Kaze said with a smile, “Conan’s older brother takes orders from me, much less him.” Darcy frowned. She was skeptical that Conan reported to Kaze. Something must have happened after Conan rushed to Taurus Automobiles last night. “That reminds me, Kaze. How did the talk with Greg go?” On the way home, Darcy asked about something else. Kaze replied with a grin, “Didn’t I tell you that we nearly got all the kinks ironed out? Just wait for my good news.”His confidence gave Darcy assurance. Meanwhile, Kingston urgently withdrew 300 million dollars from the corporate account and led people to clear out the store before Conan released him.With Paladia Moose gone, another business moved in, and renovations started immediately. “Who took over the lease so soon?” Outside Golden Edge, Kingston applied medication to his face and asked Vilma menacingly. Left with nothing, Vilma clung to Kingston. She gritted her teeth and said, “It’s Rove, a local brand nearing bankruptcy.
Lil Dee’s team had to filter through these big-name invitations. Ordinary major labels were not prestigious enough for him to lend his name to them.Paladia Moose was a different story because the brand was a high-end luxury. A collaboration with Paladia Moose would elevate Lil Dee’s image. It was a win-win partnership, and the negotiations went on smoothly. They signed the contract right away. “Hahaha! That’s an easy three hundred million dollars, and that’s just for signing the contract. I can’t believe how easy it is to make money.” In a grand office, Lil Dee threw his pen aside and laughed in delight. Since Paladia Moose offered a lot for the endorsement, Lil Dee came personally to sign the contract and pushed back the day’s livestream schedule. Grinning from ear to ear, Lil Dee looked at Kingston and said brazenly, “The three-hundred-million-dollar signing fee should be wired to Lee Investment, Mr. Hacks.” “Don’t worry, Lil Dee. We know the drill,” Kingston respon
No other influencers or streamers had fame and celebrity status quite like Lil Dee. Lil Dee was a leading figure in the live-streaming community.“Sorry, I was a little late today, dear fam. I just learned of an infuriating incident.” Sitting in front of the camera, Lil Dee cut to the chase with an indignant look. Curious, the viewers were drawn to the story. Lil Dee was a national-level influencer. They were keen to know what could irk him. Not keeping the viewers in long suspense, Lil Dee pulled Kingston over. “This is my friend, Mr. Hacks, fam. He’s the vice COO of the Arcadian branch of Paladia Moose. “Do you see the bruise on his face, fam? “Kaze, the mafia, ordered an attack on him. That’s right, he’s the same mafia who beat me up.” The viewers blew up with rage when they saw Kingston’s bruised face. Kingston was a senior officer of Paladia Moose’s Arcadian region too, so he was a man of power and wealth. Still, Kaze hit him. Kingston started sadfishing.
Lil Dee’s accusation against Rove only worsened the already dire financial situation of the business.Not only was Rove’s online shop boycotted, but its stores were deserted too. While the new storefront in Golden Edge was under a facelift, a group suddenly barged in. “Rove is shit! You didn’t even donate a thing during the city’s disaster. You sure are eager to take the store from Paladia Moose though!” “Go to hell!” “I will never buy anything from your store!” The crowd outside the storefront grew amid the tirade of abuse. The new security captain of Golden Edge led his men to restore order to the place. “Golden Edge and Rove deserve each other!” “Come on. We are never shopping here again.” The emotional crowd walked away. It did not take long for the normally bustling Golden Edge to become empty and deserted. Inside Rove’s store, Hart stared blankly at the trashed entrance. The crowd had been gone for a while, but he was still locked in a trance. “The distri
Jennifer’s nonchalant tone bore a hint of mockery. With the online community tearing into Kaze in the last few days, Hudson Investment Firm also felt the wrath of the public. Jennifer held it against Kaze, and with an opportunity presenting itself, she taunted him. Brushing her sarcastic remark off, Kaze said with a smile, “You sure are eager, Ms. Barwise. I will soon meet your needs.” “You! You’re such a perv, Lee!” On the other end of the line, Jennifer turned red, thinking that Kaze hit on her. “Go to hell!” Jennifer hung up in embarrassment and anger. “This woman is all about the drama.” Kaze shook his head, knowing that Jennifer took things the wrong way. Nevertheless, he did not have time to waste on her. Kaze got into the car and gave Faye a call. “K-Kaze…” Faye’s trembling voice came on the line. Kaze said aloofly, “Do you have everything?” “Yes,” Faye responded right away. “Take the documents and meet me at Desmond’s studio.” Kaze then ended t
Desmond shuddered when Kaze’s piercing gaze fell on him. His several experiences with Kaze had been rather traumatic. Nevertheless, Desmond quickly pulled himself together and sneered. “Do you really think I’m scared of you, Kaze? I dare you to hit me.” He gave Kaze a dirty look before turning to his agent, Emma. “Show the loser what I can do.” Emma nodded and waved at a staff member. Soon, a group of journalists with microphones swarmed into the hall. “You agreed to an interview, at last, Lil Dee. What are your thoughts on donating one billion dollars after the heavy storm hit the city?” “I heard many major labels are looking to make you their spokesperson. Can you share any details with us?” Desmond was popular. The press circled Desmond like sharks. As his agent handled crowd control, Desmond said out loud with a smile, “I might not be a local, but my studio is here. I donated one billion dollars to rebuild the city. “Some local businessmen or chairmen do not e
