“Come on. We’re heading back to Lilyrose.” Beaming with excitement, Cosmo was eager to get back to Lilyrose and assert his authority. “Sorry to bother you, but are you Cosmo Lee?” A voice, laced with a foreign accent, came from behind. A group of foreigners in smart suits approached. The leader was a handsome man in his thirties. By the looks of the man’s bearing and entourage, Cosmo knew he must be important. Cosmo asked courteously, “And you are?” The man replied politely, “I am Andrew Baux from Paladia.” “Sir Baux once had the honor of an audience with the Queen and even received a knighthood. He’s in charge of Blossoms Corporation. Oh, you know the company better known as Tulip Corporation in Arcadia,” the follower behind Andrew said. Tulip Corporation was formally known as Blossoms Corporation. The company was widely referred to as Tulip Corporation, reflecting the prestige of its founder, the renowned Tulip family of Paladia.“Oh, Sir Baux. I’ve heard so muc
“But if the inspection fails, Sky Ocean Corporation’s early investments will be wasted. Without recouping those initial funds, their financial chain could become strained.”Andrew smiled hintingly. Cosmo got the message. Andrew wanted to manipulate the inspection to hinder Sky Ocean Corporation. Cosmo asked, “But the Butterworth Queens hold shares in Sky Ocean Corporation too. They won’t allow this to happen.” “That’s why it will take two of us to make it happen.” Andrew cut to the chase. “We are in the South River State, and the Butterworth Queens are from out of state. Are they worth the concern, Mr. Lee?” Cosmo shook his head. “But my family has assets in Butterworth. The Queens could just turn on us, so my family will lose out anyway.” He was not a fool. While the Queens and the Lees battled it out, Blossoms Corporation would swoop in and benefit from it all. Andrew said, “How about this? Blossoms Corporation will take the front stage while your family works behind
Sky Ocean Corporation poured significant resources into developing Mountain Dew into a top-rated tourist attraction. The first phase had been completed and was pending public operation. The inspection did not fall under Lilyrose jurisdiction. Instead, the approval had to come from the State Culture and Tourism Administration. Sky Ocean Corporation wrote a report for the administration, awaiting approval. The administration had dispatched a team two days ago. Darcy was going to Mountain Dew to keep an eye on the process, but she was stuck dealing with Cosmo.Nevertheless, Darcy urged the project team to be on top of the matter and rectify any problem that may arise. To her dismay, something went horribly wrong. Darcy just got a call. The team from the State Culture and Tourism Administration issued an indefinite rectification notice and suspended the project development. The reason given was safety concerns. Darcy was frustrated. At present, only a few low-risk attr
It was not Phil’s first rodeo using his authority to threaten women into submission.Once, he took a fancy to a woman and coerced the husband to offer his wife to him. The exchange was for the approval of a project worth several million dollars. This was a different story, though. Sky Ocean Corporation’s project had billions of dollars riding on it. Besides, it was Phil’s call whether to approve Mountain Dew’s tourism initiative. So long as he pushed back on the project, Sky Ocean Corporation would fall into financial turmoil and maybe even go bust. In other words, Darcy’s life was in his hands. He was the master of her fate. “And you are?” Pretending not to recognize Darcy, Phil asked. His fervent gaze violated Darcy. Furrowing her brows, Darcy fought back the irk and approached with a smile. “Hello, Mr. Lobo. I’m the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation, Darcy Quint.” “Oh, Ms. Quint.” Despite his long history with women, Phil could not restrain himself in the
“What’s the meaning of this, Ms. Quint?” Phil reproached furiously.Everybody was stunned. Phil was all smiles a minute ago. The hostility came on so suddenly. “Mr. Lobo, you…” Darcy did not expect this to happen. Phil pointed at the scattered tea leaves on the ground and asked with a grimace, “What? I should be the one asking you, Ms. Quint. Why are you insulting me? “Do you think I would be so greedy to take bribes?“What do you take me for? “You look like a kind person, Ms. Quint. I can’t believe you resort to cheap tricks to manipulate me.“Fine, I’ll give you what you want. “The Mountain Dew project will not be approved until you make all the necessary changes. This is absolutely not up for discussion. “We will also be reporting your behavior to the Supervisory Bureau. “I am appalled by the unethical practices that have been entrenched in your company. Be prepared to be investigated by the Supervisory Bureau.” Phil finished his righteous lecture and walked
“I still have some things I have to compile into a report for my superior, I don’t have the time now. “Ms. Quint, are you available later? How about we go have dinner and I can talk to you about it in detail, just the two of us.” Phil stared at Darcy’s blushy cheek and instinctively licked his lips. If not for the mission, he would have slept with the woman by noon. Darcy noticed the lust and greed in his eyes, which he was too familiar with. She was instantly alarmed. She had been through a lot and she had grown smarter. She became cautious against Phil’s request. “What’s the matter, Ms. Quint? You don’t even want to have a meal with me?” Seeing Darcy’s hesitance, Phil grunted coldly and his expression turned gloomy. “If Ms. Quint doesn’t want to have a meal with me, forget about it. As for the Mountain Dew project, you guys can go ahead and make the changes. When it’s done, we will review it again.“And you can stop coming to the State Culture and Tourism Administr
“Is it a private banquet? I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to attend,” Darcy said, her voice hesitant. She wanted the dinner to be at a place where she could feel safe. Phil said, “It’s not exactly private. The Blossoms Corporation is one of the top ten companies in Paladia and they are expanding their business here in Lilyrose. They invited many well-known companies and guilds to attend this banquet.” Upon hearing Phil’s explanation, Darcy’s doubts were dispelled. Since it was not a private banquet, Phil would probably have scruples to move against her. “If that’s the case, I’ll join you at the banquet.” Darcy nodded and agreed to attend. “Great. I’ll see you tonight.” Phil reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her seductive body. He left her with the address and time before he went into the elevator. When he returned to his suite, he pulled his phone out to contact Andrew. “Sir Andrew, I have completed your task. Darcy Quint will attend tonight’s banquet.”
