The server’s response left Lock’s family stunned. “The bill has been paid for?” Ryna looked at her daughter. “Cyan, give Wesley a call. He must have paid for us.“Wesley is such a nice guy. Even though Kaze pissed him off, he still paid the bill before leaving. We feel bad about it.” Cyan immediately dialed Wesley’s number. “Thank you for footing the bill, Mr. Gwake. My mom told me to apologize to you. I’m sorry about today.” “Huh? Foot the bill? Oh, don’t mention it.” Wesley was confused, not knowing who paid since he left. However, he did not bother to correct Cyan when her family credited him for paying. He said with a smile, “Tell Mrs. Yemen that Bourbon isn’t that big of a deal. I’ll treat your family at a better restaurant.“And one more thing. You might want to suggest to your family to stop hanging out with Kaze. Though I won’t talk about today, word might still get out, and trouble can come knowing.” Wesley could tell that Lock was interested in giving Kaze h
Ryna was taken aback. She smacked her lips enviously and said, “Some VIP must have dined at Bourbon. Their ride is a Rolls Royce. Even Wesley doesn’t own such a fancy car.“I saw someone getting into the car. He looks young. If only Cyan could get to know him.” Lock scoffed. Ryna always wanted more, and she had not even got Wesley in the bag yet. Cyan watched enviously as the Rolls Royce drove away, but she quickly furrowed her brows. Her parents were too good to get a good look. However, she got a feeling that the back of the individual looked very much like Kaze. “That’s impossible.“Kaze is a loser. It can’t possibly be him.” Cyan shook her head violently and put the matter behind her. … “What do you fancy, Bro?” In the Rolls Royce, Conan took a glass of water from the crystal cupholder and gave it to Kaze. The Butterworth Queens ran the biggest automobile dealerships in several states. All car brands sold in the South River State were distributed through the
Miru’s choice to play nice with the Hornbergs was the fastest way to integrate with the local community. Gareth’s impoverished students were not bums. All they were missing was a chance. If Miru could give them a chance, they could hold onto the opportunity and become Miru’s tool to seize territory. “Let her have free rein to do whatever she wants. Get Sven and Wolf to Riverbank to help her.” Kaze waved his arm. He was going to point Miru in the right direction and help her out in secret since Miru was his wife’s best friend. Albert had left Riverbank, so Miru would need Kaze’s help more than ever. Now it seemed that Miru was doing well on her own. Nevertheless, Sven and Wolf needed to be in Riverbank. The two mean killing machines were bored sick sitting in Lilyrose. Now was the time to unleash their potential. “But keep an eye on their well-being and take them back to Lilyrose’s strategic department for scheduled physical examinations. Otherwise, blood will spi
Conan pulled out his phone and showed a few photos to Kaze. “This is Newell’s eldest son, Collier, and second son, Jamie. They are more competent than Brad, who had been spoiled rotten.“They have not only gathered support from within the family, but they secured the backing of influential figures in the South River State branch. “Collier has the support of Josiah Dubb, the deputy chief. Jude Gwake is another deputy chief, but he is on Jamie’s side. “More accurately, they are rubbing each other’s backs. If everything goes through, Collier and Jamie would make Josiah and Jude branch chiefs.” Conan gave an account of the situation. “Do these deputy chiefs need Newell’s sons’ support to become chiefs?” Kaze asked. He glanced at a photograph of Jude, Wesley’s uncle. Conan nodded. “When Newell was alive, the South River branch was audacious enough to confront Magnus and the West State branch.“The Ettingers are highly influential in the South River State. Many skilled men w
“We don’t have to talk about Hannah. It hasn’t been a few days since she arrived in Riverbank. She’s handicapped and can barely stand on her two feet. The members of the South River State branch don’t take her seriously.” Kaze shook his head when thinking about the woman he crippled. Truth be told, he would have been impressed with Hannah if they had not taken opposing stances. After Gareth died, she confronted Kaze directly for revenge, unlike Sirius who resorted to underhanded tactics.When Hannah realized that Kaze did not kill Gareth, she even gave him a heads-up. Putting aside their differences, Kaze could say that Hannah had a strong personality. The server served the food. They ordered side dishes together with the trout. The chef brought out the best of these raw ingredients, leaving Kaze craving for more. “We can eat and talk.” Kaze told Conan to help himself and grabbed his cutlery. “The Ettingers are the key to gaining control of the South River State br
“Strangely, this woman used to be active in public, running the Ettingers’ business. She’s the perfect wife behind Newell. “But after Newell’s passing, his wife simply started staying out of the limelight. It looks like she’s disinterested in power.” Kaze frowned. “You overlooked such an important individual.” “I’m sorry, Kaze. My negligence is to be blamed,” Conan responded right away. Kaze went back to eating. “Keep an eye on her. I think she’s the same type as Camden.” “Yes.” Conan nodded, and his attention soon went to a woman who walked in. Kaze took a glance as a masked woman in a dress entered the restaurant. The woman looked around. Her eyes widened in shock when her gaze fell on Kaze. “The woman looks familiar, Kaze,” Conan murmured while putting his guard up. Noticing the woman’s response to seeing Kaze, Conan was worried she might be an enemy. Without looking up, Kaze continued to dine and replied indifferently, “It’s Hannah.” Speak of the devil, t
