“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
“I don’t.” Mandy nodded and glanced at her phone before asking, “I heard that the Sunrise Lees disowned you.” Kaze frowned but nodded. “That’s right.” “You ended up in Lilyrose and married into the Quint family?” “That’s right.” “The Sunrise Lees practice strict traditions. It’s said that you were kicked out because you committed an offense. “You mooched off your wife, and when you started to build power and riches, you delivered a gravestone to the Lees, demanding they apologize on their knees in Lilyrose even though they raised you.“A shameless and ungrateful man like you do not deserve our time. “South River University strives on its strict values. We don’t just accept any students. Given your situation, I think it is necessary for the school to reconsider whether to accept Rose as a student.” The harsh criticism came out of Mandy’s mouth. In the end, Mandy launched a personal attack on Kaze. Even the nearby bootlickers thought Mandy had gone overboard. They wo
“Besides, didn’t I prove that already?” Kaze looked at Mandy with a smile. His composure got on Mandy’s last nerves. With nothing getting through to Kaze, Mandy felt like her attacks were going nowhere. “Keep up with the act, Lee.“Either way, you can’t hide your insecurities. “You have money, but money can’t buy education, at least not to us. You can’t win us with your money. “You must be dreaming to think you can interfere in South River University’s affairs.” Mandy sneered and waved at one of the bootlickers. “Go and get a basin of water from the hotel staff.” The bootlicker was stunned. Though confused, the bootlicker went to fetch a basin of water. Mandy returned to the couch and removed her stilettos. The bootlickers stared at her feet fervently. The basin was to wash Mandy’s feet. “Should I help you, Ms. Yipz?” Mandy ignored him and smirked at Kaze. “Scared now, Lee?“If you want me to spare Rose, get your ass over here and give me a foot rub. You c
Wallace looked fierce and sounded firm. A live-in husband who got into his current position through nepotism, despite having made a name for himself and getting the support of the mayor of Riverbank, he was still involved in a murder and showed no remorse for what happened. Instead, he tried to go around the system to free himself. Wallace looked down on people like Kaze from the bottom of his heart. Kaze suddenly laughed after hearing the man, which fueled his agitation. He bellowed, “What are you laughing at?” “I am laughing at you for being a busybody, Deputy Governor Frost.” Under Wallace’s fierce gaze, Kaze chuckled and said, “Deputy Governor Frost, I don’t care what you think of me, but I have two things to say. “First, I am not a suspect and I have nothing to do with this case. Second, my relationship with Snow is also none of your business.” “Hey! Watch your mouth!” “Mind your choice of words, Kaze Lee!” “What gave you the right to talk to the deputy gover
Kaze looked at the entrance. The man was probably in his 50s, tall and upright, striding and exuding a sense of commanding presence. His expression looked stern, his eyes fierce, expressing his authority and superiority. Morgan was slightly surprised before he went over to the man. He bowed and said respectfully, “Mr. Frost! You’re here?” Upon hearing Morgan call the man, Kaze knew the man’s identity. Wallace Frost, like Mitchell, was one of the two deputy governors. Unlike Neegan and Michell, who were not locals and were simply transferred to their positions, Wallace had been serving South River State for many years and earned himself a high reputation. More importantly, as his name suggested, he was from the Frost family. However, his family was from a distant branch and had rooted themselves in Riverbank rather than Butterworth, though he was still in contact with the main family in Butterworth. In other words, if Snow was around, she would have to call the man unc
Donovan bit his lips, his expression clearly showed his internal struggles. Kaze did not waste time and referred to Morgan. “Chief Bale, based on the recording, I think it’s enough to relieve them of their duties.” “Of course. The wrong interrogation method is against our rules. They would not only be relieved of their duties but also be investigated. They had nothing against you but they took the risk to cross the line. I believe they must have received bribes from whoever is behind them. “Once the investigation is complete, it will be a criminal offense.” Thump! After the last word came out of Morgan’s lips, Donovan fell on his knees immediately. He spoke with a righteous voice earlier, accusing Kaze of committing an atrocious crime. Now, he became the one who would be punished and charged. “Mr. Lee, it’s Aiden! Aiden Krad! He gave us ten million and told us to make you call the mayor. He wanted to use his power to get you out of here…” Donovan then spilled everything
