One moment ago, Max cockily put down the Vikroms, Logmans, and Joestars. Now, Max dropped to his knees after Kaze asked a question. No one saw it coming. Even Darcy’s jaw dropped to the ground. Something must have happened when Kaze went to Landor residential area as Max appeared terrified of him. Bernard and the others were taken aback. The members of Lilyrose Commerce Guild were dumbstruck. Max was the commissary of Four Ocean Commerce Guild. He basically ran the South River state with a giant like Four Ocean Commerce Guild backing him up. Yet, he kneeled before Kaze. “Yuri wanted you to kneel, not me, Mr. Lee!” Dismissing the looks all around, Max shouted at Kaze with a crying face. He did not expect to see Kaze there. As a witness to the incident in Landor residential area, Max knew how scary the man was. Even a highborn like Leigh was not saved from Kaze’s rough handling, much less Max. Kaze sat next to Darcy on the sofa with no intention of getting up. H
Now that Max kneeled before Kaze, Yuri no longer wanted to get into it with Kaze. However, Kaze walked ahead without looking at Yuri. Standing still, Kaze stared at Bernard, Jack, Peter, and the members who withdrew their membership from Lilyrose Commerce Guild. “Mr. Lee.” Close to a hundred members acknowledged Kaze’s presence. Darcy’s eyes welled up. Once upon a time, the public saw Kaze as the loser who mooched off his wife. Now, Lilyrose’s finest entrepreneurs showed respect to Kaze. “You are so badass today, babe,” Darcy murmured while covering her mouth. Not catching his wife’s remark, Kaze said with a smile, “Thank you for the honor. I have met many friends in Lilyrose’s business scene.”“We’re just doing our part,” the group answered. Kaze waved his arm, and the chatter quieted down. Kaze said, “I humbly seek a favor to rejoin Lilyrose Commerce Guild.” Huh? Everybody was taken aback by Kaze’s request. The members including Bernard, Peter, and Jack dec
“Huh?” Yuri slumped to the ground, his eyes losing luster. It never occurred to him that Kaze would forcefully boot him out of the commerce guild. Yuri did not know what he was supposed to do now. All members of Lilyrose Commerce Guild looked at Kaze as their leader. Max, the representative of Four Ocean Commerce Guild, kneeled near the sofa and kept slapping himself. Yuri fell into despair. Kaze had decided his fate. Yuri did not even have a chance to retaliate. “Take your niece and students and leave.” Without looking at Yuri, Kaze said his piece and went to Max. With his back facing the crowd, Max whipped his face to the point of bleeding.However, Max dared not stop until Kaze said so. “That’s enough.” Kaze’s voice from the back was a godsend. Max put down his sore arm and turned to face Kaze with a swollen face. He said, “Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Lee?” “How’s the vehicle ownership transfer coming along?” Kaze asked while taking a
With Darcy setting the scene, others followed suit in pledging donations. The group was born and bred in Lilyrose. Not to mention, they had assets and businesses in the city too. Putting the city back on track would do everybody good, so they were on the same page and united as a group. To Darcy’s surprise, Hart Lyfe, the CEO of Rove, pledged to donate 50 million dollars. Darcy tried to talk him out of it. “Mr. Lyfe, don’t go above your means. We all know Rove is struggling at the moment. It’s okay to donate a smaller amount. The donation comes from the heart.” Compared to Yuri, Hart was a discreet and pragmatic old man who had earned Darcy’s respect. The others persuaded Hart because he was known as an all-around great guy. “Don’t convince me to donate less.” Hart said with a wry smile, “Truth be told, things might not work out for Rove soon enough. I have buyers getting in touch and expressing interest in taking over. You might read on the news soon about Rove changi
The rescue workers were livid. However, the administrator did not care and even rolled his eyes. “No one is forcing you to do volunteer work. It’s not as if you’re working for me.” That was true. If it were not to provide emergency relief, the rescue crew would not take the abuse. They simply took off their red vests and walked away. Kaze observed from a short distance away, but he could not bite his tongue anymore. He drew close and told the administrator curtly, “You have three minutes to distribute lunchboxes to the relief workers. I will slap you for each missing meal.” “Oh? Why are you back, Kaze?” “Did you come back to help with the rescue?” “Oh, my god. I knew you’d be okay, Kaze.” The rescue workers were happy to see Kaze again. Although they had not spent a lot of time together, they had formed a beautiful friendship. Recognizing Kaze, the administrator of Red Star Charity grimaced. It was hard to forget the guy who beat Desmond and scared him off. Wi
The Red Star Charity committee withheld the boxed lunches to starve rescue workers. If giving the rescue workers food was not a priority, Kaze would have notified Don to arrest the Red Star Charity committee. “What? Keeping the food from us?” “The bastards are trying to get even with us by starving us.” “Why would you do that? Even if you don’t want to help, don’t add to the trouble.”Livid, the nearby emergency responders encircled the administrators of Red Star Charity. Several women teared up angrily. Things were about to get out of hand. Grabbing Bobby by the collar, Kaze stared at him. “Are you going to distribute the food, or should I do it for you?” “W-We’ll do it.” As tensions ran high, Bobby grew scared and said with an ashen face, “Let me go. We honestly didn’t withhold the food. “The food truck arrived a few minutes ago. The staff is still tallying up how much food we have.” “Just distribute the food now.” Not interested in hearing another word from
