The elite soldiers were no fans of the celebrities. Their only objective was to seize the hotel, put it on total lockdown, and ensure a VIP’s safety. “Sir, report, sir! We have total control of Lily Garden. The VIP’s safety is secured!” The chief tapped on the earpiece in his ear and updated Lone Wolf on the situation. He had eyes on Kaze and was cognizant that Kaze was the VIP the team was protecting. “Very well. I’ll be there right away!” An excited voice came through the earpiece. “VIP? What VIP? There’s a VIP in the hotel?!” Lily, Andrew, and Liv were mortified. Soon, a man in a military uniform appeared at the entrance and came to the restaurant in a hurry. When Lily and company saw the man, they turned pale. A brigadier general! An actual brigadier general! Someone they could not afford to mess with! Their faces looked as pale as paper. Who was the VIP in the hotel? That was right, they had no idea who the VIP was. They wanted to apologize and ask for
Lily and the celebrities wished they were dead when they heard Kaze. They tried to make him apologize and even claimed that they could make his hotel go bankrupt. They had hit the biggest snag in the world. “S-Sir, you are obviously someone powerful. We dared not ask you to apologize to us. We should be the ones who apologized to you. Forgive us for being blind…” Lily begged meekly. “Powerful?” Kaze’s expression turned grim. He sneered, “If I am not powerful, you wouldn’t apologize to me but the other way around. You even threatened to bankrupt my hotel by posting stuff online.” Andrew and Liv almost passed out when they heard Kaze because Kaze clearly remembered what they said to threaten him earlier. Chills ran down their spines. They messed with someone they could not afford and there was no turning back. Lily shuddered in fear. “Sir, we’re sorry. We shouldn’t ask you to leave, or threaten you…” She peeked at the soldier beside her. The black muzzle was pointed at
The Garo Spec Ops Team retreated in a flash and the hotel resumed normalcy.The fans outside the hotel were confused. They saw the elite soldiers put the hotel on lockdown and bring their idols away. “What happened? Are Andrew and Liv going to be okay?” “They are so kind and hard-working, why are they arrested?! They will never do anything wrong! The soldiers must be here to protect them!” They made their speculations.Back in the hotel, Manager Keegan and the hotel employees took a while to regain their composure. They did not expect their new boss to be such a powerful figure in the military. One phone call and the Garo Spec Ops Team arrived. How awesome was that!? They were proud of their new boss. Manager Keegan said respectfully, “Boss, should we allow those celebrities to check in later?” The foolish celebrities offended his boss, so to clarify his boss’ thoughts, he had to inquire properly. Kaze waved and said, “If they want to stay here, let them, but tr
Kaze was indeed surprised. He had only ordered a few dishes and they cost almost a million. Besides, caviar was not his favorite and he found home-cooked food tasted better. Since Miru wanted to have lunch here and he was buying, he simply ordered a few dishes to fill his stomach. Now looking at the food he ordered and the bill, it was not worth it at all. “What’s wrong? Afraid? You ordered quite lavishly just now.” Miru was delighted to see the shock on Kaze’s face. She thought she could hit two birds with one stone—settle the bill while getting rid of Kaze—with around twenty thousand, but the idiot ordered too much and she ended up forking out an extra eighty thousand. However, for the sake of her best friend’s future, the million would be well spent. “Kaze, now you know how much ordering at a high-end restaurant costs? This is the highest quality of life. Do you think you can provide Darcy with this kind of life?” Miru seized the chance to sneer at Kaze. Kaze s
“You’re really the owner of Lily Garden Hotel?” Miru said as she widened her eyes in disbelief. How could an idiot be the owner of a famed hotel? She dared not believe it, but if she stayed in denial, then she could not find any other reason to explain the current situation. One million was not that much to her but as far as she knew, Kaze could never afford such a huge bill.Yet the hotel did not charge them for the meal. Kaze said, “Miru, are you still going to instigate Darcy to divorce me?” Miru was instantly embarrassed. She called Kaze useless because he had nothing and kept looking down on him, trying to make Darcy divorce him. Now, knowing that Kaze owned a big hotel, she instantly felt ashamed for what she had done in the past. As she walked down the stairs dully, several customers who dined in the restaurant earlier came out with smiles and praises. “Lily Garden Hotel is truly a wonderful place. We were asked to leave by the celebrities’ security guards and
“Two celebrities checked into the hotel, and tried to clear out the other guests but accidentally offended some high-ranking military officer. A special operation team was sent to lock down the hotel. “The celebrities were taken back and they were requested to publish an apology online. The news is trending everywhere now! I wonder who is the person they offended…” Agnes rarely paid attention to gossip. When there was news of a celebrity divorce, it would make the headlines for days as if it were some rare humankind discovery. She saw this news because she recently had a housewarming party at the same hotel. Hector and Darcy were intrigued and they started a little discussion. They wondered who the high-ranking officer was. Unfortunately, even though the news was all over the internet, details about the high-ranking officer remained vague. Kaze heard his family talking about him outside and he chuckled. Then, he received a call from Manager Keegan. “Boss, the two cele
