“We can’t be sure if it was him.” The young woman knew that Autumn was talking about Kaze. She said, “Kaze let Magnus go after incapacitating him. “A sniper killed Magnus’ driver when he was on his way to Lilyrose airport. The car lost control and caused a big pile-up on the highway.“By the time Magnus’ men got him out of the car, Magnus was long gone.” “The local police force determined through the bullet trajectory that the sniper stayed high a mile and a half away. So far there are no leads.” Autumn said with a straight face, “That’s quite a precision for a sniper to shoot a moving target a mile and a half away. The enemy knows a lot about Magnus. The distance wouldn’t have put him on high alert. “The world-class sniper can be military trained.” The young woman was taken aback, “Are you saying that Albert got rid of Magnus for Kaze?” Autumn shook her head. “You don’t understand that guy in Lilyrose. If he wanted to kill Magnus, he would have killed him there and then
“When I did ever say—” Kaze paused mid-sentence. He might have said it. The Viper Queen seized the opportunity and named him the leader of the West State branch. Kaze glanced at the Nether Viper Sword in Scarlet’s hand and said indifferently, “Autumn wants me to work for her in exchange for this replica. Isn’t that asking for too much?” The chiefs of the Viper’s Den—Dragon’s Nest, Tiger’s Cave, and Wolf’s Den—may be revered, but they were only four people to Kaze. Needless to say, the position meant little to Kaze. Even if Kaze was offered a position as chief, he might not find it worth his while. Scarlet said, “The chief said that you might have deep connections in the military, but it certainly can be inconvenient when you need the resources. “The resources at the West State branch are at your disposal.” Scarlet had no idea that Kaze was the God of War. She was only conveying Autumn’s message. That was what she was supposed to say in the event Kaze was not on b
“Alright then. Go back and tell Autumn that I’ll lead the West State branch for now.” Kaze could not watch as the five strongest nations stirred up trouble in Arcadia. The Viper Queen sure knew him like the back of her hand. Relieved, Scarlet excused herself and left the mayor’s office in Lilyrose. Kaze summoned Caleb and asked, “Does Don have any progress on Gareth’s case?” “Nothing so far.” Caleb said with a wry smile, “The perpetrator covered their tracks well. With Magnus dead too, the police are feeling the strain.” “I have their backs. Just tell Don to keep digging.” Kaze waved his arm. He got up and left the office. “Are you Kaze?” Kaze walked out of the mayor’s office, only to be surrounded by a group. The group, who were dressed in black, looked callous. When Sirius brought his team to block anyone from leaving the mayor’s office, Kaze sliced off the arm of each individual. Kaze did not expect them to lay another siege. He sized up the unwelcome g
Soon, the word went around, saying that Kaze staged the auctioning of the Nether Viper Sword to give the Viper Queen money in seeking forgiveness. It now made sense why the Viper Queen stood by Kaze during the auction. Only, some found that Magnus died in vain. The Viper Queen turned her back on the West State branch leader for over 10 billion dollars. … Putting away the Nether Viper Sword, Kaze returned to Horizon Mirror Mansion. Kaze could hear the cheerful laughter inside before entering. He stepped inside with a smile. “Good news, I hear?” “Kaze, I’m guaranteed an admission spot in college!” Rose rushed over to hold Kaze’s arm, her face blushing with excitement. The family watched gleefully, not finding the affection between Rose and Kaze inappropriate at all. Rose was still a baby to the family. “Oh, congrats. Which college?” Kaze asked with a smile. As far as he knew, Rose was in one of the best high schools in the South River State. The students in th
Nelson served in the military. While he might hold power, the income was not much. Kaze flaunted his money for once just to tick Nelson off. “Thank you, Kaze.” Rose jumped for joy. Nelson grimaced and scoffed without another word. After all, Kaze was helping his daughter. He knew that Kaze was far from the loser he was before. Later, Kaze contacted the owner of Dynasty Hotel to get the best private lounge. The next day soon arrived. Rose’s family and the extended family showed up at the hotel on time. It did not take long for South River University’s admission group to arrive. The group was led by a young, beautiful, and intelligent woman in professional attire. The young woman, Mandy Yipz, was the leader of the admission teams sent by South River University. “Huh? Kaze?” Before Nelson even introduced Kaze, Mandy stared at the latter in shock. She scowled. Though she quickly covered her facial expression, her hostility was apparent. Kaze frowned. “Hell
In Mandy’s opinion, she would not be in the horrible position if Kaze had not turned the tide. Since she did not want to cross her former superiors at Sunrise News, she directed all the hatred and resentment on Kaze. Despite Mandy’s attempt to mask her feelings, everybody could still feel her hostility toward Kaze. Mandy was not friendly to Kaze. Worried about her niece’s future, Agnes smoothed things over with a smile. “You flatter him, Ms. Yipz. My son-in-law can’t beat you. He’s just here to fill a spot and lighten the mood. He was supposed to come with us. “Should I just tell him to leave, Ms. Yipz?” The group regretted letting Kaze come along. They did not know that Mandy would have a problem with Kaze. The observation was just a formality, but Kaze’s presence might just ruin Rose’s chances of getting into the university. Agnes did not care about Kaze and even told him to leave. Mandy hid the glee behind her eyes. As she had reported about Kaze, she did her