Kaze smiled and shook his head. “The evidence and witnesses are indeed against me, but have you thought about how the police work? Is there anything wrong with the way your officers are carrying out the investigation? Like are they looking in the right direction?” “Direction?” Morgan was slightly surprised and embarrassed. Despite making his stance, as a professional law enforcer, he found Kaze’s words to be insulting. Kaze said, “I think the investigation might have hit a dead end. All the investigations are based on me, finding out my motive, my problem, and even suspecting me committing the crimes I did not do. “My suggestion is why don’t you guys investigate Mika as well, while investigating me. Maybe you can find a clue or two about her.” He sounded calm and confident. He had the thought in his mind for a while now but he did not want to tell it to Donovan and his men. After making sure he could trust Morgan, he spoke up to give a kind reminder. “You want to make the
“Mr. Lee, this is bigger than what I can see. Can you tell me other than Aiden Krad, who else is in this?” Morgan asked softly. Kaze did not hold back and was not afraid of scaring the man. “The Ryokanians from Refined Blade Dojo.” Morgan gasped in shock. He knew the Ryokanians had tremendous power, not only in Riverbank, but all of South River State. He also knew about the vendetta between Kent, the mayor, and the Ryokanians. Now that the Ryokanians colluded with Aiden to target Kaze and even Kent, if it made the news, the whole city or even the entire state would be shaken. This clash would inevitably drag countless people into its vortex; their fates rising and falling with the victories and defeats of the opposing sides. “What’s the matter, Chief Bale? Afraid?” Kaze asked with a casual smile. He wanted to test Morgan if he was fit to be on his side. The chief of the state police department could be a great help against the Ryokanians if Kaze could get him on his sid
Kaze was forced to take Reiko seriously. The woman was smart and skilled, plus vicious. Then, a sudden thought hit Morgan and he said, “Mr. Lee, I heard from my men that earlier in the afternoon, Aiden from the Krad family came to our station and he said out loud that he was willing to use his connections and resources to bring you out, but he wanted to have dinner with Ms. Darcy Quint and Ms. Snow Frost.” His expression ashened when he explained. As the chief of the state police, it was humiliating to hear someone openly declare that they could release a detainee right in front of the station. Morgan did his homework and found out that Aiden was an enemy of Kaze. Kaze had expected this, so he simply smiled and said, “Aiden is planning to ruin me mentally.” Morgan did not understand, but he said, “And I also know that Ms. Frost rejected the offer directly. She and Ms. Quint did not go to dinner with Aiden Krad.” “Snow did the right thing.” Knowing that Snow did not lo
“Based on my understanding of the investigation, the witnesses and evidence are against you. Especially when you threatened the victim to cancel her, more than twenty people at the Yemen mansion heard you. “I know it might not mean anything and it’s not enough to cause the series of events that followed, ultimately leading to the victim’s death, but it has gained attention. More and more media caught wind of this and people are watching, including people from foreign affairs. “To be honest, we received many requests from our website to prosecute you so that the family of the deceased can be at peace.” Kaze nodded. He said, “Chief Bale, I heard you used to be an inspector, so I assumed you are a pro in this? “Then can I also assume that you are clear that it is taboo to be prejudiced during an investigation? Have you investigated under what circumstances I threatened the victim to cancel her online?” Morgan was slightly taken aback. He shook his head and said, “No.” “You guy
“Nope.” Kaze shook his head. “Phew!” Just as Donovan and his men breathed a sigh of relief, Kaze pointed at the phone belonging to the officer with the glasses on the table and said, “But you can listen to the recording inside this phone. It’s from a few minutes ago.” His words made Donovan and the other two officers nervous once more. Minutes ago? Minutes ago, the three of them were trying to teach Kaze a lesson. The officer with the glasses widened his eyes in fear. After he put the phone on the table for Kaze to make a call, hoping it would be to the mayor, he forgot to take the phone back. On the second round of questions, Kaze somehow turned on the recording function! “Oh?” Morgan glanced at Donovan and the others as he picked up the phone. He stopped the recording and played it from the top. “Kaze Lee, you have one last chance! If you can call the mayor to save you, you can walk, or else don’t blame us for being rough.” “You should know that we have coun
When Donovan and his officers came to the front lobby, they saw multiple police cruisers parked outside with the sirens glaring. Among the motorcade was a shining Audi A6. When the door opened, Donovan and his officers saw the chief of the state police station, Morgan Bale, coming out in full uniform. The lights in front of the station shed a light over his face that night, and it was not a smiley face. The chief wanted to see Donovan in person and based on the look on his face, he was not in a good mood. Donovan’s heart sank, but he steeled himself and went up to greet the chief. “Chief Bale, good evening sir! I’m Donovan Tenby. You asked to see me, sir?” Morgan walked up to Donovan with a cold grunt and said, “I heard you arrested someone called Kaze Lee earlier in the day.” “Yes—” “Yes? Where is he? Where is Mr. Lee?!” Morgan shouted. Mr. Lee? Frightened, Donovan quickly said, “H-He is in the interrogation room…” Morgan then went off without any explanation.