“No, I have to go!” Darcy did not want Kaze to take her place. She even ignored what he said about the Hilfinger family. The Hilfingers were huge and it was impossible they would disappear overnight. She knew that once the new Construction and Material Society was formed, the Hilfinger family would only be stronger and more influential. Roger would surely use the ceremony to give her a hard time. “Darcy, why are you arguing with him? If Kaze wants to take your place, let him go.” Agnes nudged her daughter and continued, “He’s a man. If he’s capable enough, you should let him do this for you. What’s wrong with him taking your place? He’s freeloading us, and if he can’t even help you with this, why should we keep him?” She knew her daughter was having a difficult time since she returned from Master Quint’s residence, as well as if Darcy attended the ceremony, things would only get worse. Therefore, Agnes wanted Kaze to suffer in Darcy’s place. “It’s decided then. Kaze,
“The new Construction and Material Society is challenging Perfect World Group. Ray Forrester is the general manager of the company, yet Roger Hilfinger decided to challenge him openly. He might be the first in Lilyrose who openly challenged the richest man in the city. “Don’t mention Ray Forrester. The Construction and Material Society has been stealing people from the Perfect World Group for days now, yet he didn’t even react. I heard Roger Hilfinger is backed by the Lee family from the capital. No wonder the richest man in Lilyrose is afraid.” “Yeah. The Perfect World Group dissolved the Construction and Material Society but now it seems like they are going down for good.” The people who attended the ceremony were talking about the competition between the two companies. Kaze overheard them and simply chuckled. Perfect World Group going down? It was still too soon to jump to conclusions. He did not say anything and walked into the building with the invitation. Roger sp
“Just tell me what you need, Arthur. You wouldn’t be calling unless you have received orders.” Philip was surprised to get a call from Arthur. Though they were acquainted, they had only communicated because of work. “We have just left Rising Sun. Don’t approve the films for now.” Arthur was blunt. “I can do that, but can I ask why?” Philip was caught in a dilemma because he had just promised Jet to release the films. Philip needed to know if the orders to delay came from a high power who could cover his ass. “Since you got a call from me, you should know that there are eyes on Jet. “You should know what you can and cannot say. Otherwise, you never know when you’re going to lose your job.” Arthur threatened. Philip was reluctant. He accepted Jet’s payment, and now he had to go back on his word. Nevertheless, Arthur was part of the Viper’s Den, and his status was rather unique. Arthur provided services to confidential individuals. These individuals were elites among t
A balanced, profitable dynamic had been developed among the ports in Butterworth. Jet spotted his chance in the lucrative port business. He covertly took out some money to invest in a dying port. The port was situated in a more remote area. Some businesspeople favored more accessible ports. This drove shippers away from the dying port. Jet snagged the steal and improved the logistics and facilities around the area. The port was up and running again. Business at the port was decent enough. As the Frosts would run their business through the port, the local economy took off too. It was a good thing. However, Jet set his sights on several residential buildings around the area. He needed space to accommodate containers. The land was required to make business at the port more profitable. This triggered a whole new thing. Jet could spend some money to buy the residents out of their homes. However, the residents preferred to stay put in their long-time homes. No a
“I’ll keep the bank cards for now. I’ll talk to our superiors and give you a decision. Since the man said that the cards are meant for us, they won’t be going anywhere.” Knox had no idea who Kaze was, but he knew Arthur was with the Viper’s Den. Arthur must be someone from high places. Eli soon put the little incident behind him. He got a call from Aloysius yesterday and was made aware of Jet’s plans. The films had been put on hold for far too long, and the people above Eli were anxious to get things moving. Though Eli was surprised by the review board’s visit, everything was still in his control. Eli left the matter at that without reporting the incident to the higher-ups. The flashy, red car sped along the road. Arthur kept looking back at Kaze, eager to find out about the next plan. Arthur brought Kaze out today to witness how Eli and his team operated. As it happened, Eli adopted such a shallow ploy. Arthur was not surprised, though. Eli’s methods were common.