Agnes dragged Kaze to the side for a warning. “Think before you talk. I won’t forgive you if you ruin Rose’s chances of university admission.” The group told Kaze not to screw things for Rose before heading outside to wait. The private lounge, which was in fact a suite, was huge. Mandy went to the couch and sat down with her legs crossed before sizing Kaze up. She said amusedly, “I didn’t expect to meet you under such circumstances, Mr. Lee. “I hold the power to enroll Rose into the university. What do you have to say?” Kaze answered indifferently, “I have nothing much to say. Rose has always been an excellent young lady. She demonstrates strong determination in her studies and character. She has no vices.“Just handle this by the book, Ms. Yipz. No need to consider my feelings.” Kaze texted Snow to find out about Mandy during lunch. Snow had already equipped Kaze with information on Mandy. Mandy was the former ace reporter at Sunrise News. After she was fired due to h
To be fair, the male facilitators were grateful to Kaze. If Kaze had not gotten Mandy fired, they would never have her as their head of admission. Nevertheless, the gratitude did not stop the male facilitators from sucking up to Mandy and vilifying Kaze. Sure, Kaze had some power because he was a chairman. However, the male facilitators worked at a university, and Kaze’s connections could not threaten their jobs. Mandy was smug that her bootlickers tore Kaze a new one. “You were lucky to stumble upon evidence of Lil Dee’s tax evasion, Lee. Otherwise, the public would still have you on a witch hunt. “You cost me my job, and I’m supposed to consider your feelings?“I don’t know what gave you the confidence to think so. “I wouldn’t waste my time on a nobody like you. “You’re a loser. You got lucky to find a wife you could mooch on. “Otherwise, you’d be out on the streets begging for food by now.” Mandy dressed Kaze down. She wanted to strip Kaze of his dignity un
As the air crackled with deadly intent, Draig’s heart pounded with dread. He was horrified that the Viper’s Den members were just as strong, if not stronger than him. Draig had no idea that these members were Viper’s Den South River State Branch’s key players. They were the elites of the elites in the South River State. “Easy there, gentlemen. Mr. Tenby is from abroad. He doesn’t know the rules of Arcadia. Please cut him some slack.” With Draig caught in a spot, Cyan came to the rescue. Since Cyan was nice about it, the leader of the pack scoffed and waved his arm. His companions quickly put away their weapons. “I don’t care where you came from, but you need to keep to the Arcadian rules since you’re here. You don’t get special favors here.” The leader stared at Draig and said icily, “This should not happen again. Now, get lost!” Draig burned with rage. The people, except for Kaze, had been bending over backward for Draig since his arrival in Arcadia. To think he
The Viper’s Den members yelled at Draig while pulling out their weapons. The air was thick with tension. Draig knew that it was not wise of him to fight during Hannah’s celebration. The Viper’s Den members would not stand by and let the commotion stew. Draig was caught between a rock and a hard place. By throwing the punch, he would be at odds with the Viper’s Den, but he could not turn the other cheek on the matter. “Just forget it, Mr. Tenby. Don’t get into it with a dropped loser. You’re only insulting yourself.” Cyan gave Draig an out. Draig retrieved his arm and scoffed. “Consider yourself lucky, Kaze.” A shadow of regret fleeted across Kaze’s eyes. If Draig were to start a fight, Kaze would have reason to finish him off and get rid of the annoyance. It was a shame that the Viper’s Den members stopped anything from happening. Cyan criticized, “Mr. Tenby is only looking out for you, Kaze. Yet, you stomped on his car key. You went too far. Hurry up and apologiz
“Nevermind. Why are we wasting our time with the likes of him? We don’t belong in the same world anyway.” Draig waved his arm. “Come on. Let’s get inside.” Dumping his car on the side of the road, Draig led Cyan and her friends into Bronze Sparrow. “Huh? How did Kaze get in? Can he get in?” one influencer exclaimed. The crowd watched in shock as Kaze stepped through the door. “Branch Leader!” The members of the Viper’s Den South River State Branch perked up when Kaze showed up. They, Hannah’s trusted aides, knew who Kaze was. Kaze acknowledged the greeting. “Is everybody here?” The head of the pack said in respect, “Many guests have arrived. Ms. Delmore and Mr. Ettinger will be here once they are done with work. Should I inform them to keep you company, sir?” “No, I’ll sit and wait.” Kaze waved his arm and made his way inside. “Hold it right there, Kaze!” Cyan’s angry voice came from behind. “Are you aware of the event at Bronze Sparrow? Do you know who the
