“It’s just a video, Mandy. Why does it make you so happy? “Does it change the way I live or make money?” Faced with Mandy’s taunting, Kaze responded indifferently. “Hahaha. Don’t act tough, Kaze.” Mandy scoffed. “You have no reputation to begin with, so nothing can get you down.“But your wife’s cousin doesn’t have a life anymore because of you.“South River University will never accept her, and I doubt other good schools would take her in.“I think she should spend some money to get into community college. Well, you have the money to pay for her education anyway. “Maybe I can recommend some community colleges, and you can donate a couple hundred million dollars to them too. I’ll talk to them in advance, so you won’t spend your money for nothing. Hahaha.” Mandy burst out laughing. Kaze was an idiot to get her fired by donating 100 million dollars to South River University. One phone call from Cosmo was all it took to ruin his plans. Mandy bet Kaze was dumbstruck.
These powerful entities could sway the direction of schools into Lilyrose, which gave them more bargaining power in the negotiations. Following their persuasions, the prestigious schools sent out their representatives. The representatives rushed to Lilyrose overnight. Kaze was glad to see the enthusiasm. The development of Lilyrose New City needed the influx of capital. The city council did not have the means and resources to afford the entire project. Kaze was fine with businesses outside the city to make profits so long as they played by the city’s rules. “The forum is set up at the city council hall, Mr. Lee.” Caleb reported to Kaze at the office. Kaze flipped through the file on every school. Apart from South River University, many representatives from other prestigious universities were there too. Some of the best high schools in Sunrise City sent agents to attend the forum. They came prepared too, submitting a proposal draft for the building of their campus
Hmph. Mandy believed Kaze got what he deserved for going against her. Feeling smug, Mandy chuckled. ‘Kaze, it’s not over between us. ‘This is just the beginning. ‘I’ll show the consequences of upsetting a powerful woman.’The other representatives looked over curiously as Mandy laughed to herself. Her laughter, though off-putting, could not detract from her undeniable beauty.Several male representatives with a keen interest in her kept staring and asked, “What’s funny? Care to share?” Snapping out of her thoughts, Mandy tucked wisps of her hair behind her ear and replied, “Something nice just happened.“I met a very rude and despicable family member of the candidate I was supposed to observe. “During the interaction, I noticed the bad behavior in the candidate’s family and defied her admission. “I just received word that the candidate’s family is pulling strings and bribing our staff to get into South River University.“But my colleagues rejected them. “South R
Lou spoke harshly with a solemn look. The words came from Kaze. Kaze knew the representatives were young, talented, and proud. Instead of having issues later during the forum, it was better to give them a heads-up in advance. Those who could not accept the rules could leave. Nevertheless, the representatives had braced themselves for what was to come. The mayor came up with the Lilyrose New City project the moment he took office. Despite his young age, the mayor was a formidable character. “Don’t worry, Deputy Mayor Moor. We know the rules.” The representatives nodded compliantly. “Deputy Mayor Moor, can you share with us a little bit about the mayor? I don’t want to get on his nerves without knowing,” Mandy approached and said sweetly. “Yeah, please share with us, Deputy Mayor Moor. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and upset the mayor.” The others echoed the same sentiment. Not finding the request unreasonable, Lou replied, “The mayor is easy to talk to. He
“I heard Kaze is still the lapdog for the mayor. I’ll go after the mayor directly and I will make him turn on that prick! I wonder how Kaze would react then?” Mandy was excited. She finally got a chance to finally get revenge on Kaze. No matter what, she vowed to seize the opportunity. She was quite confident in her own charms. “That’s all I want to say. Let’s go inside,” Lou said as he tapped his hand. He then led his men inside. Mandy and the others followed him inside. She lifted her chest, and tried her best to look more energetic. However, a few steps later, Lou stopped. He pulled his phone out for a glance and then turned around to them. “Deputy Mayor Moor, what’s wrong?” The others were baffled. Lou frowned and asked, “Who’s Mandy Yipz from South River University?” Everyone immediately turned their attention to Mandy. “I am, Mr. Deputy Mayor. What’s the matter?” Mandy stepped up and asked with anticipation. Could it be that the mayor had seen her picture