Eli dined offhandedly as if he had taken hold of the group. His words were layered with threat. “What? Are you trying to replace us?” Knox asked in disbelief. “I don’t have that power, but the investor does. I heard that he enjoyed dinner with your superiors. I’m sure the project will get the green light in no time. “Even if you didn’t approach me today, my team and I would have invited you out for a get-together.” Eli knew when to back down, easing the tension in the air. It was another type of reconciliation. Eli needed to go through the review board to get the rights to air the films. The carrot-and-stick approach was the best way forward. Kaze was surprised by the sophistication of Eli’s tactics. Still, he believed he had come to the right place. Sure enough, Jet would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. Surely, he was bound to leave loose ends. Nevertheless, he probably did not care. Arthur cocked his head back to look at Kaze. Kaze grinned, unbothered
The purpose of the visit was to inform Rising Sun that the films did not make the cut. Since Rising Sun would not make the necessary amendments, the project would come to a halt. “Please, don’t. Since we are all here, we should talk it out.” It took Eli quite some effort to get the group to the hotel. Eli had plans to please the crowd, so he could not let them leave just yet. This went beyond getting the green light for the films. Eli needed to make the group happy. “There is nothing more to talk about. We can’t proceed unless you make the changes.” There was no way around it. Since Rising Sun refused to make the right amendments, and Knox had orders about putting a hold on Rising Sun’s films, that was one less problem for Knox to deal with. Eli could not let the group walk out on him. Hence, he quickly sent people in. Several thinly clad women entered, each holding a small bag. Despite the weightlessness, the bag appeared to be carrying something of substance. “You
For that reason, Rising Sun’s film productions were not cleared to be aired. “I told you the reason. The investor supplied us with the scripts, and we were told to base our productions on the scripts. Our hands are tied.”Eli would have made the amendments if he could. He knew where the problem lay. However, the company had to take the investor’s perspective into consideration. In the end, the films were yet to be approved for release. “I guess you won’t get the permission to air them then.” Knox was surprised that Rising Sun would not budge on the matter. Nevertheless, Knox and his team were not there to give the all-clear or talk some sense into Rising Sun. Knox and his team could care less about what Eli had to say. “We’re serious about getting the approval. “I’m sorry that we aren’t a better host for your visit today. Why don’t we move to the nearby hotel for a talk?” With the review board making an appearance, Eli knew there was still hope. If Eli did not grab
Arthur chuckled, his smile carrying a touch of sleaziness. “Oh, I see.” A realization dawned on Kaze. “Are you with quality control?” Several individuals in dark blue suits approached. The men and women carried files and documents. Kaze nodded without a word. “We are just here to announce the results. We shouldn’t be long.” Arthur came forward to engage with them. The group was likely given the heads-up as they had the right number of people. They swaggered into Rising Sun’s building. The general manager straightened up his tie in a fluster and walked out. None of the film productions made the cut yet, and the delay was costing the company money by the day. At this rate, the project would go down under. Eli, the general manager, rushed to the entrance upon learning the news. The review team was there to do one final check. The films would get the green light if the board found that everything was up to par. The head office would stop putting pressure on
Given Kaze’s status, Alfonso knew better than to have him waiting under the hot sun. Of course, he would send his people to be on standby for Kaze’s arrival. Peter only came to the rescue when Kaze was pestered by some street gang. Alfonso’s omission of Kaze’s identity led to this hiccup. Kaze did not care one bit about the incident. Heck, he did not even bring it up. Arthur straightened his back nervously, becoming even more cautious behind the wheel. “You knew, but why didn’t you say anything, Mr. Lee? You didn’t even tell on us.” Arthur could not understand why. However, he had more respect for the man. “I didn’t see a point. You’ll learn what happens when you displease me, so I won’t bother telling you now.” Kaze was mild-mannered as ever. He spoke softly without a hint of anger. All the more Arthur revered him. “Mr. Lee, we didn’t do our jobs right. We didn’t know who you were.“But my duty is to protect you in the dark. “We saw you getting out of the train
“Rising Sun is a media company. Several of their films are about to be released. They are trying to get them approved to air due to some censorship issues.” Arthur took out a document. “Are there any issues with the films? Why aren’t they approved yet?” Kaze asked curiously. Kaze had no idea. “There are some issues. They aren’t fit to be aired. “Typically, there aren’t a lot of restrictions for film productions so long as the themes aren’t sensitive topics. “But these films featured altered history. The company has been asked multiple times to make revisions, but the films still don’t make the cut.” The Viper’s Den’s members were not privy to the information. The Frosts were insignificant. Kaze was after the Frosts. Otherwise, the Viper’s Den would not waste its resources on a mere film production company. Jet’s investment of nearly ten million bucks in Rising Sun caught the Viper’s Den’s attention. The delayed approval of the films would be catastrophic to the in