It was normal to encounter problems while doing business. Since Darcy had her own plans to deal with it, then Kaze did not want to interfere. “Sure, you go rest. I’ll go with you tonight.” Kaze pushed her to the bedroom and urged her to rest. “You should get a better outfit for tonight. It’s a formal banquet,” Darcy said before entering the room. “Got it.” …Evening. Hilton Hotel. Blossoms Corporation’s banquet was held in the banquet hall. As a major multinational company, Blossoms Corporation was closely connected to the investors behind Hilton Hotel. The banquet was not a big one and the number of guests was limited. Not even the Vikrom, Logman, and Joestar families were invited despite their growing influence in the upper social circle. Blossoms Corporation only invited people who they deemed worthy. The guests who were invited saw the invitation as a recognition of their capabilities. At the hotel’s entrance was a group of young men and women, dressed form
“Wee-oo!” The police siren’s haunting wail cut through the heavy rain.Someone must have called the emergency line. The pair in the Maserati did not let their guard down, though. Kaze quickly analyzed the impact point of the second bullet on the truck. He pinpointed the sniper’s likely location.Putting Snow behind the wheel, Kaze looked up at a commercial building not too far away. Skyscrapers made excellent places for shooting. “Sir, I spotted the sniper on the third floor of that building at five o’clock. He seemed to have cut a hole in the window and is aiming his weapon right at us.”Albert’s voice came on Snow’s phone. He had been trailing Snow’s car a short distance away. Albert always kept a pair of binoculars handy. Kaze was right to determine that the sniper was on the top floor of the building. The sniper was cunning, not putting himself at risk by being in an open space or rooftop. Instead, he cut a hole in the glass window on a lower floor.The snipe
South was wary when the Ryokanians were involved. The Steelclaw Guild was a fearless bunch, but the Stormborns were a prestigious family in Riverbank. South would think twice before stepping on the Ryokanians’ toes. “Alright. I got it. I owe you one. If I ever wipe out the Steelclaw Guild, I can promise that you will live.” Kaze hung up. On the other end, South held his phone in a daze. Kaze made such a bold statement. He talked about wiping out the Steelclaw Guild. Who did he think he was? For some reason, South felt that Kaze was not kidding. Kaze had the confidence to carry out his promise. Oblivious to South’s mental agony, Kaze ended the call and asked Snow, “Is Albert here?” “He’s following me by car.” The solemn look on Kaze’s face was infectious as Snow’s expression turned grim. “What’s the matter, Chairman Lee?” “Siber’s killer is on his way. I don’t know when to expect them.” Kaze pointed at the curb. “Stop the car and take Albert’s. Go with him. L
“The Krads and the Ryokanians aren’t really getting along, and this can be our opportunity.” Kaze said in contemplation, “The Krads sent Aiden to work together with the Ryokanians in expanding their power in Riverbank, and most importantly, to sort out the Frosts. “I didn’t quite get why the Krads were so confident in eliminating a killer who threatened the very existence of the Frosts. “Well, I have a bit of an idea now. Maybe the Frosts are on the hit list of an assassin organization linked to the Ryokanians. “Heck, the Krads and the Ryokanians probably reached a partnership because of this.” Snow scowled. Through this experience, Snow learned firsthand just how dangerous the Ryokanians were. They had the power to change the economy, extensive networks, and scheming tactics. If the Ryokanians were involved in the Frosts’ troubles, the family would be in deep water. “You mean…” Snow’s head was spinning. It was unusual for Snow to be stumped. However, the situatio
“Most importantly, Ebi was greedy. “She wanted to make a scene to gain more, and Ms. Quint saw through her. “Before Ebi could succeed, Ms. Quint asked Miru to get her people in on the plan. They hired the elderly group. “Ebi doesn’t have the resources and connections in Riverbank to pull off the stunt.” Kaze was shocked. He had heard about Ebi’s little drama. Thank goodness Snow was on it. Otherwise, the commotion would have put the state police and himself in the spot. Though Kaze did not care what other people thought, the situation could be detrimental to Sky Ocean Corporation and the people around him. Kaze had witnessed too many cases of cyberbullying. As it turned out, Darcy orchestrated the whole thing to stop Ebi’s plan from going forward. Darcy’s intention was to gain leverage over Ebi. The plan was not necessary, but it did stop Ebi’s plan and shut her up. At least, Kaze did not have to spend another minute in detainment. Either way, Darcy and Snow
