I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World

Natalia Sokolov closed the file and set it gently on her desk, eyes focused on nothing in particular. The idea was still settling in her mind, carefully considering the implications of the next steps.

Kidnapping a billionaire CEO was far from routine. But Matthew Borja wasn't just any executive. His technology represented a shift in global military power—too critical to ignore and too powerful to resist.

"Anton," Natalia said quietly, gesturing toward her aide who waited silently nearby.

"Yes, Major?"

"Call General Volkov's office. Tell him it's urgent." She paused, lips pursed. "We need official authorization before proceeding."

Anton hesitated briefly. "You think they'll approve?"

Natalia's gaze sharpened. "We're running out of choices. If we don't seize this opportunity, Beijing might."

Anton nodded, understanding the gravity of the moment. He stepped out quickly, leaving Natalia alone with her thoughts. She tapped her fingers lightly on the folder.

Matthew Borja's photo stared back at her—a confident face, smart and cautious eyes. His capture wouldn't be easy. It would demand precision and careful planning. But the payoff would justify the risks.

Beijing, PLA Cyber Division Headquarters

Lin Xia was reading through an encrypted message from Moscow when Zhang Wei walked into her office. She barely looked up as he approached, fully absorbed in the details.

"Is it about Borja?" Zhang asked, taking a seat opposite her.

Lin nodded, finally raising her eyes from the screen. "The Russians are moving faster than we thought. They want to take Borja himself."

Zhang raised an eyebrow. "They're planning an abduction?"

"Yes. Natalia Sokolov is pushing Volkov for approval," Lin explained. She leaned back, folding her hands in front of her. "We can't afford to let them control Borja. Not completely."

Zhang considered this. "Then what's our next move?"

Lin stared out the window, thinking. "We'll support them—but we ensure our people are part of the operation. A joint abduction reduces suspicion and gives us immediate access."

Zhang nodded thoughtfully. "If Borja proves difficult?"

Lin's eyes narrowed slightly. "He's smart. He'll cooperate once he understands the stakes. If not, we have leverage."

Zhang hesitated briefly. "His mother?"

"Yes," Lin said, her voice steady but firm. "Borja won't gamble with family."

Moscow, Ministry of Defense Headquarters

General Volkov sat across from Natalia, listening carefully as she outlined her proposal. Colonel Petrov stood quietly by the wall, his expression unreadable.

"Kidnapping Borja is a huge gamble," Volkov finally said, breaking the silence. "He's a global figure. The political consequences could be severe."

Natalia nodded calmly. "General, respectfully, the alternative is waiting for years while America extends its lead. With Borja, we gain immediate insights into Titan technology and manufacturing. It could save years of research."

Volkov glanced briefly at Petrov, who offered a subtle nod of agreement. "And how do we plan to execute this?"

"Borja's security is professional but minimal when he visits family," Natalia explained. "His routine visits to his mother's residence are predictable. We time the operation precisely."

Volkov's fingers drummed lightly on the table. "What about Beijing?"

"They already know," Natalia admitted. "They're requesting involvement."

Volkov's eyes hardened. "And risk losing control?"

"Sir, we need their cyber-intelligence. They'll help us bypass Borja's private security network. But we handle the physical extraction ourselves. We maintain operational command."

Volkov exhaled slowly, finally nodding. "Very well. Draft a detailed plan immediately. Keep it tight."

Natalia stood up quickly. "Understood, General."

As she left, Petrov met Volkov's gaze. "You trust Beijing?"

"No," Volkov replied bluntly. "But right now, we need them."

Manila, Philippines – Safe House

Late evening rain tapped gently on the windowpane as Matthew stepped out of his armored SUV, nodding politely to his security detail.

"I'll only be a few minutes," he assured them.

The guard nodded back respectfully, taking his position outside the modest suburban home. Matthew rarely deviated from this routine—visiting his mother twice weekly, bringing dinner, quietly chatting about family and life. This simple act was his refuge from the pressures of global politics and corporate warfare.

Inside, his mother greeted him warmly. "You look tired, anak."

Matthew smiled, embracing her gently. "Long week. Work doesn't stop."

"Then rest here," she said firmly. "You're safe at home."

He relaxed slightly, comforted by her voice. "Thanks, Ma."

Shanghai, PLA Cyber Operations Room

Lin Xia studied a screen showing Borja's security perimeter around the house. "His guards are good—former Special Forces. But they're outnumbered and outmatched by a rapid extraction team."

Beside her, Zhang analyzed the logistics carefully. "If Moscow takes operational control, will they keep Borja alive?"

Lin nodded. "Yes. They need him as much as we do. Killing him is counterproductive."

Zhang's tone darkened. "But accidents happen."

Lin considered this quietly. "We embed two operatives with medical training on the Russian team. If the extraction goes wrong, we intervene. Borja must be delivered alive."

Zhang acknowledged silently, signaling his understanding. "Understood. I'll begin coordinating with Sokolov immediately."

Moscow, Intelligence Operations Center – Final Briefing

The secure video call connected, showing Lin Xia in Beijing and Natalia Sokolov in Moscow. Both women knew each other's strengths and weaknesses—and each understood the high stakes.

"Extraction team ready?" Lin asked calmly.

"Our Spetsnaz team is prepared," Natalia replied evenly. "Vehicles, air transport, and safe routes secured. We'll extract Borja swiftly and quietly."

"And Borja's personal security?"

Natalia raised an eyebrow confidently. "They'll be handled quickly. We're professionals."

Lin stared quietly. "Remember our agreement. Borja arrives unharmed. We jointly interrogate him. This is non-negotiable."

Natalia's voice softened slightly. "Agreed. Cooperation benefits both of us."

As the call ended, Natalia exhaled slowly, suppressing tension. The mission was set. Her career, her country's future, and potentially global military supremacy rested on a single risky operation.

Matthew stepped outside, feeling relaxed for the first time in weeks. His mother's laughter lingered behind him, warming the night.

He paused, frowning slightly at the unusually quiet street. A chill raced through him.

"They are doing it right now right?" Matthew thought to himself as he nervously waited for the ones who would abduct him to make their appearance. Even though he had anticipated it already, he still felt fear.

"I'm going to play along with their charades."