“I have already eaten. Why should I have more?” Bobby snapped back. Bobby would not fear Kaze when his uncle was to arrive later. “Oh, you ate, but the emergency responders who did all the hard work hadn’t had anything to eat yet. “You starved them for an hour and fed them stale food. Aren’t you ashamed to call yourself a charity organization?” Kaze dragged Bobby over by the collar and said chillingly, “I don’t care if we have to force-feed you, but you are going to finish every bit of the boxed lunches.” He threw Bobby aside and pulled out his phone to call Jack. “Get the nearest hotel to the rescue tents to deliver packed food to the rescue workers here as soon as possible, Jack.” It was not the end of the stale food incident, but the emergency responders needed immediate sustenance to go on. The Joestars owned hotels across the city, so Kaze could count on him to deliver quickly. “Got it. I’ll inform my people.” Jack was on board right away. Kaze put away his
“Uncle Chris!” Overjoyed, Bobby went up to Chris and whispered something while pointing at Kaze. Chris’ expression gradually turned glum. He looked up at Kaze and approached him. “Mr. Lee, Ms. Kosky dismissed you as a volunteer after you attacked Lil Dee and ruined our organization’s reputation.“It’s inappropriate of you to disrupt our relief efforts now.” Chris pinned an accusation on Kaze the moment he arrived. After leaving the commerce guild with Yuri, Yelena went to get treatment for her face and did not have time to notify her people. Chris had been out and about, unaware that Kaze had booted Yelena and Yuri out. “No need to point fingers at me, Mr. Hoot.” Kaze said with intrigue, “It’s undetermined who’s ruining Red Star Charity’s reputation.”Chris grimaced. The way he saw it, Kaze held a grudge and caused a scene because he was sacked as a volunteer.Unfortunately, Kaze also happened to witness Red Star Charity’s shady business. Although Yelena fired
The other three experts of the Quints scoffed as they stared at Darcy. Darcy might be more beautiful than them but she would have to lose one of her legs. A beautiful cripple would be an interesting scene for them to enjoy. “What?! One of Darcy’s legs?!” Hector and Agnes were shocked by Dark’s words. Sky stepped up to express his dissatisfaction, saying, “What did Darcy do wrong? Why are you people punishing her? “Even if Darcy did something wrong, breaking one of her legs is too much! Are you people savages? How can you set up such an inhuman punishment in the family—” “Slap!” Before he could finish, Dark darted forward and slapped Sky in the face. “Ignorant boy! Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? Are you deaf? I have already announced Darcy Quint’s punishment! Do you not understand English? “Savage? Who are you calling savage? As the branch head of the Quints, Darcy colluded with outsiders to harm the head of the family. Breaking one of her legs i
The group of five strode into the living room. Looking at Dark, who exuded the same ominous aura as her daughter, Shadow, Agnes, who had been advising Kaze on how to negotiate with Phoenix, shuddered and shrank back in fear. The anger on her face was quickly replaced by a timid and flattering smile. “Madam Dark? What brings you here? Welcome to our humble abode!” Dark served Phoenix, so every member of the Quints in the South River State showed her the same respect as the elder of the family. After showing a flattering smile at Dark, Agnes turned around to her husband with furrowed brows and bellowed, “Hector, what are you doing there? Go prepare tea for our guests! “Madam Dark basically grew up with Madam Quint, they are as close as sisters! If we don’t serve her properly, we might not be able to make a stand in Riverbank anymore!” She then turned back to Dark and said respectfully, “Madam Dark, ladies, this way, please. Have a seat and we’ll prepare the best tea we have
“You’re finally getting brighter,” Hector said with a soft sigh. When Darcy became the branch head of the Quints, Agnes was the happiest because she thought the family had hit the jackpot. She foolishly thought her family’s status would surge, which fueled her arrogance along the way. Now, after what had happened, she finally woke up and saw the truth. “What else do you know other than mocking me in my face?” Agnes glared at her husband. Hector said helplessly, “I just want you to see things clearer and if your demands are too much, Madam Phoenix might not agree to them. She might even forfeit the negotiation. “After all, Sky Ocean Corporation belongs to Darcy and it’s her blood and sweat, not Madam Quint’s. So, even if the company goes bankrupt, she has nothing to lose.” Agnes pondered for a moment and realized her husband’s words made sense. Fear caught up to her immediately. She quickly said, “Kaze, then let’s not make so many demands. Let’s just appoint Darcy as the