“Are you alright, Dad?” Hart’s sudden blood spill threw the Lyfes into a panic. Furrowing his brows, Kaze went up to check on him and said, “His anger got the best of him. He coughed up blood, but his chest appeared clear now. It’s probably a good idea to take him to the hospital.“Take your dad there now, Daphne.” “Alright.” Daphne wiped her tears and helped Hart to the hospital with assistance from Rove’s staff.The commotion caught the press’ attention. “Huh? Is that Mr. Hart Lyfe from Rove? Why did he spit out blood?” The cameras clicked away. It was huge news. Standing afar, Kingston scoffed and taunted. “He’s just sadfishing. Where was he when Rove set Paladia Moose up and stole our store? What’s the point of pretending to be sick now? “This is a nice story to report on. The chairman of Rove coughed out blood to gain sympathy. Hahaha.” Desmond laughed maniacally. The Lyfes were furious. “Stop with the accusations, Hacks. When did Rove ever steal your stor
Kaze pulled out his phone and called Conan to come over with backup. Kingston scoffed in disdain. “Who are you bluffing? Conan doesn’t scare me even if he arrives with his dad.” With Desmond backing him up, Kingston was not afraid of anybody. Nevertheless, Kaze’s attitude did not sit well with Kingston. “Look, Lil Dee. Lee still doesn’t take you seriously.” Kingston cocked his head back and stirred things up. Pulling a long face, Desmond said chillingly, “You’re knee-deep in trouble, but you are still clueless, Kaze. Get in your head why you are here today. You are here to save yourself and your wife’s family. “You better get on your knees now if you don’t want to die.” It had been two days since Kaze attacked him, and Desmond turned the Internet against Kaze. Even Lilyrose Commerce Guild, an institution his wife worked at, and Rove were involved. Desmond heard that the members of Lilyrose Commerce Guild caused a scene at the guild, leaving Darcy rather overwhelmed
“The head honcho made a wise choice.” South talked as if the plan benefited them all. The Steelclaw Guild did not consider the risk of sending Anzu after Kaze and his loved ones. Kaze survived the assassination and proved to the Steelclaw Guild that he was worth the risk. However, what if he had died? The Steelclaw Guild would let Phoenix know that she owed them one. Either way, the Steelclaw Guild would not be losing out on anything. The Steelclaw Guild had a collaboration with Kaze, but they were not in on it together. Kaze shook his head. The Steelclaw Guild was an assassination organization for a reason. They only worked for themselves and were not worth Kaze’s trust. He said curtly, “Tell your head honcho that I don’t owe your people anything anymore. “But you owe me one.” No one else but Kaze would demand something from the Steelclaw Guild. Anyone else in Kaze’s place would swallow the bitter pill and move on. Not Kaze, though. He was not scared of the
With Anzu dead, Kaze got rid of one major problem. Since the police would tie up loose ends at the funeral parlor, Kaze and Darcy’s family were free to leave under the escort of police officers. Other Quint family members in the South River State departed alongside Kaze and Darcy’s family. These people feared for their lives. It dawned on them that they were safe with Darcy’s family, especially since the police were determined to keep Darcy’s family safe and sound before. They followed Darcy’s family, not leaving them out of their sight. Dozens of members swarmed into Villa No. 1, leaving the residence rather cramped. “It’s such a waste of space for a small family to live in a big, luxurious place.” “I guess there are perks to kissing up to the mayor.” The Quint family members, making themselves too at home, occupied the space and made snide remarks. Darcy did not possess power or influence after losing Sky Ocean Corporation. They did not care what Darcy’s family t
Like Joan, Phoenix never would have imagined that she would die in such a humiliating way. Kaze did not even move his hands. He simply said a few words and Anzu killed her. Phoenix died with her eyes wide open, but the light quickly faded. The last image reflected upon her eyes was Kaze grinning brightly with his teeth gleaming under the light. “Bastard…” That was Phoenix’s last word. In just the blink of an eye, the respected elder of the Quint family had turned into a lifeless corpse. Every other family member at the scene gasped in shock. “Die, Kaze Lee!” Anzu’s killing spree did not stop with just two deaths. She shouted at Kaze but she dashed toward Darcy. Swoosh! Kaze had anticipated this. With a swift movement, he shifted sideways to position himself in front of Anzu, blocking her. Anzu swung her arms forward, launching multiple poisoned shurikens at him. Darcy was right behind him, so Kaze dared not dodge the shurikens. It was either him or Darcy. Howe
Joan shouted, “Stop talking nonsense and kneel! She wants you to kneel and Grandaunt Phoenix can be freed!” “That’s right,” Anzu affirmed with a nod. Kaze looked at Joan and bellowed, “I can kneel but you have to release Joan first, at least show some sincerity. How do I know you are not trying to trick me?” Since when did Kaze become such a kind-hearted person? Crack! While Joan was baffled by the question, Anzu stepped on her knee without even blinking. Crack! “Aaaargh!” Joan wailed as her body convulsed violently, her piercing screams grating on everyone’s ears. Phoenix finally caught a breath and shouted, “Kaze, one more word and I will kill you and your family! You must have done it on purpose! You must be! “Get over here and kneel, or else I will strangle you myself!” Joan cried with utmost resentment. She was already bound to a wheelchair and now her knee was broken. The one she hated the most was not Anzu but Kaze because he got her into this situation.
