The woman’s voice was not fierce by any means but it felt pressuring. Her name was Morgana Powell, the governor of a certain state in the North State, sharing the same rank as Loid. Despite being a woman, she too was a regional commander in her own state, which was considered rare. Other than her outstanding capabilities, her family also played a big role in helping her advance her career. She was from the Powell family of the North State, which was one of the most powerful families there. The North State Powells were considered the strongest among all the other branches across Arcadia. Then, the middle-aged man beside Morgana said in a strong voice, “Loid, as colleagues, we do not want to force you against your will, but the mayor of Lilyrose has crossed the line. He practically enraged every Powell family branch in Arcadia, which led to the wrath of the foreign branch in Glowmoss. “When it comes to foreign affairs, it’s always serious. If Glowmoss’ side voices out their
Hannibal Nectar, one of the five senior ministers of the cabinet in Arcadia. The cabinet had control over all the internal affairs of the country, which made them the strongest institute. It was even stronger than the Strategic Department and the Ministry of Justice. The five senior ministers of the cabinet, or elders, were the five of the most powerful people in the country. “Elder Nectar, what… I see… I understand… Yes.” After the brief conversation, Loid's expression remained astonished for quite a while. Both Neegan and Morgana were curious about what the elder said on the phone. “Loid, was that Elder Nectar? What did he say?” Neegan asked out of curiosity. Then, he realized his question was inappropriate, so he quickly explained, “If it’s confidential, then just forget it.” Loid stared at the two of them for a while before he said, “Elder Nectar said Lilyrose will see a storm coming. The South River Governor’s Office is only responsible for managing the situation
Gunter scanned the men and women in front of him with a slight curl of his lip. They were the representatives sent here by the Powell family branches in Arcadia. Each of them represented their respective faction. Some from the government departments, some from the underworld, and some from the Strategic Department. With such a large force under his control, Gunter could do anything he wanted in Arcadia. “Morgana, Neegan, you guys are back!” someone said. Almost a hundred representatives of different Powell family branches turned to the entrance; those who sat stood up. Among all the representatives, Morgana and Neegan held the most powerful positions as regional commanders and governors of their respective states. Everyone welcomed them back with open arms. The two of them went straight to Gunter without pause and nodded at the man. “Uncle Gunter.” Even the regional commanders had to behave properly before the high-ranking officer of Glowmoss’ military. Sitting
It was actually quite normal. Arcadia was no longer a weak country that was scared of global rivals. Most of the time, the officials would just ignore such comments or demands, turning a deaf ear or a blind eye at them. Why would the cabinet request the governor of the South River State to turn a blind eye to the matter? What exactly happened? Gunter could not figure it out. “Maybe the cabinet did not respond directly because they wanted to save face. They still pressured the South River State Governor’s Office to stay out of my way…” Gunter muttered to himself. With that, he laughed hysterically. “It seems like the stars have aligned! Kaze Lee will die for sure this time!” Gunter got up and looked at everyone in the hall. He raised his hand and said loudly, “Tomorrow, we will march to Lilyrose and take Kaze Lee’s life!” “Aye!”” Starting with Morgana and Neegan, all of them got up and bowed at Gunter. Gunter then asked Luis, “What are the replies from the Vikrom
Lou and Caleb knew Kaze’s plans, they had confidence in him. However, the plans were confidential, so many were doubtful if Kaze could survive this. The deputy mayors felt bad for him. Kaze was calm. He said, “I did my best while I was mayor. I really don’t care about people attending the send-off party or not. Let’s just get on with it. After this, I still have some other things to take care of.” …Compared to the empty send-off party, Jade Estate was much more crowded and lively. A grand mourning hall was established at the estate, beside the lake. Sad music was being played and priests were praying. People in black suits filled the mourning hall. There were even multiple buff and tall men holding umbrellas around the premises, watching guards with a blank look. From a bird’s eye view, the place was painted in black as more than ten thousand people attended in suits. They were lining up to pay respect to the deceased. Only a number of them were from Lilyrose as
