Chapter 201: The Direct Contact

February 5th, 2027. 

As Michael was working in his office, a screen popped up on the display of the monitor.

"What the heck?" Michael read the display and he saw it was an incoming call from an unidentified caller.

Curious, Michael tapped the answer button. The screen flickered for a moment before settling on a chilling image. On his monitor, two men, their faces obscured by black cloth masks, stood ominously. Between them, bound to a plain metal chair, was Dr. Villanueva. His clothes were disheveled, and bruises marred his visible skin. His head lolled forward slightly, an indication of his weakened state.

"Dr. Villanueva!" Michael exclaimed.

One of the masked men leaned forward, his voice distorted slightly by a voice modulator. "Mr. Reyes, we assume we have your full attention now," he said coldly.

Michael's heart pounded in his chest as he responded, "Yes, you do. What do you want?"