Though it was infuriating that Kaze cost Darcy her job at Sky Ocean Corporation, Hector was willing to give Kaze another chance for some reason. He was curious whether Kaze was telling the truth. Hector had been taking the calls since yesterday while keeping Agnes out of the loop. “Kaze was right.” Hector looked at Kaze with a mix of emotions, and there was one thing he did not understand. “I just don’t get how he got Perfect World Group and Mayor Synder to follow through with his instructions.” It was a debt and project worth tens of billions.Even if Kaze had ties to Perfect World Group and Kent, it was a big personal favor to ask. Hector could not figure it out. Agnes’ jaw opened, and she glanced at Kaze before tugging at him. “Have a seat, Kaze. Have you had breakfast? Come. Do you want milk with your cereal?” She was always quick to adapt to the situation. Her attitude toward Kaze took a 180 turn. Agnes was not one to reflect on herself. She did not care what Ka
Phoenix uttered indignantly, “That’s fresh coming from Kent. “Didn’t you tell them that you were there on my behalf?“I’m a senior member of the Ridgesouth Quints. Can’t they just hand the rights to use the land to us?” Dark said resentfully, “According to the Riverbank council, they only answer to Darcy, not the Ridgesouth Quints.” “Oh, brilliant. Just brilliant.” Phoenix smirked furiously. “Kent has no respect for me. The Westeros Synders will pay for this!“What’s the situation like in Lilyrose? What does Perfect World Group have to say about this? Don’t tell me only Darcy can handle the business deals?” Dark grimaced hard. “Ma’am, when I said that I was representing you, I wasn’t even allowed into the premises.” …Humiliated, Phoenix froze. As tension rose, Phoenix jolted to her feet exasperatedly and slammed the table. “That’s pushing it!” With Phoenix seething in rage, some family members had ideas of their own. Phoenix had been acting high and mighty, looki
“The family of ingrates!“They have some nerve to threaten and manipulate me.”Phoenix was livid. She, a senior member of the Ridgesouth Quints, had always been superior and the center of attention. No one would defy her. Phoenix believed Hector’s family would not rebel against her. However, Kaze and Darcy had been nothing but a menace since her arrival in Riverbank. Kaze even put her behind bars for a few hours. Phoenix had never been so humiliated. She had had enough. The other family members in the South River State kept to themselves, not wanting to be at the firing end. Phoenix had dragged two family members out to the corridor to punish them for saying something she did not like. They could still hear the echoes of the slapping sound. Anxiety washed over the ward. Joan and her family were desperate. With Phoenix’s help, Joan finally seized Sky Ocean Corporation for her own, only to be blindsided by Perfect World Group and the Riverbank council. The corpora
Robin fell into contemplation before uttering, “I know what to do. “Bring me Ms. Delmore’s trusty sword.” A member retrieved Hannah’s sword and handed it to her respectfully. “Come on.” Kaze turned on his heel and left River Watcher Inn together with Hannah and Collier. As Kaze disappeared from the building, Robin sighed. “I didn’t expect the Chief to appoint a moocher to be the branch leader.” Robin knew that the revelation of Kaze’s identity would be a total shocker. Kaze took Hannah and Collier to Herbal Spring and wrote them a prescription. Hannah suffered internal injuries from Robin’s attack, and Collier sustained mental trauma from Robin’s music. Though the injuries were not serious, they were not in the best shape. Recovery would take time. Medicine could only do so much. While waiting for the medicine, Collier glanced at his phone and said, “The story is out, Kaze. Siberian attempted to kill Robin, and the Roads died protecting him.“There is nothing abou
Kaze smiled pretentiously. “Are you still trying to recruit me, Chief Hill?”Robin hung his head low in shame and replied, “I wouldn’t dare.” It finally dawned on him why Kaze would not accept his offer. Kaze even kept things hush-hush to spare him the embarrassment. However, Robin mistook Kaze’s intention as arrogance. It was true. Robin was unfit to engage in a fight with Kaze. Kaze was more powerful in strength and rank. “Rise,” Kaze uttered indifferently, not putting the blame on Robin. Robin was taken aback, but he quickly responded, “Thank you for overlooking my mistakes.” He rose to his feet. The members of the execution hall stayed in position, their faces pale. They were scared. Just minutes ago, they taunted and mocked Kaze. They had insulted the branch leader. If only there was a hole in the ground they could sink into. “Slap yourselves ten times before you can get up.” Kaze directed the comment at the execution hall members. He pointed at the
Silence filled the air on the ninth floor of River Watcher Inn. Robin stood frozen, his discolored face carrying a look of shock. The clamoring members of the execution hall looked at Kaze with their jaws dropped too. They did not see how Kaze did it. However, they picked up on the vanishing flicker. Robin’s reaction was all the answer they needed. Kaze delivered a blow when Robin attacked. Kaze clearly deterred Robin from launching another attack. Um… It was impossible. The outcome left emotions running high. While Robin killed Siberian with ease, he was no match for Kaze. Robin looked Kaze dead in the eye, his eyes unreadable. He felt that he was a tiny step away from death when Kaze struck him. It had been many years since Robin was consumed by that feeling. Robin knew from experience what it meant. Kaze could kill him if he wanted to. Robin would end up lifeless just like Siberian. Robin cocked his head back stiffly and glanced at the dagger that sank