The mourners were talking about the Powells. The family’s strength shocked and scared many people at the scene. Before this funeral, the Glowmoss Powells were just a foreign faction with noble roots. They might be powerful and hold a prestigious status but they did not have a strong foundation in Arcadia. A faraway enemy was not as terrifying as the local families. The threats they used to pose were near to nothing. Now, they were all proven wrong by the sheer display of strength. When Gunter stepped up and gathered all the scattered Powells in Arcadia, they immediately became a powerful force that should be reckoned with. Their combined strength could easily crush even the strongest family in Arcadia, yet they gathered because of Kaze. Even if Kaze was the mayor of Lilyrose and his wife had a few sizable companies, it was still an overkill. Some even said they were squashing an ant with the elephant’s foot. Many knew the display of strength was not just to target
“I, Gunter Powell, represent the Powell family of Glowmoss and all the other family branches in Arcadia, hereby declaring war! “If the city council stands in my way, I will run them down; if the South River State Governor’s Office stands in my way, I will tear them down!” Gunter’s fierce declaration shocked everyone at the scene. He was ready to run down the city council and tear down the governor’s office! No one else but him had the nerve and audacity to speak so boldly. Both the governors of different states, Morgana and Neegan, looked at Gunter with an enthusiastic gaze. They were governors themselves and knew better than anyone what the position of governor meant. Gunter had the audacity to disregard the governor’s office. His boldness and confidence convinced Morgana and Neegan that following their distant relatives from another country was the right choice. With his lead, the Powells and their career would welcome a bright future. In short, their personal gains
The Vikrom, Logman, and Joestar families came to the funeral. Behind them was a group of eighteen men, carrying an expensive and large casket. What was the casket for? Was it an act of provocation? As the attendees pondered, Gunter, at the forefront, said coldly, “Vikrom, Logman, Joestar, you are late, but since you’ve prepared an expensive casket for Sonny, I’ll spare your lives. “Now, come up here and get on your knees!” Gunter had known since yesterday that the three families bought an expensive gilded agar wood casket. He simply thought the three families were late because of the delivery of the casket. Despite that, he insisted that they kneel and pay respect to Sonny in front of the other attendees because they were Kaze’s loyal followers. With them on their knees, it would send a message to the others, thus deterring and scaring them. As Gunter spoke, the other participants were struck with realization. The three families were late due to the delivery of th
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
“You and your daughter got what you wanted. After moving to Ryokan, you thrived in business thanks to connections made through the Suka political family. Your daughter even became the goddaughter of the senior Suka member. “But your greed knows no bounds. “You later realized that despite acquiring the Ryokanian citizenship, you are still known as an Arcadian. “You could do business in Ryokan, but you will never mingle with the upper crust.“So, with the Sukas’ help, you sent your daughter to entertain powerful men. “You were lucky. Your business in Ryokan has thrived due to these newfound connections. You could have been even more successful if it weren’t for your gambling addiction.“Your daughter’s career as a social media influencer took off with the help of a Ryokanian entertainment company.“But you don’t realize one thing. “You reap what you sow. “Your daughter contracted AIDS. “I’m sure you are familiar with this medical report from Cousbank University Hospital.
