C4 East Sea Alvarez Group
In the heart of York City's Eastern District, the majestic Alvarez Building pierced the skyline with its seventy stories of grandeur, marking the epicenter of the city's bustling activity. The Alvarez Group's arrival in York City had sent ripples through the East Province just a few years earlier, a testament to the influence of the Alvarez family from the Capital City—one of the most prestigious lineages in all of Country D.
Miron approached the building, his presence commanding yet understated, and entered the grandiose guest hall. A courteous receptionist met his gaze.
"Sir, whom may I say is calling?" she asked with a professional smile.
"I need to speak with your president, Jeremiah Alvarez," Miron stated, his tone even.
"Do you have an appointment with President Alvarez?" the receptionist inquired, eyeing Miron's casual attire skeptically. He hardly fit the profile of someone who would typically engage with a man of Jeremiah's stature.
"Please inform him that I am a friend of Dwayne Alvarez," Miron instructed.
"One moment, please," the receptionist responded, her expression betraying a flicker of doubt as she reached for the phone. Dwayne Alvarez's name was not one she recognized within the Alvarez Group's circles.
Meanwhile, in his stately office within the building, Jeremiah Alvarez, a man whose demeanor radiated authority, was absorbed in his paperwork.
Knock! Knock!
"Enter," he commanded.
"Director Alvarez, there's a visitor at the front desk requesting to see you," the young male secretary announced with deference.
"At this hour? I wasn't expecting any appointments," Jeremiah said, his brow creasing with irritation. "I don't need to be disturbed for every Tom, Dick, or Harry that comes by, understood?"
The secretary paused, choosing his words carefully. "Sir, the visitor claims to be a friend of Dwayne Alvarez."
I was concerned that it might be someone from your family's side who had come over... so I came to report."
Ning Taiji!
The middle-aged man's expression froze for a moment, his brows furrowing deeply.
Ning Taiji was the head of the Alvarez family in Capital City, the name of his grandfather.
In Capital City, only the direct descendants of the Alvarez family knew the elder's given name, let alone dared to speak it in full. How could someone in York City, the provincial capital, know about the Alvarez family patriarch and seek him out?
"What kind of person was it?" Jeremiah Alvarez asked.
"A young man in his early twenties," replied the male secretary.
"Send him to my office," Jeremiah said with a grave expression, a hint of puzzlement in his tone, "A young man in his early twenties?"
Five minutes later, Miron was escorted by the secretary to the CEO's office on the 66th floor.
Miron sat down confidently.
The dignified middle-aged man scrutinized him with a serious demeanor.
"May I know who you are?" Jeremiah inquired, finding the young man before him somewhat inscrutable.
"Do you recognize this?" Miron asked, presenting a jade token.
The token was intricately carved with complex patterns, the character "Ning" prominently displayed at its center.
"This is...?" he stammered, still trying to clear his head.
The jade token was a symbol of one's identity and connection to the Alvarez family in Capital City. Such tokens were rare, and even Jeremiah, as the family's representative in East Province, did not have one.
As a child, he had only seen his father carry a jade token from the Alvarez family. Yet, the one in the young man's hand seemed even more prestigious.
"I need to call Elder Hu," Jeremiah said with respect, not wanting to offend the mysterious young man. He was an enigma, and Jeremiah couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in his presence.
Miron nodded, his confidence unwavering. He had always trusted his master's words. In his youth, he had met the head of the Alvarez family, Dwayne Alvarez. Even Dwayne had shown the utmost respect to his master, let alone to Dwayne's grandson.
Before arriving at the Alvarez Building, Miron had learned that Jeremiah Alvarez was a third-generation disciple of the Alvarez family. While not the most distinguished member of his generation, he held an important role as the head of the Alvarez Group in East Province.
The Alvarez Group's provincial operations spanned various sectors, including antiques, jade, jewelry, medical research, real estate, and financial investment, cementing its dominance in the industry over the years.
Soon after, Jeremiah Alvarez ushered in an elderly man with white hair and a beard, clad in a red Tang suit, into the office. Jeremiah stepped back, as his role was to oversee the business side of the group, while family secrets were the purview of Elder Hu, sent by his father.
Despite appearing to be in his fifties or sixties, the elder's every step radiated a dragon-like aura. His eyes, sharp and full of life, betrayed a youthful energy, and he carried himself with an air of vitality. Upon examining the jade token in Miron's possession, the elder initially displayed shock but quickly regained his composure and introduced himself.
"I'm Donovan. May I inquire as to your name, sir?"
"Miron," came the reply.
Donovan then said, "Brother Ning has presented the jade token to the Alvarez Group. Please excuse my boldness, but may I verify your identity?"
Miron nodded assent. In a swift motion, Donovan flicked his wrist, propelling a jade ball towards Miron. With composure, Miron caught the ball effortlessly, letting the dust sift through his fingers.
Jeremiah Alvarez watched the scene unfold with astonishment, his expression one of disbelief. Donovan's face turned ashen as he recognized Miron's mastery of internal strength at such a young age, prompting him to question Miron's true identity.
With a respectful bow, Donovan greeted, "Donovan, elder of the Alvarez family's third branch, welcomes the Great Elder."
Jeremiah echoed, "Jeremiah Alvarez greets the Great Elder."
Miron acknowledged them with a nod. The jade token in his possession signified his status as the Great Elder of the Alvarez family, a role of significant esteem within the family hierarchy.
Donovan proceeded, "Great Elder, you grace us with your presence at the East Province Branch of the Alvarez Group. How may I assist you?"
At that moment, Miron's phone rang.
"Miron, you good-for-nothing, where are you? Get to the city hospital right now! I've had the divorce papers for you and Julietta drawn up. Come and sign them immediately!" The voice of Gianna, tinged with urgency, blared from the phone.
"What's happened?" Miron asked.
"Julietta's father was at the factory today when Mason Evans showed up to purchase it. An altercation ensued, and he was injured and taken to the hospital. Julietta confronted Mason but was so enraged that she passed out. And now, Mason Evans is relentless, even suggesting we sell our home to settle debts. He claims he'll leave our family be if you divorce Julietta. This mess is all because of you! If you have any conscience left, please divorce my daughter! Our family can't endure this any longer!"
Julietta had collapsed, and Mason Evans was wreaking havoc.
Donovan nodded, then with a sudden flick of his wrist, a carved jade ball shot through the air, its passage so forceful it made the air hum, heading straight for Miron.
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"I understand. I'll head over," Miron said before hanging up.
Turning to Donovan and Jeremiah Alvarez, a threatening glint appeared in Miron's eyes. "I want Evans Jewelry Group bankrupt within a day."
Jeremiah Alvarez quickly replied, "Absolutely, Great Elder. Your wish is my command."
A wave of relief washed over Jeremiah; he had braced himself for a more challenging task. Bankrupting Evans Jewelry Group seemed quite manageable in comparison.