Kaze knew of Four Ocean Commerce Guild. He had several encounters with the members of Four Ocean Commerce Guild in Lilyrose. Four Ocean Commerce Guild once tried to recruit Lilyrose Commerce Guild, but Kaze and Darcy put a stop to that. Kaze heard from Ryna back at Bourbon that Lock was nearly buried alive in concrete due to a business conflict with Four Ocean Commerce Guild. The supposed charitable man was not as kind as rumored. Teddy, the president of Four Ocean Commerce Guild appeared to be highly influential in the South River State. The restaurant owner brought Teddy up to scare the unwelcome customers away. “Oh, so Mr. Crow enjoys dining here, huh?” With the restaurant owner lighting the cigarette, the burly man drew a puff. The restaurant owner nodded. “That’s right. If you could—” “Smack!” The burly man slapped the restaurant owner. “Wham!” The restaurant owner’s plump build hit the ground with a loud thud. As blood bleed out of his nose, he held his
“Run? “Come on. I dare you to do it again.” The burly man whipped his hand across Hannah’s face again. Beaten senseless, Hannah cried in utter despair. She looked completely disheveled. “The once rising star of the Viper’s Den West State branch has been reduced to this,” Conan muttered. Since Hannah tried to kill Kaze to avenge Magnus, Conan had no intention of getting involved. The other patrons watched on the sidelines. Though they were horrified by the brutality inflicted on the woman, they dared not speak out against the arrogant bunch. The leader approached Hannah and stomped her, causing her to cry out in pain. “Do you actually think you’re the deputy of the Viper’s Den South River State branch, you piece of shit? “Talk about the most promising member of the Viper’s Den West State branch. You’re nothing to Mr. Ettinger. “You’re lucky that Mr. Ettinger fancies you.“Given your position as deputy chief, if you served Mr. Ettinger well and handed over the shares
Phoenix nodded with a fake smile and said grimacingly, “But it looks like your employees hold you in high regard. “They didn’t budge even when their legs were broken.” “Bang!” Shadow kicked an executive to the wall. Darcy looked at the executives and said coldly, “Before I step down, I am instructing all of you to accept Joan as the new chairwoman.” “Ms. Quint!” Many executives grimaced while others cried out in tears. They knew that Darcy agreed to resign because she could not stand them to take the abuse.“I want to apologize for failing to protect you.” Darcy hung her head low in the presence of her management team as tears streamed down her face. She had never been so devastated. Sadly, Kaze would not be with her. Kaze started it too. “I approve of Joan as the chairwoman.” “Me too.” “I concur.” The executives spoke up. They could not change the situation. With Darcy giving in, they knew further resistance would only be met with brutality. As the
Shadow did not show any signs of stopping. She continued kicking the female executive. “Stop, bitch!” Two male executives tried to stop Shadow. Shadow had eyes on the back of her head. Without looking back, she swept a kick at the two big men and slammed them against the wall. She approached the two men and stomped on them. “Crack!” “Crack!”With two sickening cracks, the legs of the two male executives were brutally snapped. Their harrowing cries echoed through the ward. “Stop!” Darcy’s eyes turned bloodshot as her right-hand men endured the brutality. She got up right in Shadow’s face. “Smack!” Shadow slapped Darcy to the ground.She approached Darcy with a blank face and raised her foot. “No!” Hector and Agnes’ breath hitched in their throats. “Shadow.” Phoenix, who watched the violence callously, said, “You can stop now.” She unleashed Shadow on these executives to show them who the boss was. Phoenix had gotten what she wanted. The plan would
Agnes scowled in distress. Sky mumbled under his breath, “You have no right to anyone, though. Darcy doesn’t answer to anybody. The executives approve of her. You can’t run the company without Darcy anyway—” “Shut up!” Phoenix yelled furiously, “The executives approve of her? Well, I can make sure that doesn’t happen. “I doubt they would say anything if I wanted to fire her.” Phoenix said curtly, “Let them in.” Amid her confusion, Darcy watched as Sky Ocean Corporation’s high management entered the room. “Ms. Quint!” The executives greeted Darcy respectfully. They had a lot of respect for Darcy. Though they were a lot older than Darcy, these executives still held Darcy in high regard. Phoenix kept a straight face throughout. She slammed her cane to the ground and yelled at the executives, “I want to sack Darcy and make Joan the chairwoman. Show of hands if you’re on board with the idea.” Silence befell. Two dozen executives exchanged glances. It never occurr
