CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4

It was almost 8:30am when Ryan heard a knock on his door

“Breakfast is served young master” he heard The Chef say and made his way back

He was already awake then, going through some company files that were scattered on his desk.

“I’ll be down in a bit.” He said calmly 

He grabbed his phone and dialed Zak’s number 

“Where are you?”he asked him immediately he answered 

“ I had to rush out to get prepared boss, I’m heading to the office asap”

“Okay…Keep me updated and I’ll be there in time for the damn meeting”he spoke out and ended the call 

Ryan descended the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the grand hall. He arrived at the dining area and reached out to grab the back of a chair to have his breakfast,The air was filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries. The chef gently bowed as a sign of greeting. Just as he was about to take a seat, A loud and friendly voice caught his attention.

"Ryan! Grandson, I finally get to lay eyes on you, boy! You've been avoiding me since I arrived!"

Slowly, Ryan turned his gaze to the living room, where his grandfather, Alfred Alvarez, was seated in his chair like a king on his throne, casually leaning on his cane. The man's striking blue eyes glittered with kindness and warmth, his silver hair combed back, uncovering a noticeable forehead. His black and gold tailored suit seemed out of place in the cozy living room, but it suited his authoritative appearance.

Ryan's heart bulged with a mix of emotions as he approached his grandfather. He hadn't seen Alfred in months, not since the little argument they had had before he left the country. Seeing his grandfather again at that moment, he quickly felt nostalgic for a few seconds and brushed that feeling aside 

"Grandfather," Ryan said, his deep voice measured, as he bent to kiss Alfred's cheek. “When did you get back…I had no idea you were back,” he said, throwing a warning look toward the butler, Dante.

The scent of cigar smoke and leather enveloped him, bringing him back fond memories 

“Typically Alfred”he let out a chuckle 

“Early morning huh, you never changed, old man ” 

“Ahahahaha…old habits die hard my boy” His grandfather responded to him, his laughter echoing in the room yet so threatening

Ryan lived with his grandparents ever since he was little. His grandfather raised him alone after his grandmother passed away when he turned 20. He only met with his parents when they came down to the country for celebrations and festivals. Alfred taught him everything he knew about business and being a good leader. He owed everything to him

Alfred placed his hands on Ryan. His grip was firm, his eyes searching. "You look well, Ryan. Though a bit worn out. I hope it’s only business weighing you down?”

“I’m fine…and besides what apart from business can occupy my thoughts” Ryan let out a chuckle 

“How did your 30th celebration go?” Alfred hurried to catch up with Ryan, who had settled into a seat next to him, leisurely sipping a cup of coffee.

Ryan hesitated, unsure how much to reveal 

“Not quite as I expected” he answered 

Alfred's voice, laced with a hint of nostalgia, broke the comfortable silence.

"Okay, Ryan, I think it’s time to have a discussion about something that has been on my mind for long now.”

There was a long pause before Alfred continued “I hope you still remember your late grandmother's wish...I think it's time for you to get married." Alfred's words hung in the air like a gentle breeze, but their impact was detectable.

Ryan was taken aback as he struggled to wrap his head around the sudden change in topic. Unknowingly, his hand tightened around the coffee cup as a once comforting sip of coffee now felt like fire as it slid down his throat. He let out an explosive cough that grumbled through the calm living room. "I'm not prepared, sir!" he blurted out, his voice conveying a strong sense of alarm.

Alfred's expression remained stoic, his eyes twinkling with a known glint. "Listen!! Ryan, you're thirty now. I think it’s time for me to finally hand over the position and power to you.Your grandmother always wanted to see you settled down, happy...and with a family of your own. Not you jumping from one woman to another like you’re doing”

Ryan's face turned red, his mind racing. He set the coffee cup down, the ceramic clinking against the saucer. "Grandfather, I...I appreciate your concern, and I really want to honor grandma’s wish…but I'm not ready for marriage. I have the business to focus on, and I don’t have time for anything else”

“You mean my company…my business.look Ryan, I think you should know that before I make you full C.E.O and president of the company, there’s a criteria you must meet.” Alfred paused,rubbing his palms together and continued “The best leader is one who is responsible and looks responsible. A family man. I had promised your grandmother and I want you to honor it.My decision is final”

“But Grandfather…”

“But nothing…I will arrange for you to go on a blind date with some fine ladies if prestigious families,or you could also just introduce forth any of your women.It’s either that or I would have to retrace my decision of handing you full responsibility and power of the business and you wouldn’t dare push me to the wall would you?”

“What!?”Ryan exclaimed,his face clearly expressing the shock of what he just heard his grandfather say. “You possibly can’t do that! I have been working hard day and night just to be able to make you trust me completely…and now,now you’re saying you would take it from me if I don’t get married?”

“Yes…and you know very well I don’t just make empty threats,call it whatever you may my dear boy” Alfred replied,his face completely emotionless as he dragged on his pipe and let out a ring of smoke a few more times. “ Think about it,and bring me good news this afternoon at our luch at the coffee shop,as usual. And remember it is your duty to honor your grandmother…may she rest well”he added,standing up to his feet,letting his gaze trail on his grandson,he could see the fear the boy had for him,and he was delighted to make him know that afterall,he Alfred,always had the last say.

By now Ryan’s face had completely turned red with anger,and confusion…he was unable to receive what his grandfather had just threatened him with,could he have been serious?,this question hung on Ryan’s mind all the way to his bedroom.

He picked up his phone to dial Zak and immediately he heard his voice on the other line he started giving out orders,clearly frustrated and Zak could feel it,but best if he hadn’t mentioned anything about it.

“I’ll be there in thirty minutes…have them wait for me at the conference room” he said,finally hanging up