“Kaze, I heard that your wife dumped your ass. Are you pinching pennies now? “You had a fancy car and a beautiful lady by your side just a couple of days ago, and now, you’re riding a bike.“I guess you want to do more than just a valet service.” Draig pulled out more cash to give to Kaze. “You can get my car washed too.“I’ll give you another twenty bucks. The money should be enough for you to get fried chicken or something for lunch.”“Hahaha!”Cyan and her friends laughed out loud. Twenty bucks for a fried chicken. That kind of life seemed far away for these people. Cyan suddenly scowled. “I’m warning you, Kaze. My family will not take pity on you just because your wife kicked you out.“Don’t try to leech off my family.” Cyan thought Kaze was so alpha at Emerald Bull Palace two days ago. The mayor was Kaze’s backing, and Juan was his apprentice. Yet now, Kaze was divorced and kicked out. It meant one thing. If Kaze was indeed badass, Darcy, who knew and love
Sucking up to Cyan, the influencers offered her words of comfort. Though Cyan did not have an invitation, she was close with Draig. The influencers could attend the event through Draig with Cyan’s help. Despite having other thoughts, the influencers knew better than to put Cyan down. A Mercedes G-wagon pulled up by the road. The car door opened, and Draig jumped out. He took off his sunglasses and said with a smile, “Why aren’t you going in, Cyan?” Cyan replied with a grin, “We don’t have an invite, Mr. Tenby. We’re waiting for you to take us in.“Oh, where’s your invite, Mr. Tenby?” She was confused as Draig did not seem to be holding anything. “An invite? It’s just a party for Hannah. You don’t need an invitation card.” Draig smiled confidently. “My name is basically our pass into the place. You can just say that you’re with me.” “Wow! You’re the man, Mr. Tenby.” “Mr. Tenby is so badass. You are total boyfriend material.” The influencers drooled over Draig, a
The influencers dropped their jaws in shock and looked at Cyan enviously. “Oh, my gawd! Marrying the branch leader is your gateway to super fame.” “Is it true, Cyan? Really?” The influencers hounded Cyan. Cyan rolled her eyes at Sweetpea. “Don’t take it from Sweetpea. “The VIPs from the South River State Branch did make a subtle mention. “I’m not sure whether Sponge is the branch leader since I’ve never met him before. “Just keep this between yourselves. Don’t spread the word. I’d be embarrassed if the whole thing was all a misunderstanding. “The branch leader keeps a low profile, and no one has met him in person before. “I doubt he likes to be put in the spotlight, so I’m playing it discreetly too.” Cyan spoke and acted reservedly. However, her smug look revealed her true thoughts. “Haha. Wouldn’t you meet the branch leader today?” “I see why you are so sure to take us to the celebration. We’d never get into a place like this on our own.” The influencers l
It never occurred to Kaze that Cyan and her influencer friends would attend Hannah’s celebration too. Before Cyan said anything, one influencer put her hand over her lips and said with a smile, “Get with the times, Anna. Cyan’s family isn’t just close with the senior members of the Viper’s Den. She’s going to be part of the organization soon.” “Huh?” Stunned, the other influencers asked, “What’s going on? Just tell us, Sweetpea!” Sweetpea was the influencer who just spilled the beans. She was Cyan’s closest friend and biggest ass-kisser. Taking Cyan by the shoulder, Sweetpea said, “Remember Cyan’s number one fan?” “Yeah!”“Sponge has been a fan of Cyan even before she signed with Golden Scale Corporation. Sponge tipped her tens of millions.”“That was how Cyan caught the eye of Golden Scale Corporation, and she became a hit.” The influencers chattered among themselves, all familiar with Sponge. They came from nothing and clawed their way up online.Their beginnings
The next afternoon, Kaze arrived at the parking lot outside Bronze Sparrow. It was packed with fancy cars. Needless to say, the underground garage must be filled with cars too. Hannah’s celebration was held in Bronze Sparrow. Just a few days ago, Siberian infiltrated Bronze Sparrow and abducted Anzu. The incident caused quite a stir in the upper crust of Riverbank. At the same time, the underground powerhouses were eager to get involved. As Miru, the up-and-coming underworld boss, seemed to be all bark and no bite, they wanted to see what she was made of. Bronze Sparrow, a place where troublemakers once ceased to exist, had to deal with incidents daily. Despite Miru getting tough on these troublemakers, business at Bronze Sparrow took a nosedive anyway. Miru was frustrated with the situation. Siberian had been a threat to the Viper’s Den for many years. It was no surprise that Miru’s crew could not defeat him. This time, Siberian’s death at the hands of the Viper’s
Kaze was taken aback. “How did you know?” “How?” June’s lips curled. “It’s all over town by now. Darcy is the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation. Have you any idea how many eyes are on a rich and beautiful girl like her? “Her divorce has caught the attention of men, and they are going to try their luck with her.” It did not take Kaze much to know that the Quint family members had nothing better to do. Agnes had been hoping to marry her daughter up. However, Darcy had the power, money, and connections to be playing with the big leagues herself. Agnes’ expectations for her future son-in-law would only go higher. Despite her lack of brain cells, Agnes would not do something degrading like circulating the news of her daughter’s divorce. “Hey! Why do you seem indifferent about this?” June elbowed Kaze. “How do you think I should react?” Kaze found June baffling. June looked disappointed. “You don’t seem upset that you were dumped.” “Get a life.” Kaze did not hav