Snow’s sarcastic remark did not get to Ebi. The latter smirked. “If that’s all you have, I doubt a deal can be made.” Ebi did not mind doing business with Snow. This was despite her resenting Kaze for killing her daughter. “If your husband’s murder doesn’t bother you, I’ll talk about other things that might.” Snow retrieved some documents that showed bank transaction records. “These are bank statements of several corporate accounts you have registered overseas.” Ebi grimaced. Snow nodded and said, “I did my homework. Before your daughter killed herself, a number of funds were transferred to these accounts through overseas channels, disguised as legitimate business transactions.“My investigation revealed these transactions to be fraudulent. “The money was laundered and transferred to your accounts. “The amount is 50 million dollars altogether. “Here’s where I was confused. Was your daughter’s life only worth 50 million dollars? “Mika was an influencer, and she co
“Do you hear what you’re saying?“Kaze, the bastard, is the reason my daughter is dead. Yet, you expect me to prove his innocence. “You have some nerve. “What? Are you supposed to be above all because you’re a member of the Frosts?” Emotions ran high, and Ebi pulled her claws out. Snow was not surprised by her menace. She did a background check on Ebi, and the latter was always known for her hellish behavior. However, her nasty act was all for show. “Ma’am, you can drop it.” Without looking up, Snow said indifferently, “You were known to be tough back in Riverbank. You’ve got way more experience than I do. I wouldn’t tell you what to do.” Snow pulled out a few photos and printed documents from her briefcase and handed them to Ebi. Ebi glanced at the photo, her heart sinking. She said curtly, “What the hell is—” “You sure love to play dumb, ma’am.” Snow said, “These are the crime scene photos taken by the Cousbank police, showing where your ex-husband was poiso
Picking up on Lock’s worry, Snow said indifferently, “Don’t worry, Mr. Yemen. I’m not here to make her pay.“I want to make a deal with her if you could pass the message along.“She will meet with me.” … Minutes later, Snow went into Villa No. 13 on her own. The bright and cheerful villa was now a dark and gloomy funeral hall. Mika’s black-and-white portrait was placed right in the center. As her death was unexpected, an old photo was used for the memorial. Mika’s radiant smile in the photo appeared eerie against the somber atmosphere. A large flower wreath was placed beneath the portrait, and a woman in mourning kneeled next to the picture. Snow could tell that the woman was relatively young, probably in her forties from her side profile. Even without makeup, the woman was nicely put together. She had taken good care of herself. The woman was Mika’s mother, Ebi. Ebi migrated to Cousbank and became a Ryokanian citizen. Upon learning of her daughter’s death, Ebi
“The first villa I ever own. I haven’t stayed here for long, and now it’s a place of mourning.” Cyan had no words. Mika’s mother was Ebi Wise. She was so unreasonable and made such a scene that the Yemens had no choice but to comply.As always, Cyan shifted the blame on Kaze. “Why hasn’t Kaze admitted to his crimes? Does he think that by denying the truth, he can escape from the law?“He should just confess and conduct the funeral at his Villa No. 9.“Only then can Mika rest easy.” The police condoned Villa No. 9 off to collect evidence. Cyan believed that Kaze’s refusal to admit his crimes was why Villa No. 9 was still closed off. Hence, Ebi used the Yemens’ place to mourn instead. Ryna glared at her husband. “It’s all your fault, Lock. Cyan and I disapproved of the bastard coming to the house, but you had to uphold your duty as a mentor. “What did that get you? Look what your student did to us in return.” Annoyed, Lock shouted, “That’s enough. I won’t ever bring hi
Collier knew Buffy had a point. Still, he said in frustration, “Fuck! I can’t just let these people make up stories about the branch leader.” Buffy sighed helplessly, not knowing what to say. Ever since Kaze’s arrest, Buffy had been keeping an eye on things. She wanted to pay a visit to the state police department. However, she dropped that thought upon learning that Darcy was there. Nothing was going on between Buffy and Kaze. However, Buffy would not face Darcy with a clear conscience. “Wow! Where did the money come from?” While the pair strategized, a cry burst out of the crowd. Collier and Buffy looked over to find some individuals clenching bags. The zippers of these bags came undone, and cash fell out as these people moved through the crowd. The banknotes were scattered far and wide. “Oh, my gawd! Uleanian dollars!” “Wow! Look at all the Uleanian dollars!” Somebody bent over to pick the money up. After a good look, the person turned flushed with thrill.