“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
Everyone turned around and saw a bald middle-aged man strolling over with a stern look. It was Phil, the second-in-command of the State Culture and Tourism Administration. He heard that Darcy had arrived, so he came to look for her. The banquet served alcohol and there would be a social dance session halfway through. Phil wanted to look good by dancing with Darcy. With Darcy’s husband at the scene, it would only be more difficult for him to achieve his perverted goals. “Ms. Quint, why did you bring your live-in husband here? Are you trying to disrespect me?” Phil asked coldly. When the elites heard that Kaze was a live-in husband, their expressions shifted. The few men who tried to ask for Darcy’s number showed brazen disdain and contempt on their faces. A live-in husband. In other words, a useless guy who lived off his wife. They felt sorry for Darcy. The jealousy they had for Kaze instantly turned into a sense of superiority. The women lost interest in Kaze as w
Aiden broke out in a cold sweat when he remembered losing Crown Tower at the auction. He said solemnly, “I’m sorry, Ms. Hara. The fault lies in me.”“I love a strong and powerful man who can handle me, Mr. Krad. I don’t need a rash man who can’t think straight.” Reiko grabbed a towel and wiped every inch of Aiden’s body. Her fingers coasted along Aiden’s Adam’s apple, and she said indifferently, “You better ask us before you make the next move. Otherwise, you might lose the chance to work with us again.” Aiden gritted his teeth and said nothing. Dropping the attitude, Aiden was as meek as a kitten in front of Reiko.He was usually the one getting handsy with Reiko. By the time Reiko withdrew her arm, Aiden’s expression had hardened. He read between the lines. Reiko talked about dropping him, not the Krads. In other words, Reiko could go to another member of the Krads to collaborate. Aiden’s competition was within his family. He aimed to be the top of his family.
Aiden’s words trailed off. The Ryokanians were never out to get Kaze. They were trying to bring Kent down through Kaze. The only conflict between Kaze and the Ryokanians was business rivalry, and there was no reason to escalate negotiable deals to a personal level. Kent was a different story. He was the mayor of Riverbank. He passed the bills for policies. One policy could decide the fate of a business. Kent’s policies could eliminate the Ryokanian presence in Riverbank. Kent must die. The Ryokanians could get Kaze out of the picture. If necessary, they could call it a truce with him too. That was what the Ryokanians thought. There was a fundamental difference between the Ryokanians’ attitude toward Kaze and Kent. The only thing on Aiden’s mind was to get rid of Kaze. Aiden simply took hits at Kent because the latter was Kaze’s supporter. He and the Ryokanians were after different things. Due to the lack of transparency in their communication, the plan had gon
Aiden chuckled in delight and grabbed Reiko’s hand to pull her close. He sniffed her hand and said with a manic laugh, “Don’t worry, Ms. Hara. I will get you Crown Tower before killing him. “Hahaha! He’s just a loser. What does he have to compete with me?” Aiden gripped Reiko’s hand and threw his head back to guffaw. “Splash!” Reiko raised her hand and poured her drink on Aiden. Aiden choked on the drink, interrupting his laughter.“Cough, cough.” It took Aiden a while to get over it. He shot an angry look at Reiko and shouted, “Have you lost it, Reiko?” Aiden was surprised to see Reiko looking rather aloof. Reiko had always clung to him, catering to all his needs since they met. She made him feel like a king. Yet now, Reiko caught him off guard by turning on him. Aiden had no idea what was going on. “You have some explaining to do, bitch,” Aiden grabbed a towel to wipe his face while uttering furiously. Unfazed by Aiden’s temper, Reiko said with a blank face,
“Despite your training, you were defenseless at the hands of Kaze. It appears the disowned member of the Lees is more powerful than we thought.” A woman’s voice, bearing a heavy Ryokanian accent, boomed. Reiko, dressed in a black and gold dress, brewed tea on her knees. Her delicate hands moved with grace and allure. There was a temptation to hold her hands forever. Aiden’s gaze turned cold. Shifting his eyes from Darcy and Snow, Aiden looked at Kaze’s photo in the center of the board. Embracing his urge to kill, Aiden threw his sword. “Swoosh!” The sword sank into Kaze’s face, piercing through the board. Aiden took a seat across from Reiko and smiled ruthlessly at her. “Well, he can’t fight weapons with bare hands. I can assure you that Kaze will not get away this time. “I want him to give up Crown Tower. Once I squeeze every little thing out of him, he can die.” “Oh?” Reiko poured a drink and passed it to Aiden. She said with a smile, “We can do our best, bu
“Don’t feel discouraged. Just pursue in the direction I’ve told you. I can guarantee that you’ll be fine,” Kaze said while patting Morgan’s shoulder. Wallace could not possibly restrain Morgan, the state police chief, from doing his job. Surely, Morgan had people he could trust. Kaze gave Morgan the go-ahead to investigate and to direct any needs to Snow. Despite the presence of the police force and Wallace’s eyes on site, Kaze had no qualms about letting his intentions known. It was baffling that Kaze acted like he was Morgan’s superior. The police looked at Kaze in reverence. Kaze challenged the deputy governor’s authority and talked down to the state police chief in public. There was something mysterious about Kaze. Now, they knew that the case was more than just a murder. It was part of a larger power struggle. They were just insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The state police force dropped the arrogance while questioning Kaze. They would only be c
The Frosts were prominent in the South River State. Wallace was a man of power and wealth. Plus, he was an established deputy governor. He did not have to give a damn about anybody else. He could care less about Kaze. No one could change Wallace’s mind, not even if Kent were there. With that in mind, Wallace walked past Morgan and said curtly to the police force, “I expect you to be on this case.“You will report to me on every little progress. “I’m not asking for much. I expect you to respect the law, deliver justice, protect the good…” Wallace glanced at Kaze and stressed. “And punish the bad.” He carried himself with aggression and authority. Though nothing was said outright, Wallace basically stripped Morgan’s power and disregarded his opinion. Morgan grimaced hard. There was clearly no trust between them, and Wallace believed Morgan played favorites. Besides, Wallace ordered Morgan’s subordinates around, clearly bypassing his authority. Wallace’s behavior
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