Lou’s expression turned grim when he heard Mandy scold Kaze in front of him. “Let go of me!” he bellowed. He shook Mandy’s hands away and then summoned the security guards. “Take this woman out! She’s interfering with our business here!” “Yes, sir!” The security guards swarmed Mandy immediately. No matter how she struggled or screamed, she was thrown out of the city council in the end. All the other representatives saw what happened. They sighed and shook their heads. They were deceived by Mandy’s elegance and noble look earlier. It was until now they finally saw Mandy’s true face, an unreasonable, inelegant woman who had no dignity. …“Kaze Lee! It must be him!” Looking miserable, Mandy shouted angrily outside the city council. She had never been so miserable before, not even when she was fired by Sunrise News. She was thrown out in front of all the other representatives. This could be the biggest stain in her life and career. Other than Kaze fanning the fla
“Dad, Mom, Kaze did his best. He donated a hundred million because of me, it’s not his fault. It’s that woman’s fault!” Rose was still saddened by her denied application but she could not stand her parents scolding Kaze. She was deeply moved by what Kaze did for her. A hundred million donation just because of her! It was not a small amount of money! Kaze spent that much money because of her and even though it did not work, Rose’s heart was still warmed. The seniors in the house ceased their scoldings after Rose spoke up. Kaze did a lot for Rose, so there was no reason for the seniors to scold him anymore. “Darcy, you must think of a way to solve this. How’s your call with the university?” The entire family put their hopes in Darcy again. “I’m getting nowhere.” Darcy shook her head and said, “After Kaze donated a hundred million, Mandy was fired but a professor named Federick Yale spoke up and stopped her from being fired. This professor somehow has a history with ou
“Pft…” Mandy could not hold back her laughter. Even someone as frosty as Darcy would lower herself and beg, not just anyone, but her. Mandy was delighted. She laughed until she was short of breath. Then, she said, “Ms. Quint, since you’ve made it sound this way, I’ll cut to the chase. “I want you to know that I am here representing South River University to talk about setting a campus. I was going to meet the new mayor but your stupid husband fanned the flames from the back and made the mayor kick me out of the city council!” Darcy felt an instant headache when she heard Mandy. Kaze had not even resolved the previous conflict before he began creating new grudges with her. She explained, “Ms. Yipz, this must be a misunderstanding…” “Cut the crap!” Mandy interrupted Darcy and said, “Ms. Quint, if you can get me a meeting with the new mayor, I’ll sit and talk to you in person, or else this is just the start of the disaster for your family!” She did not plan on forgiv
“Mr. Tenby, I thought you were speaking out for your friend, but you were just looking for an excuse to ask me out.“Try your luck with another girl. Here is not the place for you to pick up chicks.” The crowd gave Draig strange looks. Draig turned red. He glared at Buffy, tempted to lash out. Fuck. He got played. Buffy hit on him, and he simply responded. She turned things around and made it sound like he was picking her up. Unbothered by Draig’s rage, Buffy smiled charmingly. “Besides, a nice gentleman has invited me for dinner.” The crowd made guesses about who would be having dinner with Buffy. Buffy sauntered toward Kaze and sat next to him. As the crowd watched on in disbelief, Buffy hooked her arm around Kaze’s. Um… It was an eye-bulging moment. Nothing more needed to be said. It was unbelievable. Instead of steering clear, Buffy showed her fondness toward Kaze, a dumped divorcée. Buffy would make herself a laughingstock. Besides, Kaze did no
