A week later, in the Malacanang Palace.

A polished table stood at the center, two folders neatly arranged on its surface. President Ferdinand A. Farcos sat at one end, Secretary Villanueva by his side. Across from them, Timothy and Hana took their seats, both folders already within reach.

"This," Villanueva said as he slid the documents forward, "is the memorandum of understanding between TG Motors Philippines and the Republic of the Philippines. It outlines the incentives, the land use, and the government's commitment to fast-track permits and clearances."

"Before we sign, Mr. President, I want one condition clear," Timothy said evenly.

Farcos raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"

"No leaks. No public announcements. Not yet."

The President leaned back in his chair, almost amused. "You really want to keep this quiet? A multi-billion-dollar project like this could make waves instantly. It could give me—and you—headlines across the region. Why sit on it?"

Timothy didn't hesitate. "Because I haven't signed contracts with the consortium that will build the gigafactory. Samsung C&T, Albemarle, POSCO, Panasonic—they're still in final negotiations. If word gets out too early, it complicates everything. They'll push for higher terms, or worse, doubt that the Philippine side can control the narrative. I won't risk destabilizing the project before it's secure."

Farcos's eyes narrowed. "So it will be a consortium of foreign companies."

"For the build phase, yes," Timothy confirmed. "They have the expertise to handle something of this scale. But local firms will be involved—EEI Corporation for civil works, Filipino suppliers for logistics and support. Once the factory is operational, the local footprint will grow naturally. That balance is the only way to ensure speed without sacrificing national participation."

For a moment, the President studied him, as though testing whether he truly believed his own words. Then he gave a short nod. "Alright. No announcements. We'll keep this between us until you're ready."

Timothy inclined his head. "Thank you, Mr. President."

Both men picked up their pens and signed the papers.

When the documents were done, Farcos closed his folder and looked at Timothy with a faint smile. "You've got yourself your incentives, Guerrero. Now let's see if you can deliver on all these promises."

Timothy returned the look without flinching. "We will. That's why I wanted this private first—so that when it goes public, there will be no promises, only facts."

***

January 22nd, 2025 – NAIA Terminal 2, Manila

The convoy rolled through the side gate of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, bypassing the crowded commercial terminals. Security waved them through into the executive hangars, where sleek jets stood lined up under the morning sun.

Timothy stepped out of the SUV, sunglasses shielding his eyes from the glare bouncing off polished fuselages. Hana followed closely, tablet in hand, already scrolling through the specifications she had prepared.

"Sir," she said as they walked toward a gleaming white jet parked at the far end of the apron, "this is the Gulfstream G700 demo unit flown in by The Jet Business. They brought it in specifically for inspection. No commitments yet—they're waiting for your decision."

Timothy slowed his steps as they approached. The G700 dwarfed the smaller business jets around it, its elongated fuselage and raked wings giving it a commanding presence. The silver lettering gleamed across its tail.

"Where is Steve?" Timothy asked.

"I'm here, sir," came the reply.

From the open airstairs of the Gulfstream G700, a tall, sharply dressed man descended with an easy confidence. Steve Varsano, the CEO of The Jet Business, adjusted his suit jacket as he approached, his polished shoes tapping lightly on the metal steps. His expression carried the kind of charm only a man who had closed billion-dollar deals could wear.

"Mr. Guerrero," Steve greeted warmly, extending his hand. "Welcome. I thought it best I come personally. When someone is considering a jet of this caliber, it deserves more than just a sales rep."

Timothy shook his hand firmly. "Good to finally meet you, Steve. I've read about The Jet Business and how you sell jets straight out of your London showroom. Didn't expect you'd fly all the way here."

Steve gave a small grin. "For a man like you? I'd fly twice as far. You're not just looking for a jet—you're laying down infrastructure, building an empire. If you're moving at that scale, you don't need an airplane. You need this airplane." He gestured toward the sleek fuselage behind him.

Hana glanced at Steve briefly before speaking. "We've already reviewed the specs. Cabin configuration, range, avionics. What Mr. Guerrero needs the jet to be used now. We have a strict deadline for signing contracts across the globe."

"Don't worry, she is ready to be boarded," Steve said and continued. "Do you want a tour inside, Mr. Guerrero, to see what your private jets look like inside?"

Timothy gave a short nod. "Yes. Let's see what she can do."

Steve motioned toward the airstairs with a polished smile. "Then step aboard. The cabin has been configured in a standard demonstration layout, but of course, everything is customizable."

Timothy climbed the stairs with Hana close behind, her tablet already recording notes. Inside, the air was cool and subtly perfumed. The cabin stretched longer than any business jet Timothy had ever set foot in—wide aisles, tall ceilings, and four distinct living zones divided by sliding partitions.

Steve gestured around as they entered. "Up front, you have the executive lounge. Fully reclining seats, swivels, conference tables. Then a dining area that doubles as a workspace, a full galley, and in the back—your master suite with an en-suite shower."

Hana paused by one of the leather recliners, her fingers brushing across the stitching. "The craftsmanship is impeccable. What about connectivity?"

"Ka-band satellite internet," Steve replied smoothly. "Seamless video conferencing, anywhere in the world. You could be flying over the Pacific and still host a board meeting without a single drop in quality."

Timothy ran his hand across the conference table, then looked toward the rear of the jet. "Range?"

"7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85," Steve answered without hesitation. "That's nonstop Manila to New York, or Manila to London with reserves. If you're serious about global contracts, this jet eliminates layovers entirely."

"How about the crews? Do you provide it?" Timothy asked, glancing back toward Steve.

"Of course," Steve replied smoothly. "When you purchase through us, we arrange full crew sourcing and training. Pilots with Gulfstream type ratings, flight attendants trained specifically for long-haul VIP service. You'll have a complete flight department ready to operate as soon as we sign the contract."

"Very well, let's sign it," Timothy said without hesitation.

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