contact, voice steady and sincere. "Colonel, I sensed during our recent conversation you have lingering concerns about potential breaches regarding our Titan technology."

Hudson watched him cautiously, nodding slowly. "That's fair to say."

Matthew leaned forward slightly, adopting an open, reassuring tone. "Allow me to be direct, Colonel. Sentinel BioTech strictly honors its exclusive contract with the U.S. military. We have never—nor will we ever—violate that agreement. I understand recent intelligence suggests rapid progress by Russia and China, and that raises questions."

Hudson studied Matthew closely, skepticism still evident. "You must admit, Matthew—the timing of their sudden progress is alarming. It aligns almost precisely with your recent improvements in Titan Mk-II."

Matthew nodded thoughtfully, responding calmly. "Colonel, Titan Mk-II breakthroughs involve improvements in power management and actuator technology—innovations derived from civilian sectors. It's entirely possible other nations independently developed similar solutions."

Hudson raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Convenient, though, isn't it?"

Matthew smiled faintly, voice softening slightly. "Convenient perhaps—but not improbable. What matters now is how we proceed. I'm fully transparent with your team. You're welcome to conduct further audits anytime you wish. I'll provide unrestricted access."

Hudson relaxed slightly, reluctantly accepting Matthew's assurances for the moment. "We'll consider it."

Matthew sat back comfortably, voice steady and reassuring. "I built Sentinel BioTech on credibility, Colonel. Trust is fundamental to our relationship. You have my personal assurance that Titan exclusivity remains absolute. I'm deeply committed to our partnership."

Hudson considered this carefully, finally sighing softly. "I appreciate your directness, Matthew. Please understand our cautiousness."

"Absolutely," Matthew agreed warmly, voice genuine. "Caution is essential. All I ask is that we move forward transparently, preserving trust."

Hudson nodded thoughtfully, finally convinced—at least temporarily. "Agreed. Transparency works both ways."

Matthew smiled sincerely, extending his hand again. "Of course, Colonel. Always."

As the meeting concluded, Matthew left the Pentagon confidently, satisfied Hudson's suspicions were temporarily quieted. Yet he understood clearly the balance remained delicate. Keeping America reassured required constant vigilance, careful communication, and absolute transparency—at least superficially.

Somewhere Above the Atlantic

Private Jet, Returning to Manila

Relaxing comfortably on his return flight home, Matthew sipped a glass of aged whiskey thoughtfully. The soft hum of jet engines and gentle cabin lighting created a peaceful atmosphere, providing space for quiet reflection.

His careful moves had kept powerful nations carefully balanced—America reassured, Russia and China cautiously dependent. Yet he understood clearly this intricate dance couldn't last indefinitely.

But for now, his carefully orchestrated strategy remained intact.

He closed his eyes briefly, savoring the subtle taste of victory. This game required patience, precision, and confidence. He had all three.