C7 Beautifully Done

"Do you expect him to lick it clean and eat his words?"

Carter Evans's face contorted with disgust, blindsided by the sheer audacity of the interim chairman sent by the Alvarez Group from the Eastern Sea.

"Chairman Jefferson, I implore you, please consider that Mason Evans is young and naive to our ways. Could you possibly..." Carter pleaded.

"Stop!" Jefferson cut him off with a single English word, gesturing for Carter to be silent.

"You have ten seconds," Jefferson said with a smirk, which quickly faded into a steely expression. "If you can't manage that, Carter Evans, consider this your resignation. Don't bother showing up at the Boyden Building tomorrow."

"I'll dispatch a team to take care of your jewelry stores, the booths in various malls, and your processing plants. With the efficiency of the Alvarez Group, we'll have it wrapped up in 24 hours."

As Jeremiah Alvarez's right-hand man and the top secretary within the Alvarez Group, Jefferson was no stranger to the cutthroat world of business and had a wealth of experience in high-stakes negotiations.

His sudden show of force was so overwhelming that the Evans family couldn't even lift their heads.

Carter's face drained of color, his body shaking, his breaths coming in short gasps.

Jefferson's words pounded against his chest like a sledgehammer, leaving him struggling for air.

Carter knew Jefferson had the clout to follow through on his threats. If he didn't comply, he might walk out of the Boyden Building only to immediately lose everything—his wealth, status, mansions, sports cars, shares, factories...

Once stripped of his fortune, those he had once arrogantly wronged would eagerly kick him while he was down, sending him plummeting into an abyss.

The mere thought of the fallout sent shivers down Carter's spine.

"You disgrace!" Carter bellowed, his face turning a deep shade of red as he glared at Mason. "You animal, do as Chairman Jefferson commands!"

With that, Carter delivered two resounding slaps to Mason's face, leaving a fiery imprint of his fingers.

"Dad, I..." Mason Evans stammered, his face ashen with fear. He was on the brink of tears, overwhelmed by a sense of injustice.

He couldn't fathom who he had crossed to deserve such a degrading punishment.

To be forced to lick up vomit from the table in front of over two hundred members of the Evans family and then consume it...

How could he ever show his face at the Evans Group or in York City again?

*Slap!*

Carter Evans delivered another harsh slap to Mason's cheek, forcefully pressing his son's head into the mess on the table.

"You disgraceful son, are you trying to be the death of me?" Carter hissed through clenched teeth, pinning Mason's head down.

Tears streamed down Mason's face as he dutifully cleaned the table with his tongue, swallowing the vile contents.

The Evans family members watched the spectacle with mixed emotions.

They were witnessing the iron-fisted leadership of the newly appointed Chairman Jefferson, and despite the grim scene, they felt a collective sense of relief.

Clearly, Mason had somehow managed to offend the Alvarez family, triggering a catastrophe that threatened to engulf them all.

Instead of sympathy, the Evans family harbored resentment towards Mason, their teeth set on edge.

Chairman Jefferson, having made his point, composed his features and turned away from the humiliated father and son.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I trust you've all reviewed the acquisition plan," Jefferson began calmly.

"The Alvarez Group's investment in a significant stake of the Evans Jewelry Group is rooted in our belief in its untapped potential and substantial developmental value. Rest assured, shareholders, your interests will remain protected despite recent events.

"Our team's expertise will drive the company to greater profitability. All shareholders need to do is adhere to the revised policies and execute them. I assure you, our future endeavors will soar to new heights."

The room was filled with over twenty shareholders, each nodding in agreement, their minds racing with calculations.

They had scrutinized the Alvarez Group's acquisition plan in detail.

It appeared that the Alvarez Group from the Eastern Sea didn't plan on ruthlessly wiping out the Evans Jewelry Group entirely.

The proposed plans and agreements wouldn't affect them as minor shareholders; they would continue to receive their previous dividend entitlements. Moreover, they were now indirectly hitching a ride on the coattails of the powerful Alvarez Group.

It was clear to them that this business storm was aimed squarely at Henry and Carter Evans.

These two executive directors had faced significant losses. They had not only lost their influence and substantial shares within the group, but their personal assets had also taken a massive hit. It was a crippling blow to their vitality.

