Jennifer was surprised by Kaze’s compliance. The disdain she had for him ran deeper. “Alright, that’s it for today’s meeting. Meeting adjourned.” Jennifer clapped her hands, announcing the end of the meeting. She did not care whether Kaze had anything to say. She saw herself as the highest-ranked superior at Hudson Investment Firm. Once Jennifer was gone, the senior executives gathered around Kaze. “You’re the only leader for me, Mr. Lee. I’ll follow you wherever you go.” “That’s right, Mr. Lee. We will only take your orders. Ms. Barwise doesn’t even respect you. Why should we listen to her?” The group was eager to prove their allegiance to Kaze. Yesterday’s incident left a dent in them. These people would not take Jennifer’s side right away because Kaze backed off. “Enough!” Kaze yelled, interrupting the group’s chatter. The senior executives exchanged glances. They were only trying to show their loyalty to Kaze. Kaze should be happy. Yet, he looked pissed. “
“I’m at the hotel next to the mayor’s office. Come over,” Kaze said. Soon, a young woman dressed in work attire drove over. Kaze parted ways with Caleb, Don, and the others. He asked Jennifer’s assistant, “What’s your name? Why haven’t I met you at the office?” “I’m Lilith Fair. Ms. Barwise asked me to join her from Lefteria Group,” the woman said proudly. She put herself above others because of her connection to Lefteria Group. Lilith pursed her lips at the smell of alcohol on Kaze. Sure enough, Kaze pulled strings to get where he was. He must be befriending the superiors at the mayor’s office by drinking with them in the afternoon. Lilith recognized these high-profile figures when Kaze parted ways with them. Nevertheless, Kaze was the CEO of Hudson Investment Firm by name, so Lilith was not surprised he could engage with these leaders. The way Lilith saw it, Kaze must be using his high-ranking position to establish connections with others. She had seen too many of K
The crew gave Kaze a strange look. They thought the interviewee was a VIP. Instead, Kaze was a moocher bankrolled by his wife. The crew held Kaze in disdain. “Sherry, you’re the anchor of our network. Yet, Hudson Investment Firm sent a moocher in for the interview. Isn’t that disrespectful toward you?” “That’s right. I’d suggest getting someone else. A regular employee is better than a moocher who got the manager position by pulling strings,” the crew said. Knowing Sherry was not pleased with Kaze, they stood up for her. Lilith glanced at Kaze, assuming Sherry held a personal grudge against Kaze. Otherwise, Sherry would not be so quick to call Kaze out. However, Sherry’s attitude did not bother her. Lilith said, “Even so, Mr. Lee is the CEO of Hudson Investment Firm, Sherry.“Ms. Barwise said he will be making public appearances and helping with the company’s publicity.” Sherry understood Lilith was Jennifer’s assistant. She could tell from Lilith’s indifference toward
“Are you ready, Mr. Lee? We should begin.” Sherry was professional, diving straight into work mode the moment the producer kept the cameras rolling. She said with a smile, “Today, we have invited the CEO of Hudson Investment Firm, Mr. Kaze Lee. Please say hello to the cameras, Mr. Lee.” “Hello, everybody. I am Kaze Lee.” Kaze waved at the cameras. Sherry said, “As everybody knows, the role of a CEO is very demanding. Experience is one of the essential requirements major corporations look at before hiring a CEO. “But after reviewing your resume, we discovered something rather strange. “Mr. Lee, you had no experience in investment before you took up the position as Hudson Investment Firm’s CEO. “To our knowledge, you have been living off your wife’s family. Is that true?” Sherry looked at Kaze and asked with a smile, “I am curious. How did you go from an unemployed house-husband to the CEO of a well-established investment firm?” “The questions seem a little too person
The interview ended in half an hour. Sherry stood up and stretched happily, having acquired all the information she needed. The nearby male crew members ogled at her bare midriff. Sherry’s eyes flickered with delight, and she soon turned to Kaze sarcastically. “You are such a loser, Kaze. You don’t even have the guts to refute my questions.“Don’t you know how absurd you look? Should I get the cameraman to show you the footage? “You are going to be famous at the broadcast of the interview. You should thank me for the appearance. “Sure, you’re getting publicity for the wrong thing, but that’s one way for the public to remember you. “Your life is in my hands, Kaze.“If you kneel and lick the sole of my heels, I might consider editing the parts that make you look bad.” Sherry took jabs at Kaze, assuming she had him by the balls. Unfazed, Kaze said indifferently, “You’re nothing more than a gold digger, getting ahead in life with your personal assets. “You’re a little
Soon, Jennifer gave Kaze a call. “I heard that you fought with the anchor during the interview, Mr. Lee.” Kaze replied, “Oh, that’s right. What? Are you going to tear into me like your assistant?” He could spare the young, naïve assistant. However, if a deputy manager like Jennifer still did not know any better, Kaze did not mind getting a new deputy. “No. You’re the superior, Mr. Lee. I wouldn’t dare lecture you.” Jennifer said curtly, “But I hope you will show a little restraint and think more for the future of the company, Mr. Lee. No need to compete over every single thing. “What would people think if they found out the CEO of our company was fighting with a TV anchor?” Miru was not happy with Kaze’s behavior yesterday, but she let Kaze keep his job. Jennifer understood that Miru had no intention of removing Kaze from office for the time being. It was not wise to clash with Kaze on her first day. While expressing her displeasure, Jennifer made sure to address