“Kaze, you little bastard! Are you trying to get me killed?!” Phoenix tried to force Kaze into submission. If her gaze could materialize, it would be the sharpest knife at Kaze's neck. “Anzu, do you know what you’re doing? That’s the elder of the Quint family, the respectable Grandaunt Phoenix Quint! Lay a finger on her, and I assure you that even if you run back to Ryokan, hell will come after you.” Huh? Phoenix was suddenly stunned. Was Kaze not the most defiant and disrespectful? Why would he flatter her in front of the hitman now? She had hired the Steelclaw Guild to kill him and his family, and only now he started to realize the gravity of the situation? Was it a little too late? Crack! At the next moment, Phoenix felt an immense pain in her hand. Anzu had actually broken one of her fingers without even saying anything. “Aaaargh!” Phoenix cried in agony as the pain tormented her. Anzu looked at Kaze coldly and said, “I’ve broken one of her fingers. What are y
“Let go of Grandaunt!” “Release Joan!” “Release them and you can leave in one piece!” Some of the Quint family members, plus the bodyguards, pressed forward carefully, shooting at Anzu to pressure her. Judging from their nervous looks, Anzu knew she was right. The two hostages she held right now were the two most powerful people in the room. No wonder Kaze’s in-laws knelt before the two of them earlier. From the looks of it, the two hostages were someone powerful; not even Kaze’s family could afford to offend them. Anzu’s initial plan was to seize Kaze’s in-laws but she was glad she changed her target after she entered. She knew that with her strength alone, her odds of killing Kaze were slim. When she was captured by Kaze and tortured by Collier, her body suffered terrible trauma and had yet to recover, weakening her. The only way she could get her revenge was to capture Kaze’s closest people and use them against him. The thought put a grim smile on her face. She
“You…” The fear of death suppressed and replaced the anger in Phoenix. Her wrinkled face paled, making her look like a living corpse. “Madam!” Two of Phoenix’s followers from Ridgesouth tried to jump on Anzu to rescue their employer. However, Anzu swung her katana in a swift, deadly arc, slitting their throats instantly and splattering blood across the ground. “Kaze Lee, get over here! Or else I will kill this old hag!” Anzu roared, her tone resentful. “She killed them!” “Grandaunt is being taken hostage!” “Call the police!” The morgue fell into chaos following the death of the two followers. All the members of the other family branches screamed in panic. Some scrambled to escape, while others stood still in shock. A few were paralyzed by sheer terror, unable to process what was happening before their eyes. As chaos broke out, Kaze quickly dashed forward to pull the horrified Hector and Agnes away, dragging them back to Darcy and Sky. “Stay here and don’t move.
“Get down and kneel to Joan, or else I will haunt you even after I die!” Kaze twisted his wrist, subtly revealing a thin silver needle in his palm. He then looked at Joan and said, “Fire if you can.” If Joan got so much as close to the trigger, he would use the silver needle to kill her on the spot. His words put disappointment in Darcy’s eyes. Kaze was physically strong but the family was surrounded by guns. Under such intense circumstances, Kaze could really be more tolerant and endure the insult for their sake. Darcy was deeply disappointed in Kaze. Phoenix was so enraged by Kaze’s threats toward Joan that she laughed in exasperation. “Joan, show that you mean business!” “Kaze Lee, you made me do this!” Joan said with a grin. She slowly raised the gun at Kaze. Bang! Suddenly, the door was kicked open from the outside, and a woman in a funeral home uniform with a mask appeared. Strangely, she wielded a Ryokan katana and was searching for someone among the cr
There were police officers outside of the funeral home, and since the hitmen from the Steelclaw Guild would come after Hector and his family, Phoenix did not need to kill them in the open. Though she did not mind scaring them and making them kneel before her, begging for mercy—it would be quite satisfying. Thump! Hector and Agnes knelt immediately. Agnes was shuddering as she said, “Grandaunt, we never meant to disrespect you! It was all Kaze! Him! He was the one who opposed you and challenged your authority! “He was the one who broke your cane and beat up Joan. He was the one who called the stop on the projects! We had nothing to do with it!” She then turned to her son and daughter. “Sky, Darcy, what are you two doing standing? Get down! Madam Dark’s death is already painful enough for Grandaunt. Stop upsetting her!” “Yeah, kneel! Grandaunt is an elder, it’s not embarrassing kneeling to her!” Hector said to his children, the anxiety on his face was obvious too. He did