Carter Evans, the youngest of the Evans siblings, was hit the hardest. He had lost his grip on the Board of Directors and his reputation had plummeted. The day's events would surely ripple through the elite circles of York City, turning him into the butt of jokes. It seemed unlikely that he would be able to cause any more waves.

"Chairman Jefferson is absolutely right. I wholeheartedly endorse his remarks. Let's give him a round of applause!" An astute Evans family shareholder led the charge, standing up to initiate the applause.

*Clap! Clap! Clap!*

The rest of the management and smaller shareholders quickly mirrored the action, smiles on their faces as they rose to join in the applause that filled the conference room.

They all knew that with the reshuffling within the group, aligning with Chairman Jefferson was the key to reaping future benefits.

Henry and Carter Evans, despite their grim expressions, managed to muster forced smiles and joined in the applause, offering their congratulations.

Internally, they were consumed by bitterness. The tide had turned, and now, simply maintaining a foothold in the Evans Group would be considered a success; challenging for their former power was out of the question.

...

Six hours later, as night fell.

Inside a luxurious suite at the Fuli Hotel, Jefferson bowed, standing respectfully by the tea table, seemingly awaiting instructions. Seated on the sofa was a young man in a crisp white T-shirt.

On the tea table, a laptop was playing back the day's events from the boardroom of the Evans Group.

"Nicely done," Miron commended, watching the conference room footage with appreciation for Jefferson's tactics and talent.

"Thank you, Director Howard. Serving you is my responsibility," Jefferson responded modestly.

Having worked closely with Jeremiah Alvarez for many years, Jefferson was well-versed in the nuances of power. He knew to tread carefully around Miron, wary of the slightest misstep that could cause offense.

Jeremiah had made it clear: carry out Miron's orders at any cost. If unable to do so, seek permission to deviate. Disappointing Miron meant no longer being part of the Alvarez Group.

Thus, Jefferson's reverence for Miron surpassed even that for Alvarez.

"Director Howard, the acquisition was executed as you directed and has proceeded without a hitch. Carter Evans is gravely weakened, barely clinging to life, with numerous business rivals poised to strike," Jefferson reported earnestly. "However, Henry Evans has the steadfast support of the Simons family in York City. With their financial backing, he's managed to stabilize his holdings. Should we intensify our efforts to crush their enterprises once and for all?"

"No need," Miron replied with a dismissive air.

A shrewd rabbit always has multiple burrows. The Evans patriarch's long-standing operations in York City meant deep-rooted connections. Miron had anticipated his ability to weather the storm.

"Regarding Alexander Evans's jewelry factory, take special care," Miron instructed, a note of seriousness in his voice. "Proceed as standard, incorporating it into the Evans Group's industrial chain, and afford Alexander the same rights as other minority shareholders."

Miron had intentionally directed Jefferson to take over the Evans Jewelry Group, including the assets controlled by Carter and his son, as well as the debts of Alexander's jewelry factory.

At the same time, Jefferson was tasked with coordinating all the factories under the Evans Group umbrella, ensuring they all received uniform benefits.

In doing so, his father-in-law's jewelry factory could be seamlessly reintegrated into the Evans Group's supply chain without drawing undue attention or suggesting any behind-the-scenes manipulation.

"I will follow your plan," Jefferson confirmed. "Director Howard, should we consider a significant role for Alexander Evans on the Board of Directors?"

"Don't try to outsmart the situation," Miron stated coolly. "Just follow my instructions."

"My apologies, Director Howard. I've got the message," Jefferson quickly adjusted his attitude, adopting a more deferential tone.

Aware of Miron's stature, Jefferson sought to ingratiate himself with the influential figure. Yet, it was clear that Director Howard had his own strategy, and Jefferson's role was to simply execute those orders going forward.

Miron gave a slight nod, recognizing Jefferson's astuteness meant there was no need for further admonishment.

"Upon your return to the office, issue a press release from the board announcing a search for innovative jewelry designers, including a call for a Chief Design Officer and several other design positions," Miron instructed.

"I'll make a note of it," Jefferson responded.

"Good. You're dismissed. Report back to me with updates in the future," Miron concluded with a dismissive wave.