“Sherry, I have never met the chairman,” Jennifer said in distress. Displeased, Sherry picked a fight. “Oh, I guess this is what your apology is worth, Ms. Barwise. I thought you called to apologize.” “I’ll see what I can do.” Jennifer could not handle shameless people like Sherry. She took Sherry to the headquarters of Perfect World Group and met with Snow, the chairman’s assistant. “Hello, Ms. Frost. I’m Sherry Zauer, the financial news anchor. I want to have an audience with your chairman.” After Jennifer introduced them, Sherry courteously shook Snow’s hand. Snow was not only the assistant of Perfect World Group’s chairman, but she was also appointed the chairwoman of Lilyrose Bank by the mayor’s office. Sherry would not dare think lightly of her. In fact, she felt intimidated by Snow’s presence. Snow was gorgeous. Sherry eyed Snow in secret. Her eyes quickly flickered with glee. Sherry, the experienced woman she was, determined that Snow was untainted. Snow
“It makes sense. You are a coward who won’t even retaliate. I bet you are a masochist.“You get the kick out of women looking down on you. “But do you think I will fancy a loser like you? Only a capable man like the chairman of Perfect World Group can win my favor. “Give it up, Kaze. We don’t belong to the same world.” Acting all high and mighty, Sherry took digs at Kaze. She took her frustration from being turned away by Snow out on Kaze. “The chairman of Perfect World Group?” Kaze paused and said with a pretentious grin, “My advice to you is to give it up, Sherry. The chairman of Perfect World Group will never fancy you.” “Ahem.” Standing near them, Jennifer cleared her throat to warn Kaze not to get on Sherry’s nerves. She changed the subject and asked, “What are you doing here at Perfect World Group office building, Mr. Lee?” “I have some business here,” Kaze replied before brushing past them. All the while, he did not spare another look at Sherry. “The lose
“Kaze, you bastard! How dare you ask Patrick to break up with Maxine? Who the hell are you to say that?!” “Patrick introduced you to a job, yet you ignored him and tried to convince him to break up with Maxine. How could you be so narrow-minded?!” “You’re living a terrible life but that doesn’t mean others should live the same!” Alex, Adam, and the others criticized Kaze for what he said as it was frustrating. How could he instigate Patrick to break up with Maxine in front of them? It was like pulling a treasure box away from their hands! It was disrespectful to the family! Patrick’s expression darkened. He hugged Maxine tightly and said coldly, “Maxine and I are tight. You don’t need to worry about that. Whatever problem that comes my way, I’ll just deal with it. “The more problems she gets me into, and I solve it, means I am more capable than other men. Only an incompetent man would dislike the woman causing problems for himself.” Maxine hugged Patrick even tighter.
Patrick looked shocked. “Huh? He’s a live-in husband? So he has been unemployed?” Kaze looked at Maxine and Patrick, who were obviously asking for trouble. He smirked and nodded. “I guess you can say so.” Everyone heard his answer. Those who were simply watching from the side were surprised that he admitted it so quickly. Their gazes at him showed a strong sense of contempt. How could a man like him deserve a woman like Darcy? Even if he did not manage to marry himself into Darcy’s family, he still should not be qualified to even be her follower. Patrick did not expect Kaze to be so witty. It caught him by surprise and it left him speechless for a moment. It was until Maxine nudged him, he regained his composure and scoffed. “Is it because you didn’t get any suitable jobs? “Why don’t you tell me what you are interested in, I can recommend you. My company has been recruiting lately, like security guards or janitors. “For Maxine’s sake, you can simply pick a job under ten
“I just got it!” The man was Maxine’s new boyfriend, Patrick Weather. The smile on his face was bright. “I have been working for my cousin, Casius, and I have been performing well, so he rewarded me with this Cullinan. “I literally just got it just now and I wanted to surprise you.” Knowing that the young man was Casius’ cousin, Kaze raised his brows and spared an extra glance at him. Everyone at the scene knew who Casius was, so their eyes on Patrick showed respect. Casius Weather, one of the Riverbank Seven. His status and power could easily pressure everyone at the scene, combined. “You’re always full of surprises! It’s just a Cullinan, you don’t have to keep it from me!” Maxine playfully punched Patrick in the arm but her eyes widened with affection. Her boyfriend’s arrival made her proud and happy. She even felt proud in front of Darcy, who had been overshadowing her. “Uncle Alex, hi…” Patrick then went up to the seniors of the family and greeted them. He the
