“Mr. Taon, I don’t see what you’re so smug about. If Quintessential doesn’t pay up, then Lilyrose Bank would lose a whopping 50 million dollars in bad debt.” Darcy was infuriated at the sight of Maurice. The man was the driving force behind Quintessential Group’s predicament. “Are you saying that your company is planning to skip paying?” Maurice scoffed and turned to the press. “You heard Ms. Quint. Don’t forget to put it in your reports. Isn’t the public in favor of her now? People are on her side. “She is no better than her college friend, Joy. One is a traitor, and the other’s a cheat.“Tsk, tsk. A beautiful CEO turns out to be a cheat. Now that’s what I call a headliner.” Maurice’s accusation set off a flurry of camera flashes at Darcy. “Ms. Quint, are you admitting that you’re a cheat?” a reporter asked aloud. “I’m sorry, everyone. That wasn’t what I said,” Darcy explained in a fluster. A lie repeated often enough would become the truth.Being labeled as a chea
“I am Bernard Vikrom, head of the Vikrom family.” “I’m Peter, head of the Logmans.” “I am Jasmine Sundar, chairwoman of Sixth Eye Jewelry Group.” “The Heavensward Group’s GM, Bruno Bandino.” The individuals identified themselves. The 400-million-dollar debt that once crushed Darcy was cleared. Jaws dropped. Even the incessant flashes from the press cameras stopped for a second. Darcy looked in disbelief at these people who are leaders of powerful families.There was also a homegrown chairman of a prominent local enterprise. Not to mention, the area general manager of a well-known multinational company was present too. These individuals were the heavy hitters of Lilyrose City. They came together to help Quintessential Group overcome its financial difficulty, though the Group did not possess such business connections.From the outset, Darcy suspected she was being deceived. She even suspected that Maurice had hired these people to amuse her. They might just deny
Darcy’s mind went blank. She could not even hear what Kaze said. Darcy was not the only one still reeling from the shock. Maurice, the managing directors of various banks, and the press could not believe their eyes. Everybody was stunned. With the banks cutting loans and collecting debts, Quintessential Group would have been crippled. To everybody’s surprise, there was a shocking twist to the events. Influential families and major corporations came to the Group’s aid. Dozens of big businesses were committed to investing in Quintessential Group, citing 100 million dollars at the very least. These companies had lost it. Despite its tarnished reputation, Quintessential Group still managed to attract investors.“You’re mad. You have all gone mad!” Driven to the edge, Maurice yelled in rage. Kazen was the reason he had eggs on his face now, a humiliation worse than an actual slap on the face. Maurice looked at the leaders of prominent families and major corporatio
“That’s none of your business, Mr. Lewis. The money is ours, and we can do whatever we want with it as we please. We don’t have to deposit any money in your banks anymore.” Peter and the others demanded cash withdrawals. With the managing directors put in the spot, they turned to Maurice, who was the cause of everything. Maurice shouted at everyone, “It’s a ploy! Are you trying to cross the banks? Well, don’t even think about any loans or financing in the future.” A good relationship with banks was a must for corporations. The group sneered. “Don’t flatter yourself, Maurice. While we can’t afford to turn our backs on banks, we are within our rights to upset you since you only work for the banks.” “That’s right. You seem hot and bothered, Mr. Taon. I hope you’re not going to be a cheat.” The public mocked Maurice with the same insult he used on Darcy. Maurice narrowed his eyes at the people. “Fine, have it your way. You’ll get what’s coming for distressing one of the
“Where’s Johnson? I want to see Johnson! I’m the son-in-law of one of the top families. Why am I being arrested?” Maurice could make as much fuss as he wanted, but a member of the Economic Investigation Division handcuffed him. The once untouchable president of Lilyrose Bank was taken away in shame. Darcy drew a deep breath. The incident today was not something she had ever expected. She turned to the power players in Lilyrose’s business community and expressed her gratitude for their role in reviving Quintessential. Darcy had raised the question that had been bugging her, “I would like to know your reason behind investing in my company now of all times.” Many there were just as puzzled as Darcy. Just moments ago, there was no hope left in Quintessential. However, these prominent business figures stood by the Group at the risk of offending the top families. The fact was hard for them to wrap their heads around. “Ms. Quint, the Group with your leadership is worth th
It was surprising that a proud woman like Miru had someone she respected. Even Kaze was shocked. Miru glanced at him in disdain. “Have some dignity, Kaze. I’m talking about the chairman of Perfect World Group, not you. It’s not as if you called these people to invest in Quintessential Group.” “I am—” Kaze was about to refute when Darcy jumped in, “You got the wrong idea about Kaze, Miru. Kaze knows Snow from Perfect World Group. He made the call to invite those people.” Darcy was aware that Snow played a part in Kaze hitting the lottery and buying furniture. Miru looked at Kaze in surprise and scoffed. “It just so happened that Perfect World Group’s chairman wanted to take on the top families, so he put the word out to the major businesses. I doubt Kaze could convince them to be here if it weren’t for the chairman.” She called on Kaze’s bluff at Lily Garden Hotel the last time. Miru had already made up her mind about Kaze. There was no way she would change her opinion
