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 It appeared the Lees had withdrawn from the competition and given up on securing a share.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.
Fanny spoke in a light-hearted manner about Miru taking a pick from the list of 500 best companies and foundations. Even wealthy families like the Lees and Glitters would not say such a thing. Fanny was talking about Westeros. Westeros was the capital of the West State and where the headquarters of Viper’s Den was located. Kaze finally learned about the Fowlers in Westeros. The Fowlers earned the title of lordship. Surely, their influence extended beyond Westeros. The Fowlers were also a powerhouse in South River State, Butterworth, and other states. The privilege and power that came from an elite family were not just for show. However, Miru furrowed her brows. “I gave you my word that I would go on a date with Jerome.“But I didn’t say that I would marry him for sure. “Besides, I’m not the slightest interested in the things the Fowlers offered. “What’s wrong with my connections to the underworld? “As far as I know, the Fowlers started off with running a secret
However, Miru would not give in so easily. She said harshly, “Aunt Fanny, I left Harrowdale the moment I was 18. I came to Lilyrose without the support of the family. No one knows about my family.“I built something of myself through my own effort so that I wouldn’t be made a sacrifice when the time came.” Clearly, she would not give up without a fight. “And? What have you made of yourself?” Fanny added sternly, “You’re the chairwoman of Lefteria Group and the kingpin of Melrose and Lilyrose. Is that something you should be proud of? “You’re too naïve, Miru. The Fowlers can very well wipe off your so-called achievement with just one word. “If I can be frank, what’s the point of being at the top in a small place like Lilyrose?” Fanny side-eyed Kaze and said in contempt, “Even a moocher holds sway in this city. “The limitation of this tiny city makes it impossible for you to achieve great success. “Your rule over the underworld is a joke.” Fanny held Lilyrose in di