What?Kaze was the cause of the assault, but Darcy was somehow relieved of her chairwoman duties. Hector was stunned. Agnes stepped forward and wailed with a pale face, “Madam Quint, you can’t do this!“Darcy expanded Sky Ocean Corporation and built a presence in Riverbank all on her own. The Quints never helped. Why should she be replaced by Joan?“Darcy has poured her heart and soul into the company. The executives and employees can bear witness to her dedication. “You are letting the employees down. “Besides, Kaze is the problem. He’s out of control. “I’ve been hoping Darcy would dump him, but Darcy is too kind. “I trust that Darcy will move on from him after this incident.“You should be punishing the right person. Don’t put this on Darcy!” Agnes understood that Sky Ocean Corporation was the very thing that provided her family with the lifestyle they had right now. If Darcy was stripped of power, the family would revert to their miserably impoverished days. De
Phoenix glared at Darcy’s family and said sternly, “Did you hear me?” Hector and Agnes shivered and felt obliged to comply with Phoenix’s request. Before Hector and Agnes said anything, Sky jumped in. “Kaze wouldn’t beat anyone up for no reason, Madam Quint. Besides, Joan has it out for our family. She hasn’t liked Kaze since day one.“For all we know, she could be spinning a tale.“You might want to get to the bottom of the truth—” “Shut up!” “Bang!” Phoenix cut Sky off by whacking him with her cane. “What do you know? It’s not your place to speak. Where are your manners? “One more word from you, and I’ll hit you again.” Sky’s repeated offense of challenging Phoenix’s authority drove her to the edge. Furious, Sky rubbed his aching arm and opened his mouth to refute. “Don’t be stubborn!” Agnes yanked Sky in fright and smiled apologetically at Phoenix. “I’m sorry, Madam Quint. Sky is young. He doesn’t know any better.“Don’t be mad, Madam Quint. We’ll contact Ka
“But Kaze doesn’t learn from his mistakes. He acts like he’s all that!“He broke my arm and stomped on my face, saying that I couldn’t be prettier than his wife. “I can accept the injuries on my face, Madam Quint. “But Kaze is disrespecting the family and you!“Please stand up for me, Madam Quint. Sob, sob…” Joan wailed. Her piercing bawling sparked the other family members to back her up. Phoenix was outraged. Hector, Agnes, Darcy, and Sky turned pale. They did not expect Kaze to assault Joan. Kaze went hard on her too. Most importantly, Joan’s boyfriend was the only son of Boris, one of Riverbank’s four underground kingpins, and the boyfriend seemed to be in a worse state. “Kaze brings us nothing but trouble!” Agnes scowled and hissed through clenched teeth, “I knew he shouldn’t be with Darcy. I knew he’d be the death of us.” Old habits sure died hard. Agnes had dropped the attitude after the slapping incident, but she was back to her overbearing self again.
The sneers and gloating looks made Darcy’s family’s hearts sink. Hector got a call half an hour ago and learned that Phoenix had walked free after Kaze called the cops on her. Phoenix wanted Darcy’s family to come to the hospital. Hector thought that Phoenix had fallen ill. Without another word, Hector took Agnes to the hospital. Darcy and Sky had to make time out of their work and school to be there for Phoenix too. The family forgot to bring Kaze along by choice. There was no telling whether Phoenix was ill or angry with Kaze. The last thing they would do was bring Kaze along to make things worse. Outside the ward, Darcy’s family learned through the chatter that Joan, instead of Phoenix, was admitted. Joan’s hospital admission seemed to garner a lot of attention from Phoenix. Oblivious to the situation, Darcy’s family was in a daze. “Has Hector’s family arrived? Tell them to get in here!” Before Darcy’s family could get to the bottom of the matter, Phoenix’s a
Besides, the execution hall enforced the law within the Viper’s Den, putting the division in a superior position within the Viper’s Den West State Branch. The division had the power to decide whether the Viper’s Den member would live or die. The leader of the execution hall, Robin, would oversee the South River State Branch’s new branch chief and branch deputy. Hannah and Collier could not afford to let their guard down. They braced themselves to meet the man. “Marcus? Robin?” Kaze said indifferently, “I keep note of these names. The South River State Branch can’t do anything to the pair, but I am the branch leader.” “You have the power to stop them!” Collier said. Yet, Collier remained hesitant. It was true that Kaze was the Viper’s Den West State Branch leader. The Nether Viper Sword proved it. However, Kaze never officially took office. In other words, the position of the branch leader remained vacant. Collier could not understand Kaze’s delay in declaring his
Conan could sense the calm before the storm over the phone. He stopped joking around and said solemnly, “Of course.” It did not take Conan and Collier long to get to Kaze. Collier took out a stack of Rhys’ photos and said, “I know this guy. He’s Rhys Road, the only son of Boris, Riverbank’s underground kingpin. “His father bankrolled him to start a business in entertainment. He doesn’t get involved in the company operations, but he loves scouting talents to trick women. He’s worse than the man I was.” At least, Collier was aware of the type of man he used to be. Still, Kaze was not amused. Collier kept it strictly business and said somberly, “He often hangs around schools and around the mall to scout beautiful women. He has slept with many women, promising them the world.“He would be forceful with those who didn’t fall for his scheme. He would isolate them or drag them to somewhere secluded and take compromising videos of them. “Dozens of women fell victim to him over t