The Airbus H160 descended with a thunderous hum, rotor wash whipping across the rooftop as the helicopter steadied itself over the landing pad. The bold Solaire insignia gleamed against the white paint of the pad, framed by a ring of yellow lights and chrome guardrails. A team of private security personnel in black suits stood in formation, earpieces flashing discreetly beneath their collars.

The pilot's voice crackled through Jensen's headset.

"Touching down in thirty seconds, sir."

Jensen gave a brief nod. "Take it slow. We're guests here."

The helicopter's skids met the pad with a gentle thud, rotors still spinning as ground staff rushed forward in practiced coordination. One of them gave a signal, and the rear passenger door opened smoothly. Jensen stepped out first, his tailored suit catching the afternoon breeze, the Manila skyline stretching endlessly behind him.

Waiting at the edge of the helipad was a distinguished man in his early fifties, tall, sharp-featured, and dressed in a navy three-piece suit with a discreet gold pin on his lapel. His posture was confident but deferential—the kind that belonged to someone accustomed to welcoming heads of state and billionaires alike.

He stepped forward, extending his hand with a polite smile.

"Mr. Huang, welcome to Solaire Quezon City. I'm Arthur de la Vega, General Manager and Chief Executive of the property. It's an honor to have you with us."

Jensen shook his hand firmly. "Pleasure's mine, Mr. de la Vega. You've gone to great lengths for this arrangement. I appreciate the discretion."

Arthur smiled faintly. "We pride ourselves on it, sir. The resort has hosted presidents, royal families, and the occasional eccentric tech magnate. Rest assured—your visit today will remain off record."

Jensen gave a small nod of approval. "Good. I'd like it that way."

Arthur gestured toward a line of suited personnel standing beside the rooftop entrance. "Your suite has been fully secured per request. No media, no staff rotation during your stay. We've also cleared all surveillance feeds on this floor for the duration of your meeting. Only you, your team, and Mr. Guerrero's delegation will have access."

Marcus, standing just behind Jensen, exchanged a look with one of NVIDIA's security advisors before nodding approvingly. "They're thorough."

Arthur continued, "If you'd like, I can escort you personally to the suite. It's the Executive Sky Pavilion—one of only three private conference facilities in the tower. Soundproofed, Faraday-shielded, and equipped with its own communications terminal. Mr. Guerrero's party is already in the building, making their way up as we speak. We also prepared delicacies from both Filipino and Western cuisine. It's in the room."

"Thank you, I'm a bit hungry now that you mentioned it."

"Shall we proceed sir?"

Jensen gave a curt nod. "Lead the way, Mr. de la Vega."

Arthur gestured for him to follow as two attendants stepped forward and opened the glass doors leading into the rooftop corridor. The sound of the helicopter faded behind them, replaced by the soft hum of air-conditioning and the faint scent of polished wood and citrus oil.

"This way, sir," Arthur said as they walked down the hall. "The Pavilion floor was designed for confidential meetings. No electronic signals can enter or leave without authorization. Every access point is double-locked with biometric clearance—yours and Mr. Guerrero's are already registered."

Jensen gave an approving hum. "You run this place like a fortress."

Arthur smiled modestly. "When you cater to the world's most powerful people, security becomes part of the brand."

They stepped into a private elevator guarded by two plainclothes men in earpieces. Arthur pressed a small, recessed key panel, and the doors closed with a soft hiss. The elevator began its descent smoothly, the glass walls revealing the sprawling skyline of Quezon City through a haze of sunset gold.

The elevator slowed to a halt, and the doors opened into a wide marble foyer lined with abstract art and recessed lighting. Ahead, a pair of mahogany doors stood open, guarded by Solaire's elite internal security team.

Arthur motioned toward the entrance. "Your suite, Mr. Huang. The Executive Sky Pavilion. Mr. Guerrero will join you momentarily—he's reviewing documents in the adjoining lounge."

Jensen gave a small nod, stepping forward. "Excellent work, Mr. de la Vega. You've been more than accommodating."

Arthur bowed slightly. "It's our honor, sir. If there's anything you need, I'll be stationed just outside."

With that, the general manager retreated, leaving Jensen and his entourage alone in the quiet corridor.

They entered the suite.

The Executive Sky Pavilion was more boardroom than leisure space—a perfect blend of refinement and function. A long obsidian conference table stretched across the room, flanked by cream leather chairs. The far wall was an expanse of glass overlooking the city, bathed in the orange light of the setting sun.

On a side table rested trays of food: seared tuna, fruit platters, local delicacies like adobo sliders and mango tarts—carefully arranged beside bottles of Evian and imported wine.

Jensen loosened his collar slightly and walked toward the window, gazing out at the skyline below. "Manila," he murmured. "It's changed more than I expected."

Marcus checked his watch. "Guerrero's on his way, sir."

"Good." Jensen's reflection in the glass showed a faint, unreadable smile. "Let's make this worth the flight."

Moments later, a soft chime sounded from the private door across the room. Two silhouettes appeared behind frosted glass—one tall and calm, the other slender, tablet in hand.

The door opened.

Timothy Guerrero stepped in first, dressed in a dark gray suit with no tie, his demeanor composed but assertive. Beside him was Hana, ever-poised, her expression polite yet analytical as she gave a small nod toward Marcus and the NVIDIA aides.

"Mr. Huang," Timothy greeted, extending a hand. "Welcome to the Philippines."

Jensen turned from the window, smiling as he clasped Timothy's hand firmly. "Mr. Guerrero. It's about time we met face to face."

"Likewise," Timothy said, his tone even. He then flickered his gaze to the delicacies on the table. "I'm kind of hungry, Mr. Huang. Perhaps we should eat first before we talk about business?"

"That's favorable to me," Huang smiled.

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