“It’s reassuring that Ms. Frost is named the new chairman. Let’s keep the funds in Lilyrose Bank then.” Darcy was relieved. Perfect World had done Quintessential a huge favor. Snow would not make things difficult for Quintessential. “The chairman of Perfect World Group is one in a million. Even his assistant can be a chairman of Lilyrose Bank. Miru had the utmost respect and curiosity for the mysterious chairman. Kaze smiled without a word. Upon learning the news, heads of the top three families gathered at the Everias’ residence, the Jade Estate. “We wanted to destroy Quintessential, but Perfect World had the business’ back. It’s clear that Perfect World is getting back at us,” Edward hissed through clenched teeth, his face glum. It was supposed to be easy to crush Quintessential Group, but the company managed to dodge tragedy once again. His son was still in a coma, thanks to Darcy. Maurice, a close associate of the Everias, was also caught in the crossfire.Ed
The heads of the top families laughed for a while, sensing a bright future awaiting them. Just then, Edward beckoned at his youngest son, Ethan. “You will assume the role of Chairman at Bersina Group, Ethan. We have lost Maurice and Toffle, those losers. It’s time Bersina takes back the Everia family.” Ethan was delighted. His older brother, Eliot, had always outshone him. With Eliot in a coma, the family leadership should now fall on Ethan.Edward made Ethan the chairman of Bersina Group to see if he was up to the task. “Don’t worry, Dad. I will manage Bersina well.” Ethan left Jade Estate with his sidekick in tow. He returned with a heavy heart in less than an hour. “Holy shit, Dad. Someone beat me to it and took Bersina Group right out of my hands.” Ethan made a crying face, looking nothing like the swank he had before leaving the house. Edward was enraged. “Who did it? Everybody knows Maurice and Toffle only managed Bersina for the Everias.” Belarus and Fli
“I have pointed you in a direction. If you still can’t trust your team, you can go to the Viper’s Den.“There’s one thing, though. Don’t rely too heavily on the Viper’s Den, or your company will be left without secrets.” Kaze’s suggestion gave Snow assurance. She considered tapping into the Viper’s Den’s resources. However, Kaze warned her against excessive dependence. “Why did you say that, Chairman Lee? Will the Viper’s Den stab me in the back?” Surely, the Viper’s Den took orders from Kaze. The Viper’s Den would always be an ally so long as Kaze was the branch leader. “I just don’t want you to put too much faith in others. You find loyalty by developing your own team. Those who revere me will never trust you completely.” Kaze analyzed the situation. Snow ate her supper and looked at Kaze in confusion. “You can only count on the people you win over. You can’t trust anyone else, and that includes me.” Kaze would never hurt Snow. However, he hoped that she would fin
“As you said, all is in the past. What’s the point of dwelling on it?” Leah perked up. Such was life, but it took her too long to understand the harsh reality. She guessed things were just not meant to be. “I’ll think about what to get Kaze. Rest well. We’ll visit him in a few days.” Taking the matter seriously, Katie wanted to get gifts ready ahead of time to thank Kaze. “Alright. I’ll see what I can do too. I want to be in touch with the outside world. I don’t care what they have to say. This is not my fault. I won’t blame myself.” Leah wanted her phone back to contact her former friends. Ultimately, she needed to move forward instead of backward. She had to face and fight back the rumors with courage. It was the crucial step to kick trauma in the face. The abduction was kept hush-hush for the most part, but Katie’s frantic search for her daughter at the cocktail party did not go unnoticed. Hearing about the incident, the influential people were keen to find out
“When did Kaze start setting it all up? I get the feeling that everybody played into his hands right from the start, and he had controlled every step of the way.” Leah realized that Kaze was an amazing man. Nothing could go past his eyes. “I don’t know.” Katie feared someone like Kaze. She would not be caught dead near him. Even when grasping the situation, Katie dared not look into Kaze for fear she would be targeted. Katie was careful not to show her face around Kaze. For all she knew, Kaze might get back at her. “But he came to Butterworth alone. We met at the train station, and he helped me out of a bad situation.” Leah felt warm and cozy inside just remembering the events. They did not know each other then. Kaze was kind to help a stranger out. From then on, Kaze could do no wrong in Leah’s eyes. Leah befriended him and found him nice. Her interest in him grew. They also got along well. Her memories of Kaze were sweet. Anyone could hurt her in the world, but