“Should I defend you instead?” Buffy pointed at Cyan. “I heard you mocking Kaze. You better watch it. “Otherwise, you can kiss your career online goodbye. I don’t care whether you’re with Golden Scale Corporation.” Cyan turned pale. She would not doubt Buffy’s words. Buffy’s father was the former deputy chief. Jude still held influence within the organization. She had access to wealth and resources through control over Gwake Corporation. It would not take much for Buffy to get Cyan canceled. All Buffy needed to do was bribe her way to the higher management of Golden Scale Corporation.Cyan held her tongue. Unable to stand Buffy’s arrogance, Draig stepped forward in disgruntlement. “You must be Ms. Gwake. Even if Cyan was a little harsh about Kaze, she was only looking out for Kaze. You are taking things far by assaulting Cyan.“Cyan is my friend. Shouldn’t you answer to me? “Oh, I should introduce myself.” Draig looked at Buffy and said indifferently, “I am Draig
“I’m telling you, Kaze. We won’t stand by and watch you prey on these socialites,” Cyan uttered indignantly as if she stood on the path of justice. Kaze sighed. “I really want to slap you awake if not for your dad, Cyan. “Draig, you’re something else to dig your own grave in your father’s name.” “Tsk!” “Who do you think you are?” Draig and Cyan turned their noses up at Kaze’s remark. Cyan clamored, “Come on. Show me what you got.“You’re a joke. I exposed you for who you are, and you, in turn, want to slap me? “I’d love to see you try—” A woman stormed into the place and raised her hand. “Smack!” The slap echoed through the silent room, and the crowd stirred. “Buffy?” “She’s the only daughter of Jude, the former deputy chief of the Viper’s Den South River State Branch. She’s the chairwoman of Gwake Corporation.” “She’s the one rumored to be dating Lee.” Chatters filled the room. The crowd looked at Buffy in shock. Buffy showed up out of nowhere and slappe
Kaze was definitely the only one to show up to Bronze Sparrow on a bicycle. It took guts to do so. Kaze grabbed his carbonated drink from the table and took a sip before turning to Draig. He said indifferently, “I didn’t know there was a rule that a divorcee can’t attend today’s celebration. “Is there a rule that guests can’t attend the party on a bike? “Who makes the rules?” Faced with Kaze’s questioning, Draig and the others were lost for words. The guests exchanged looks. There were no such rules. However, Kaze should know his place. Kaze was asking for a beatdown by crashing a high-profile party when he was just a nobody. Draig nodded furiously. “You never learn, Kaze.”“He’s hopeless now. He’s hit rock bottom, so he’ll stay put no matter what we say.” Cyan gritted her teeth. It was frustrating to deal with someone like Kaze. No one was getting through to him. Without looking at the pair, Kaze said blankly, “Are you done? You can leave if you’re done.”
Since the branch leader would show up, Cyan did not want the branch leader to know that she was associated with Kaze. It would only be damaging to her reputation. While the group sought Kaze out, the latter sat alone in a living room corner, snacking and scrolling on his phone. Kaze was too hungry to care about what anyone else thought of him. His cheeks were full. The rich and powerful furrowed their brows in disdain, keeping their distance from Kaze. For some reason, Cyan saw red. “Kaze!” She angrily yelled and got up in his face, “Why are you eating like you’ve been starving for days? “Why are you stealing food here? “Do you know where you are? You’re an embarrassment!” Cyan’s voice attracted a lot of attention. The crowd gathered and gossiped among themselves about Kaze. Kaze was just chilling on his own, eating, and playing a mobile game. Cyan and her friends came at him out of the blue. He was beyond annoyed. If Cyan was not Lock’s daughter, he would’ve sl
“Mr. Ettinger!” the Viper’s Den members greeted Collier with their heads down. Collier buttoned up his suit and nodded. “Ms. Delmore is still in the office. I came ahead of her to see if there’s anything more to do.” Since Kaze would be attending the celebration, Hannah and Collier wanted to make sure everything was in order. Cyan beamed at the sight of Collier and exclaimed, “Mr. Ettinger!” Recognizing Cyan, Collier greeted her with a smile, “It’s you, Ms. Yemen. Welcome. Why aren’t you heading inside? Are you waiting for someone?” Cyan was delighted by Collier’s warm welcome. She pointed at the head of the Viper’s Den members in charge of gatekeeping. “I want to get in but your people said we can’t enter without an invite. “I guess the other guests who went in didn’t need an invite.” That was the reason why Cyan and Draig seethed in a corner. They realized that no one produced an invitation to get into Bronze Sparrow. In other words, the Viper’s Den members were jus
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