Morgan nodded, taking Wallace’s orders. However, he furrowed his brows at Wallace’s last instruction. The police had to look into the culprits who set Kaze up too. It was clear the Ryokanians were behind it. Morgan doubted he could arrest Ryokanians. Still, Morgan said nothing of the matter. “Alright, Deputy Governor Frost. If there’s nothing else, I should get going.” He saluted Wallace and excused himself. “Hang on.” Wallace waved his arm and looked up at Morgan for a moment. He asked callously, “Did Snow collect these files from the deceased’s mother?” Aware of Wallace’s relationship with Snow, Morgan held his silence for a bit before nodding. “That’s right. Ms. Frost and Mr. Lee’s wife—” Wallace cut him off with a scoff. “Just go.” Wallace waved his arm with a scowl and sighed. He was not pleased that Snow put in a lot of effort to save Kaze. However, it was not his place to say anything. Wallace was not Snow’s immediate family anyway. Snow wanted to b
The secretary brought the items to Wallace. Wallace said with a frown, “What are these?” “This is evidence relevant to the case. Please have a look,” Morgan said. “Oh?” Raising a brow, Wallace put on his glasses and took the letter for a look. His expression turned somber. He looked through the medical reports. Wallace’s expression grew grim. Reading Wallace’s face, Morgan said, “As you can see, Mika was in the late stages of AIDS. She didn’t have much time left. “To protect her mother’s livelihood, she colluded with someone else to set Kaze up. “One of her plans was to get Kaze to contract AIDS. She showed up at the Yemens’ party and got into a fight with Kaze to apologize later at his villa. “But when Kaze rejected her advances, her plan became a bust. She initiated the next phase and took Kaze down using her death. “Mika’s suicide note and the other proof we have gathered show that Kaze is framed. “He needs to be released. We owe him an apology, and it’s our
The carrot came after the stick. Snow rose to her feet and approached Ebi, looking at her from high. “Don’t worry. If you hand over the evidence, we can guarantee that the Ryokanians wouldn’t suspect you of treason. “I can also transfer 100 million dollars into a Uleanian bank account. The Ryokanians can’t touch your money in Uleania. “You can remove yourself from the Ryokanians’ control with the money and sort yourself out for the rest of your life. “Don’t you want to have it all?“You have a minute to think it through. The choice is yours.” The tables turned. Snow was in control now. Ebi’s mind spun. In the end, she squeezed a smile. There was desperation in her smile. “Please give me a moment, Ms. Frost.” Ebi got up and kicked everybody out of the villa before returning to her mourning hall. As Snow watched on in surprise, Ebi picked up her daughter’s urn and smashed it to the ground. “Bam!” The urn broke to pieces. Snow backed away and covered her nose, n
Ebi played hardball. She dug her heels in, refusing to budge no matter what Snow said. Still, Snow did not give up. She saw right through Ebi.Snow said calmly, “Do you really want to go there, ma’am? “You hired those elderly people to protest without a permit. “Don’t you know that an authorized protest is against the law?“Do you know that the management of the Viper’s Den is on this now? “If I expose you as the organizer of the protest, the government might want to speak with you.” Ebi scoffed. “I was wondering who would be so dumb to scatter money all across the street. So you’re the idiot, Ms. Frost. “Fair play. You stopped my plan from going forward. “But all you did was ruin my plan. So what? “What have I lost? “Once I sort out my daughter's affairs, I will return to live my life in Ryokan.“I don’t give a damn whether Kaze gets the death penalty or life in prison.“What are you going to do about it?” With nothing getting through to Ebi, Snow shook her
Snow said, “I obtained the documents through illegal means. “My source will never admit that the documents came from them. “So, it cannot be used as evidence.” Ebi smirked. “Since these documents are worthless, you can leave now. Don’t waste your breath with me.” “These documents are worthless.” Snow fixated on Ebi and said solemnly, “But you have something that will get Chairman Lee out.” Ebi said coldly, “What do you mean, Ms. Frost? “My daughter is dead, and I have evidence to prove Kaze’s innocence? “Who would believe you?” Snow said indifferently, “I don’t need anyone else to believe. I just want the government to believe.“Given that you exploited your daughter’s death for personal gain, I have no doubt that you would have made the best out of this situation.“You knew you were dealing with dangerous people, so you needed something to fall back on in case these people threw you under the bus.“I trust that you are a clever woman.“You must have hidden the evid