Even though Katie was the CEO of the Northborn Group, many eyed her position. There were too many vying to replace her. Without dedicating herself to her work, Katie risked falling from grace. Katie had been too eager to find success to give her daughter the best life. Leah could not understand the pain Katie had to go through. “I understand it now. I explained the nature of my relationship with Kaze to you, but you just wouldn’t get it.” Leah stubbornly expressed herself in hopes her mother would understand. “I just couldn’t get it through my head that you have grown up. You make an easy target since you just graduated and have not stepped into the real world.” Katie would not always be there for Leah. Hence, Katie did her best to get rid of potential danger. Her overprotectiveness triggered Leah’s defiance. It was Katie’s fault for not realizing it sooner. “I’m not angry with you. I didn’t understand a mother’s good intentions, but I understand now. I will listen to
Leah’s face beamed, but her mother’s words threw her into a daze. In the end, she tried to squeeze a smile to assure her mother. However, Leah could not muster a smile. Those days lingered with her like a recurring bad dream. Whenever she recalled the incident, she felt trapped in that nightmare again. Leah wanted to let those memories fade away, but she just could not do it. She would get startled awake late at night and trace the scars across her skin. During moments like this, she resented Perry. Leah was rather cheerful during the day as if the past was behind her. However, it was simply a way for her to escape the pain. By the way Leah was behaving, Katie instantly regretted the question. She should not have probed. Even if they avoided the elephant in the room, they could pretend like nothing ever happened. Nevertheless, the act of asking brought up unsettling times for Leah. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have asked.” Katie gently held Leah, hoping to cast
When the ambulance door closed shut, Leah wailed once more. The reality of her rescue finally sank in, and she grasped that it was not just a dream. It was a pity that she did not have much time with Kaze. She longed to spend more time with him. “Don’t cry, young lady. You’ll get better soon enough. Don’t worry about the scars on your face. I can administer medicine to help you,” the doctor said while wiping her tears. “Thank you. I’m finally out of the hell hole.” Leah’s worst nightmare would be to be trapped in there forever. Kaze watched as the ambulance disappeared into the night. He then turned to face the villa. “Apprehend everybody in there. Perry should be punished for his crimes.” Kaze had not intended to go after the Duncans, but the family had crossed the line this time. Leah was an adorable and vulnerable woman. She was abused beyond recognition. It never occurred to Kaze that the Duncans could be so cruel. “Perry has passed out in there. Where should
With the secret out in the open, the housekeeper dropped his attitude. He pointed at the basement not too far away. “My employer is in there.” The housekeeper grimaced and kept his head down. Kaze laughed. Unaware of his impending doom, Perry was still living it up. It was absurd. Perry was playing with fire by hurting Leah. “About time you wise up.” Arthur smiled and patted the housekeeper’s face. He opened the door to the basement. Kaze walked to the bar counter and picked up the best bottle of champagne there. He fiddled with the bottle before carrying it to the basement. The other Viper’s Den members followed him. Kaze took a stride down the steps, to the basement. The noisy music was blasting before they reached the entry. Kaze was filled with a mix of emotions. Nevertheless, he said nothing. He opened the door and walked in. The light in the basement was bright, making everything perfectly clear. However, the people inside were not bothered by the
“You know him. It’s Perry Duncan, Leah’s ex-boyfriend.” Snow did not see the point of hiding the truth, so she laid everything out. “Leah must be feeling foul because she was unaware that she was being stalked. By the time she realized what was going on, she was taken into a vehicle. “We spotted the vehicle they departed in from the surveillance footage. They headed to the mountain up north.” Snow had a general idea of the location. “I got Arthur on the job. He’s putting up a team from the Viper’s Den.” Snow was uncertain of Kaze’s stance toward Leah, but now that she was made aware of the situation, the least she could do was help. Katie belonged to the Viper’s Den, so Snow was lending a hand to a friend in business. “Thank you. Please save my daughter.” Katie was nervous. The Viper’s Den was the people she could count on. “Arthur is good, but he’s slow. I’ll do it,” Kaze said. The whole thing was unrelated to him. Kaze was well within his right to stand on the si
Even so, Elsie was out to get Leah. Elsie could pick up on Perry’s delight when she took a swing at Leah. Poor Elsie was just trying to survive by catering to others. People like her learned to pick up social cues and read body language to please customers for money in return. Their income would double if their customers were happy. Leah was the obstacle. If the women could not get rid of her, they would lose their profit. They had no hard feelings for Leah, but they stood on opposing ends. “You should be fawning over Mr. Duncan, not begging me,” Elsie said while grabbing Leah’s hair to pull her up. Leah snatched Elsie’s wrist to try and break free. “Let me go. I never did anything to you.” Leah was no doormat. She did not want to cross these people or get involved with them. She still hoped that by waiting here, her prince would arrive to save her. However, all she got was a cruel beating, and she had enough. “This isn’t my fault. Blame Mr. Duncan for your cir