I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World-Chapter 75: Keep Pushing

The conference room inside Sentinel Systems' headquarters was prepared for the virtual meeting. The large OLED screen displayed the secure video call link, waiting to connect. Matthew sat at the head of the long, polished table, his fingers lightly tapping against the surface as he reviewed the final notes.

Angel stood beside him, her tablet in hand, while Daniel sat a few seats away, casually sipping his coffee. This meeting was different from the first. This time, they weren't just prospective investors—they were a major force within SM Prime Holdings.

"Alright," Angel began, glancing at her tablet, "the meeting agenda is straightforward. SM Prime's leadership wants clarity on our long-term strategy. Their biggest concern is whether Sentinel intends to be a passive investor or an active force in shaping their future."

Matthew smirked. "They already know the answer to that. They just want to hear it from us."

Angel nodded. "Exactly. But we need to strike the right balance. Push too hard, and they'll see us as a threat. Play too soft, and they might try to minimize our influence."

Daniel leaned back. "They still think they can box us out."

"They won't," Matthew said. "Once this meeting is done, they'll understand that Sentinel isn't just here to hold shares—we're here to elevate SM Prime."

The screen flickered, and the video call connected.

On the other side of the screen, Henry Sy Jr., Jeffrey Lim, and Jose Sio appeared, seated in a similar boardroom setup. Their expressions were professional, neutral, yet cautious.

"Mr. Borja," Henry Sy Jr. began, his voice measured. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with us again."

Matthew nodded. "Likewise, Mr. Sy. I appreciate the opportunity."

Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime's President, wasted no time getting to the point. "Sentinel Systems has recently become one of our largest institutional shareholders. We respect your firm's growth and strategic investments, but we'd like to understand your intentions regarding SM Prime."

Matthew leaned slightly forward, his voice calm but firm. "SM Prime is a company with an exceptional legacy. Despite the current challenges brought by the pandemic, I believe in the long-term growth of commercial real estate, retail, and property development. This is why Sentinel has taken a significant position."

Henry Sy Jr. studied him closely. "And does this mean Sentinel intends to influence our strategic direction?"

Matthew smirked. "Influence? Not in a hostile way. I believe Sentinel can bring value. As you know, our expertise lies in technology integration, AI-driven data analytics, and cybersecurity. I see immense potential in modernizing SM Prime's operations, strengthening its digital presence, and improving data-driven decision-making for commercial properties."

Jose Sio, the chairman, folded his hands together. "You're proposing a tech-driven transformation of SM Prime?"

Matthew nodded. "Yes. The pandemic has accelerated the digitization of industries. E-commerce has taken a larger share of the retail sector. Commercial real estate is evolving. The question isn't whether businesses should adapt—it's whether they'll lead the transition or get left behind."

Jeffrey Lim exhaled. "You want SM Prime to lead."

"Correct," Matthew said. "And Sentinel can help make that happen. AI-driven analytics can optimize mall operations, cybersecurity can protect financial transactions in retail centers, and smart infrastructure can enhance property management. Imagine a future where your malls utilize real-time foot traffic analytics, predictive maintenance for facilities, and AI-powered consumer insights."

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Henry Sy Jr. leaned back slightly, contemplating the proposition. "That's ambitious."

"It's necessary," Matthew countered. "Companies that fail to evolve will struggle to keep up post-pandemic. SM Prime has the opportunity to reinvent itself."

Jose Sio tapped a pen against the table. "This level of transformation requires significant capital and operational changes. What exactly are you proposing in terms of Sentinel's role?"

Matthew didn't hesitate. "A board seat."

A brief silence fell over the call.

Henry Sy Jr. and Jeffrey Lim exchanged glances.

"A board seat?" Henry Sy Jr. repeated.

"Yes," Matthew confirmed. "Sentinel isn't just another passive investor looking for stock appreciation. We're here to contribute. A seat on the board ensures that our technological expertise is integrated into SM Prime's long-term strategies."

Jeffrey Lim folded his arms. "That's… not a small request."

Matthew smirked. "Neither is Sentinel's investment. We've already acquired over 5% of the company, making us one of your most influential shareholders. We could have kept buying quietly, but instead, we're here—offering a partnership."

Jose Sio tapped a few notes on his tablet before speaking. "And if the board declines this request?"

Matthew leaned back slightly. "Then we'll continue investing. We'll reach 7%, 10%, maybe more. Eventually, our presence will be undeniable."

A moment of silence passed.

Henry Sy Jr. finally exhaled. "Mr. Borja, I can't give you an immediate answer. Board seats are not granted lightly, especially to non-family investors. However… I can say that the board will consider this request seriously."

Matthew smiled. That was as close to a 'yes' as he was going to get for now.

"That's all I ask," Matthew said. "In the meantime, Sentinel will continue supporting SM Prime's growth. I look forward to working together."

The meeting ended soon after.

Back in Sentinel's boardroom, Angel turned to Matthew with a knowing look. "They're considering it."

Matthew smirked. "Of course they are. They know resisting us completely is a losing game."

Daniel chuckled. "So what now? Do we keep buying?"

Matthew shook his head. "No. For now, we hold our position. We let them sweat. They need time to digest the reality of our presence."

Angel tapped a few notes onto her tablet. "And if they take too long?"

Matthew smirked. "Then we make another move."

The game was far from over. But one thing was certain—Sentinel was here to stay.

Matthew closed his laptop, exhaling slowly as he leaned back in his chair. The weight of the last few months had been relentless—acquiring stakes, negotiating board seats, expanding Sentinel's reach. Everything had been calculated, methodical, and executed with precision. But for the first time in a while, he felt the need to step back, even if just for a few days.

He turned to Angel, who was still reviewing some reports on her tablet. "I think it's time I took a break," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Angel looked up, raising an eyebrow. "A break?"

Matthew nodded. "Nothing drastic, just a few days off. Maybe somewhere quiet."

Daniel chuckled. "You're actually stepping away from work? That's new."

Matthew smirked. "Even I need to recharge sometimes. Besides, the pieces are already in motion. Let's give SM Prime time to process before we push forward."

Angel studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'll handle everything while you're away."

Matthew stood, stretching. "Good. Make sure no one burns the company down while I'm gone."

With that, he grabbed his coat and walked out, ready to clear his mind before making his next big move.