“So the boy from the Butterworth Queens is involved too?“I heard the Queens were the biggest shareholders of Sky Ocean Corporation, and Kaze’s wife was merely working for them. It seems to me that the Queens are highly supportive of Kaze. “It explains why the bastard was able to reach power in Lilyrose so quickly.” Gunter sneered, reflecting his indifference toward the Butterworth Queens in his words. The Lees might dread old money like the Queens because both families established themselves in Arcadia. The Queens had businesses in South River State while the Lees built an empire in Butterworth. Both families would risk retaliation if they engaged in open conflict.The clashes between powerful and wealthy families were often kept under the table as the consequences could be damaging. Conflict, in fact, would present vulnerabilities that outside entities can exploit.However, the Powells made their mark overseas. Gunter could attack the Queens without any reservations
“Kaze is hosting a send-off party at the mayor’s office to formally step down from his position, Mr. Powell. “All the important people in Lilyrose have received an invitation.” George relayed the latest news with a smile. There they were, racking their brains to remove Kaze from office and kill him without repercussions from the Arcadian government. To their surprise, Kaze turned around and resigned from his position. The news could not have come at a better time. Gunter raised a brow. “Why is the bastard stepping down out of the blue?” By right, Kaze should not give up on a huge political achievement and on gaining resources and connections in return following the launch of the Lilyrose New City project.Anyone with a sane mind would cling to the leadership role in Lilyrose. Something did not seem right. George said with a smile, “The governor appoints the mayor. Perhaps someone is doing you a favor and making things easier for you. “Maybe someone else is looking
Everybody, including George, had a hair-raising moment. The whole thing just blew up. They could already imagine the outcome. Kaze’s send-off would only be attended by the employees at the mayor’s office and no one else. Meanwhile, Sonny would have a grand funeral. This was not just Gunter’s revenge. It was also a flex in preparation for the Glowmoss Powells’ expansion into the Arcadian market. “Find a nice spot for Sonny’s burial in Lilyrose.” Gunter waved his arm. “Yes, sir.” Luis wiped away his cold sweat and responded with his head down. … The communities in the South River State were huge. Yet, Gunter’s message spread across the state in less than an hour. A small city like Lilyrose became the focus of the state. Parties from either side of the law were taken aback by the news. The Glowmoss Powells were painted like royalty due to their success overseas. Yet, the family was ready to pull all the stops to attack a guy who took his wife’s last name in
Heeding Gunter’s call, the Powells and Zion Mercenaries swarmed to Lilyrose, and the numbers rose to tens of thousands. The South River State felt the tremors of impending conflict. Lilyrose, where everything would come together, became the center of attention. All eyes were on that piece of land. Chatter and rumors flared. It was said that the Powells and Zion Mercenaries contacted their friends in high places to put pressure on the South River State’s governor against bailing Kaze out. Based on past incidents, Kaze seemed close to Loid. At least, Kaze likely became the mayor because of Loid’s approval. … A conversation went on in the mayor’s office of Lilyrose. “Are you really stepping down, Mr. Lee? Lilyrose is developing fast, and the city needs you more than ever.” Caleb, Lou, and the others stood before Kaze, reluctant to say goodbye. They were not putting on a show. The feelings were genuine. Kaze was not a mayor for long, but he had achieved many great
Gunter was no fool. He approved of the local Powells’ behavior. Once Kaze was dead, they could split the pie. Gunter would have to reward the family with the Lilyrose New City project. Hence, the Powells from Arcadia pressured Loid to give up on Kaze. They wanted one of them to become the next mayor. While those working for the government put the squeeze on Loid, other family members used their connections in the underworld to intimidate enterprises. “The Lilyrose New City project sure attracted a lot of greed. Gunter came long after Gareth. If we don’t get rid of them quick enough, we will face many more threats.” Kaze said aloofly, “This will be the one last thing I can do for Lilyrose before I step down from office.” Caleb and the others were moved with emotions. They understood what Kaze meant. Simply stopping the Glowmoss Powells would not be enough. They needed to rip out the entire system, eradicating the family from both overseas and local branches.The p
“But I know why. “There is no shred of human nature left in you. All you have is a thirst to kill. “You’re born to kill. War is your game. “I’ve been holding you back because I know there will be a bloodbath in Glowmoss if I don’t.“Now it’s time for you to unleash your potential and kill to your heart’s content. “Kill everyone in your path,” Gunter uttered flatly. He spoke as if he was talking about the weather.His tone, casual and detached, only heightened the eerie feeling of horror.Attending to Gunter’s needs, Luis felt his blood run cold. Despite his years of service to Gunter, he was mostly responsible for his employer’s daily necessities. He was exposed to Gunter’s scary side for the first time. “Alright.” Mosiah, standing by the wall, remained composed. He expressed his stance in the same emotionless manner. The conversation between the pair only drained Luis’ face of color. He was aware that blood would spill on the upcoming trip to Lilyrose. Gu
“Mr. Lee, Gunter Powell is from Glowmoss, he doesn’t care about the life and death of Arcadians. If he goes on a killing spree, the people of Lilyrose will suffer!” Starting with Bernard, all the family heads looked at Kaze with deep concern as they poured out their grievances. They worried the most when almost ten thousand thugs and gangsters from the underworld swarmed the city. The tsunami of gangsters could easily overrun the city’s order, turning everything upside down. As for the families and their businesses, they would be the biggest victims. Kaze frowned. He looked at Bernard and the others and asked, “He got to you guys as well? What did he say?” “He came to us to deliver Gunter Powell’s message. He said if the three of us don't want to get annihilated, then we must bring our families to the funeral tomorrow and kneel before Sonny Sonne!” Bernard explained, his face flushed with emotions. It was an unprecedented insult to the three families. Sonny died at the
“Mr. Lee, Gunter Powell’s men even said after the funeral tomorrow, they would remove James White’s cenotaph and make it the forever resting place for Sonny Sonne,” Bernard said timidly, his forehead covered in sweat. The atmosphere in the office became tense. The air became heavier, so heavy that it felt suffocating. The others dared not make a noise because they knew Kaze was angry. It was no secret that Kaze and James were best friends, close as brothers. He wiped out the top three families a while back just to avenge his friend. Yet Gunter announced that he would remove James’ cenotaph for his disciple. It was an act of war! Fortunately, the atmosphere in the office quickly returned to normal. Kaze calmly waved his hand and said, “You three can go back for now. Just do as I told you.” “Yes, sir!” Bernard and the others bowed and then walked out together. Kaze sat in silence for a moment and then pulled the left drawer of his desk to take out a burner phone.