Many guests went up to Darcy to make acquaintances, especially the younger ones. They were not just attracted by Darcy’s status but also her beauty. If they could win her affection, then it would be a harvest of beauty and wealth. No man could resist the temptation. Darcy knew exactly what the people were thinking. Just as she was surrounded by people, as annoying as flies, she dragged Kaze over and said, “Let me introduce you, this is my husband, Kaze Lee.” Kaze looked at the “flies” who looked at him in shock and smiled. “I’m Kaze Lee. Nice to meet you.” “Oh? Ms. Quint is married…” The young men glanced between Kaze and Darcy, unsure of how to react. As the atmosphere grew awkward, they could only chuckle uncomfortably. Adam knew Darcy was using Kaze as a shield and it displeased him. He said, “Darcy, Kaze does not share a common language with them. “They know you are a businesswoman and want to talk business with you. Their fathers are our family’s close friends and
“You’re going to give your brandless cigarettes and wine to my mother? Hmph! It certainly is an idea only you can come up with.” Agnes waved at Kaze in disgust. “Go, go to the side and don’t disturb us.” Darcy disagreed with the suggestion. After a quick thought, she said, “I think we should just go with some jade or something elegant for Grandmother. It’s more acceptable.” “Sounds fine to me. It’s settled then.” Agnes agreed with Darcy’s suggestion. Almost 11:00 AM. After choosing the present, Darcy and her family went off, together with Rose, who had been freeloading at their house since yesterday. Kaze glanced at the jade bracelet that Darcy picked and it was not particularly impressive. He quickly packed two boxes of cigarettes and two bottles of wine into a black plastic bag and then stored it in the trunk of the car as a backup gift option, just in case. If Madam Otter was displeased with the gift Darcy picked, he might be able to give the special cigarettes and w
“Tsk. Tobacco and wine? Kaze, what friends do you have? Why are they giving you these?” Agnes looked disappointed and upset. She rolled her eyes at Kaze and said, “Be mindful of what friends you made. Can’t they give you something better? “Look at the boxes! It’s like they picked it up from the streets. Putting them in front of our house makes us look bad. Just throw them away.” “This is my house. I can put whatever I want in it.” Kaze took one of the boxes, opened it up, and gave the person in charge and his team a few cigarettes. “Thank you, guys. Here. Can you help me move the boxes inside?” The person in charge and his team nodded and smiled and then moved the boxes of tobacco and wine inside. Kaze’s offhand response left Agnes annoyed but recalling the sharp sting of his slap, she chose to be quiet. She grunted coldly and then went back into the house, bumping into Darcy who was coming downstairs. She said, “Darcy, your Uncle Alex called earlier and told me the O
Kaze saw it as a mere errand, so he nodded and said, “I’ll drop by tomorrow.” “Haha, with Boss showing up, this is in the bag already. I’ll tell Ryken that you will be going there.” After the call, Kaze headed to the bedroom and tried to go in but the door was locked from the inside. “Why don’t you sleep in the other room? I have to work late and I don’t want to keep you up.” Darcy’s voice came from inside. It seemed like she was still jealous of Buffy. Kaze chuckled helplessly and then headed to the guest room. On the second morning, after his morning jog, Kaze came back to the villa and saw people delivering boxes to his door. “What are these? Who sent them?” Agnes asked. Her eyes lit up when she saw the boxes. She always had the bad habit of taking advantage of things whenever she could. The person from management said politely, “I’m sorry, we don’t know. A car came by earlier and left the boxes with us. The driver said they are tobacco and wine, specially prepared
Darcy sounded calm but Kaze felt troubled. It was obvious that she was jealous. Kaze awkwardly chuckled and said, “Darcy, why would I stay outside while you are at home? Besides, Buffy has Dayton and his friends at her place.” As he spoke, he walked over to hug Darcy by the waist. Hearing him, Darcy’s jealous expression softened but she still tapped his hands away and said coldly, “Go take a shower.” Kaze breathed a sigh of relief and quickly went to the bathroom. After his shower, he received a phone call from Draco. He answered it and asked, “What is it?” “Boss, the Battle Dragon Troops’ battalion, the Flying Dragon, just came back from the battlefield and was ordered to join the South River Strategic Department. “But you know how those fellas behave, arrogant and feisty. Other than the boys from the God of War Palace, they looked down on everyone. “They got into a little argument with Aaron Krad, the new guy in the South River Strategic Department. “I thought o
Buffy sighed. She knew Kaze was right. Even if Jude was ready to let go, Faith’s birth family, the Krads, would not allow it either. Unless Jude had the resolve to break away from the Krads but it was impossible. No matter how many connections Jude had, the strongest and the only reliable support was the Krads. Like Kaze said, desperate times require desperate measures. Whether Jude and Faith wanted it or not, they would eventually bow before Kaze and accept his terms. “Kaze, if my father holds his promise, will you really cure Faith?” Buffy asked out of curiosity. Kaze smiled. “Of course. I am not like your father. If I said I will do it, I intend to deliver, since curing Faith doesn’t cost me anything. If she comes after me, I’ll just swat her like a fly.” He sounded casual and calm as if it was a casual chat. Buffy was curious. She never understood how Kaze got the confidence to do everything as if there was no obstacle big enough in his life to stop him. “It’s mid