Not only Roger, Kelly, and Haiden, but the others were confused as well. All two thousand guests in the hall were similarly baffled. Then, the vice commander of the Garo Spec Ops Team who led the operation, Jayden Belfast, went up to Koga and saluted. “Deputy Commander, report! The Garo Spec Ops Team has joined forces with Lilyrose for the anti-riot cooperation and successfully completed all assigned missions. Order, sir!” Koga saluted back and said, “Standby and wait for the commander’s order.” Everyone was shocked. Judging from Jayden’s words, Koga seemed to be the deputy commander of this operation. In that case, who was the main commander? Shin Scarlet? It should not be because he had the same rank as Koga. Don Braders? Impossible. He was just the chief of police, which was lower ranked than the brigadier general. Shin and Koga were probably taking orders from the mayor, Johnson. “Could Mayor Brooks be the main commander of this operation?” Everyone turn
The hall with two thousand people was dead silent. However, in places that the ears could not hear, people’s hearts were pounding rapidly. They breathed heavily and some even forgot to breathe. Shocking! Astonishing! Unbelievable! Not a single word or all of them combined could describe their feelings. The abandoned son of the Lee family, the son-in-law of the Quint family, the retard who had been locked up in the psychiatric ward for five years, the trash that everyone looked down on, was the main commander of the anti-riot operation?! The mayor, the brigadier generals, and the chief of police all listened to his command. Then, under everyone’s blank gaze, Kaze, who had been sitting for a while, finally got up. He looked at Roger, whose face had turned pale and his eyes had turned blank. He smiled and said, “Roger Hilfinger, what do you think of this?” Roger asked him a similar question when he was on stage. Now, Kaze wanted to return the favor. Roger’s expressio
“Kaze, I was wrong. I shouldn’t oppose you! Please let me go, please spare my family…” Roger knelt before Kaze, prostrating and hitting his head on the ground. He knew he was finished when he found out Kaze was the main commander of the operation. The Construction and Material Society was over, and so was the Hilfinger family. Based on what he did to Kaze, there was no reason for Kaze to spare him. Even the Lee family from the capital could not protect him anymore. He did not know who Kaze was, but as someone who could order the army around, he was someone so powerful that not even the Lee family could offend him. The massive anti-riot operation, involving tens of thousands of police and soldiers, managed to go unnoticed by the Lee family, despite having their men all over the city. It was the best proof that Kaze was more powerful than the Lee family! Kaze scoffed and said, “You went after my wife, do you think I’ll let you go that easily?” Roger shuddered. He regret
After most of the guests had left Universal Tower, another group of people came in from the Sky Cloud Tower, which was opposite the building. “It’s Ray Forrester and the people from Perfect World Group!” “The chairman’s assistant, Snow Frost, is also there!” Everyone made way for the group as they strutted into the Universal Tower. They entered the building proudly as if they had just won the war. “I finally know what is going on! The Construction and Material Society has been snatching their employees yet they didn’t respond at all. It’s not that they don’t care or are scared, they are preparing for something big!” “Mr. Forrester is known for being calm and patient. We are fools to think that Perfect World Group is over. Now they are delivering the final blow to Roger Hilfinger!” “Yeah! Roger Hilfinger even said Ray Forrester dared not attend the ceremony. Look what’s happening now!” “We are the clowns, and so is Roger Hilfinger…” The guests dispersed gradually, mockin
“You don’t need to worry about that. The core business of Hilfinger Corporation was originally a division of Quintessential Group that got separated. Now it’s time to return it to its rightful place.” Kaze then looked at Roger. “Tell your employees to clear out the company’s properties and possessions. Tomorrow, my wife will come to take over your company. If you agree, your son lives.” He made it clear that only Henry would be spared, not Roger. It was the most he could offer. Henry got what he deserved, so his life did not matter anymore. Roger, however, must die. It was a little present that Kaze prepared for his family back in the capital. Man proposed, and God disposed. Roger pulled his phone out and called the general manager of Hilfinger Corporation, Jay Buster, and delivered Kaze’s instructions. Kaze pulled a chair over and sat down. “Now, let’s talk about what happened five years ago. Other than the Lee family and the Hilfinger family, who else is involved in
Roger finally understood the situation. Aside from Kaze’s current status and power, his previous identity must be prestigious and dignified as well. Henry simply bullied Kaze during his university days and because of that, the Hilfinger family received so much benefit that they grew larger. Kaze looked at the gangster bosses kneeling on stage. “What about you people?” “Mr. Lee, we have no idea as well. We were just goons a few years back. Mr. Quint is someone that we could never get close to.” All fifteen of them immediately confessed. They had no grudges against Kaze. Even if they were apprehended, the worst punishment would only be jail time. If they were somehow related to Hector’s car crash, then they would lose their lives. Ray then said, “Mr. Chairman, if they are the culprit, I would have dealt with them a long time ago. Based on what I know, it might be related to a few former underworld bosses who had either retired or left the underworld. “However, it’s a
When Kaze saw the substitute, he saw himself. When he was locked up in the psychiatric ward for the first year, his condition was exactly like the substitute. However, Kaze had it worse than the substitute. 24 hours a day, every minute and every second of his life was recorded and he had to pretend to be a retard in front of the camera. He would never forget it for the rest of his life. The screen showed James visiting the substitute. James accompanied him patiently, talked to him, and played with him. “When was this?” Kaze asked. Ray said, “Two years ago, before James White got into the car crash.” James visited the psychiatric ward that day and wanted to bring Kaze out to a better place for treatment. However, the substitute was under constant surveillance and the Lee family would never allow him to take the substitute out. James failed in the end. After that, James never visited because of the car crash. Then, after the problems with his company, he jumped
A huge commotion erupted in the Lee family’s living hall. Someone presented them with a coffin on Karina’s birthday? Some of them even thought they heard it wrongly. In the next second, two men led a group of four carrying a huge coffin into the hall. The six of them were Dan’s men, the veteran soldiers who came back from the battlefield. The entire hall was silenced. Every single one of the Lee family was stunned. After a momentary silence, Narian stood up and bellowed, “Who are you? Why did you send the coffin here?” “Didn’t you hear me? The coffin is from Kaze Lee of Lilyrose!” The leader of the men said coldly and then waved at his men, “Unload it!” Bang! The heavy coffin was dropped on the ground, shaking the entire hall a little. The coffin lid was not nailed down, so upon landing, it slid off. A pungent smell of blood assaulted the lively atmosphere instantly. “Arh! There’s a body inside!” The Lee family was on stage when they saw the body inside th
“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