Three days later, the turmoil that rocked South River State gradually subsided. Those with the inside scoop of the incident at Jade Estate kept mum. Those uninvolved would never know the truth. However, the outcome was for all to see. Kaze carried on living life like before. Though he was no longer the mayor of Lilyrose, Shangrila Group and Sky Ocean Corporation operated as usual without any disruptions. Those who sided with the Powells were in for it. Gunter disappeared into thin air. Rumor had it that Gunter was sealed in a coffin alive and delivered back to the Glowmoss Powells upon his death. No one had any way of validating the matter. The Powells all across Arcadia, save for the dozens who left Lilyrose alive, vanished without a trace too. It would be shocking if that amount of people died in Lilyrose. Still, nobody knew where they went. A handful of people assumed from the choppers emerging above Jade Estate during the funeral that Lilyrose Strategic Dep
For the Glowmoss government, 200 million Uleania dollars was not much. The point was that the five hundred-odd individuals successfully snuck into Arcadia through the operation of several major Glowmoss organizations. The loss would be immeasurable if the root cause was not addressed. Besides, the Glowmoss government was insulted with the matter blowing up in their faces; they were furious, to say the least. The Powells, responsible for the incident, were bound to face the wrath of the government and the people. The Glowmoss government could possibly play the blame game and make a scapegoat out of the Powells. With that in mind, Ian shuddered. “You’re right, Uncle Ivan. This concerns the survival of the family. We need to save ourselves.” Ian bowed before Ivan. “I hope to seek your guidance.” After much contemplation, Ivan said, “First, we need to disassociate ourselves from Gunter and pin the whole thing on him. He started it anyway, so he should take responsibilit
Ivan flew to Cousbank, an island nation, to meet with the leader of Sanwell Finances. Sanwell Finances got down to business right away. The corporation agreed to swap businesses with the Powells. … It was Kaze’s first visit to the mayor’s office since he stepped down. Nevertheless, he was not there for business. He came to collect his personal items from the office. Kaze even stored the Nether Viper Sword from the Viper Queen. Despite being merely a replica, the sword served as the badge of office for the West State branch leader of the Viper’s Den. Trouble would stir if the sword fell into the wrong hands. “Have you finalized the mayoral candidates?” Kaze asked Caleb and Lou who were moving boxes behind Kaze. Caleb replied, “Due to the city upgrade, the running for the next new mayor has become intense. “We can expect to see many powerhouses. Heck, the deputy mayors from cities in South River State and Butterworth put their names in too.” Due to the military
Caleb said, “Because of the incident with the Glowmoss Powells, Lee Investment pulls out of Lilyrose and wants to take over their businesses. “Samson came to the mayor’s office to ask if the local council wants to take over the few private hospitals. “I think Samson is trying to show you where his loyalty lies.” Kaze paused and smiled amusedly. “Oh, are the Lees scared now?” Since Cosmo lost his manhood, Kaze had no doubt that George, Cosmo’s father, would lose it. Isaac assigned seasoned internal security officers to protect Darcy, Winnie, and the others. Gunter’s death spooked the Lees, banishing their thoughts about revenge. That was not the only thing. Lee Investment immediately pulled out of Lilyrose. Multiple entities had gathered in Lilyrose, hoping to get a share of profits in the Lilyrose New City project. Yet, the Lees chose to do the exact opposite. It appeared the Lees had withdrawn from the competition and given up on securing a share. “Let the intere
In high society, sons from established and prominent families were typically addressed formally. However, lordship was reserved for the truly powerful house, carrying the weight of a significant legacy to be inherited. While there were no written rules in the social hierarchy concerning lordship, those who valued tradition and lineage tended to adopt these distinctions. Even within the elite families, not everybody was considered for lordship. Only those groomed from a young age as potential leaders, destined to take over the family’s vast holdings, were positioned for this title.These very people were destined for a life at the top. They were born with a silver spoon. Privilege was written in their stars. “Did that scare you?” Miru pouted at Kaze’s expression. “Well, I don’t blame you. Lordship is beyond any commoner’s reach. “Heck, a life of wealth is unattainable for many anyway. “One out of thousands might be talented and lucky enough to be successful.“Lords
“That woman is capable. She managed to pull the family through uncertainty years ago. “Albert was able to become the chief commander of South River Strategic Department because of her. “The family eats out of her hand. “Since she wants to marry me off, apparently for my own good, the other family members don’t see why they would object to it.” It appeared that Miru’s stepmother had her ways. Despite being the woman Miru’s father married after his divorce, she managed to secure power in the family. The Hidens were a prominent family. Yet, the woman was able to seize control. “But why did you call me here? “I doubt I’m a good listener,” Kaze said, shrugging. Kaze did not mind stepping in to help Miru if she did not want to walk down the marriage path. Miru was Darcy’s best friend after all. No one could make Miru do anything on his watch. Miru glanced at him and said, “Someone wants to meet you.” “Me? Who?” Kaze was taken aback. Miru replied, “My aunt. She’s
“That’s right.” Kaze nodded with a smile. “That’s what friends do. I was just being a friend.” “What did you say? Being a friend?” Something Kaze said triggered Fanny off as she stared Kaze down. “The nerve of you. “Don’t you know you made Miru a joke? “Aren’t you the moocher? “You are giving my family a bad name by behaving like Miru’s boyfriend.” Fanny then shot an angry look at Miru, reproaching her for her poor choice. The smile on Kaze’s face disappeared. He realized that Miru probably got her sharp tongue from her aunt. Fanny put a label on him right away. Kaze was only courteous because Fanny was Miru’s aunt. Since Fanny did not play nice, Kaze could drop the act. Kaze said in a flat tone, “So I’m giving the Harrowdale Hidens a bad name by acting as Miru’s boyfriend? “So what do you call a woman who forces her daughter to marry for the sake of business?” Fanny furrowed her brows and said furiously, “How dare you insult my family, boy? Who do you t
Fanny glanced at Kaze and said curtly, “Your mom sent me here to teach Kaze a lesson. We need to make our stance known to the public.” Kaze frowned, his eyes flickering with a cold glint. Teach him a lesson? He was no pushover. Miru grimaced and replied, “Niko’s incident has nothing to do with my date, Aunt Fanny. “It happened after the date. He started it by throwing his weight around. That was when Kaze stepped in to take him down a peg.“I won’t stand by the woman attacking an innocent man in the name of the family’s reputation.” Miru stood firm on that ground. She knew that her stepmother, Isabelle Hiden, would not hesitate to hurt Kaze to save the family’s name. Miru had firsthand experience of Isabelle’s wickedness. Kaze would suffer miserably. Fanny put on a sour look and said, “Either way, Isabelle is your mother, Miru. You should give her some respect and not make the family a laughingstock.” Miru scowled without a word. Fanny knew she was stubborn.