“Don’t be so quick to thank me. Let’s get down to business.” Kaze waved his arm and sat down on the couch. “Let me be clear. I don’t tolerate incompetence.“So you are going to be the South River State branch chief. “But I won’t appoint you to the job. You need to purge the organization and gain power on your own. “I don’t care if Josiah, Jude, or Camden have a problem with it. They can either submit or go down with Newell. “I’m here for other businesses, so I don’t want to waste too much of my time with the South River State branch. You have two weeks. “Show me what you got, Hannah.” If Hannah proved herself capable, Kaze was open to letting her handle the restructuring of the West State branch or take a more senior role. Kaze would not use her if Hannah did nothing impressive. He could pick other talents anyway. Hannah nodded and said, “I’m willing to take an oath of commitment. “I’ll make sure that in just a week, your voice is the only one that matters in the
Collier understood the need to nip a problem in the bud. Scared stiff, he sprung to hold Kaze’s leg and wailed, “Because you killed my family, I wouldn’t and couldn’t betray you, sir. “My life is in your hands.“Please give me a chance, sir. “I’ll be your lapdog. I’ll bite at command.“That’s right. I’ll prove my loyalty. Josiah is my ally. I can lure him to a meeting under the pretense of business and handle him as you see fit.”Collier resorted to every means possible just to survive. Kaze believed Collier would pull his pants down and eat his shit if he were to ask him to do so. “Wham!” Kaze kicked Collier and said with pursed lips, “Poor Josiah. You have no shame in betraying your ally.” Collier said ingratiatingly, “I’m a dog, not human. Of course, I have no shame, Kaze.“To be honest, I don’t hate you for killing my father. “I just wish I was there to do the dirty work for you.” It was a ridiculous statement to make. Hannah scoffed in disdain. Despite be
Kaze waved his arm, dismissing the ever-grateful Collier. Hannah excused herself and took off. The pair walked out together, and sparks flew when their gazes met. They were beyond reconciliation. Just today, Collier drove Hannah to desperation and nearly violated her. Knowing Hannah, Collier understood that she was too proud to forgive him. Given a chance, they would stab each other without hesitation. Of course, Kaze was not opposed to that. Kaze did not stay long at Conan’s villa once the pair was gone. He returned to the city and stayed in a five-star hotel. After a shower, Kaze was about to rest when he received a text message. The text message was from Hamlin, the secretary of Riverbank’s mayor. Kent expressed his apology now that he had learned about the incident with Raph and Butch at the train station. Hamlin asked Kaze if he had a place to stay in Riverbank. If he did not, Kent would be happy to provide accommodation. He also prepared gifts to apologiz
“Uh…” When Violet mentioned it, Kaze finally remembered. Lock used to bring him back to the house to give him extra tuition. Back then, Violet’s parents always put her at Lock’s house for daycare and study. That was all Kaze remembered about the girl. Yet Violet claimed that he used to have a crush on her and she even rejected him before. Kaze had no memories of such an atrocious act. “Uh… If you prefer it that way, sure.” He did not know what to say to the woman. No words sounded appropriate in that instance. “You finally remembered it?” Violet hummed delightfully and then said with a relieved tone, “Seems like the past is behind you now. It’s better this way, since both of us are not from the same world. It was a mistake that we met back at my uncle’s house.” Kaze did not bother to waste his time with the crazy woman. Why would she think he had feelings for her based on a single glance? He simply asked, “Is there anything that I can do for you?” “Of course!
“I’m sorry, I don’t get it,” Kaze said indifferently. After blurting out an essay, all Violet got was a few words and a cold reply, which annoyed and upset her. She inhaled deeply and said through gritted teeth, “Fine, fine! If you don’t get it, I will give you a chance to make you understand. “7 PM later, I will be waiting for you at Bjorn Dining at Golden Scale Plaza. I will show you what the world is really like to a bumpkin like you! Show up if you dare, Kaze Lee! If you decide to be a coward, then don’t you go disturb my uncle and aunt’s family again!” Kaze was not interested in answering Violet’s invitation but the place she mentioned was Golden Scale Plaza, which somehow piqued his interest. He wanted to see how the Golden Scale Corporation operated. Therefore, he said, “Fine. Golden Scale Plaza, 7 PM.” “You’re going?” Violet was slightly surprised. She did not expect Kaze to agree in such a quick manner. She thought he would come up with excuses to delay the i
The two women were considered a beautiful view for the men in the restaurant. However, they exuded a strong aura that put the men to shame. No one dared to approach them. Then, Kaze walked over to the women. Everyone in the restaurant looked at him, scrutinizing him and wondering what gave him the confidence to approach the women. They saw Kaze in casual clothes, which looked even more shabby than the waiters in the restaurant. People started to look at him scornfully. Not even the rich young men dared to approach the two women, what gave Kaze the nerves to do so? It was then Violet noticed Kaze approaching. Surprised, she blinked a few times as she looked at him coming. As he approached, her lips moved, trying to stop him from coming closer. She strongly believed Kaze was not worthy to be in the restaurant and around her. Violet’s family might not be rich or powerful, or the upper class, but being an average class family, they owned several properties in Riverbank.
Violet invited Kaze to Golden Scale Plaza to show him the life of an upper-class person. She hoped that he would understand the difference and feel embarrassed. She wanted him to understand that no matter how hard he worked, he would never reach their level in life. The best outcome would be him leaving Riverbank and returning to where he came from. She originally thought that taking the elevator up a hundred floors was already astonishing enough for a person from a small city. Standing in the upscale restaurant, she imagined, would leave him so nervous and pressured that he would be unable to speak. To her surprise, Kaze sat down nonchalantly in front of her and her friend and even asked her what she wanted to show him. Kaze looked extremely calm and composed, which somehow annoyed Violet. “Look around you, isn’t this enough? This is a totally different world than yours.” Jill scoffed and added, “Do you know how much it cost to sit at the best view in the restaurant? Ten t
“Come on, Kaze! Order something! I bet you never had dinner at a place like this.” Jill sneered. Bjorn Dining was a pricey place to eat. An ala carte dish would cost at least three thousand. It was not just about the food, it was a display of status and experience. The two ladies believed Kaze could not even afford a glass of water. Kaze glanced at the menu and waved at the waiter. “I don’t need the menu now.” After the waiter left, Jill smirked and scoffed. “What’s the matter? I thought this is just a place for you to eat but you can’t even afford to order a dish here?” Kaze said, “The dishes on the menu don't fit my palette.” “Hmph! You simply can’t afford it! Stop trying to act cool!” Violet had nothing but contempt for Kaze. Everything that he said sounded like an excuse to her. To Jill, the menu in Bjorn was considered one of the best in the city. As for it not fitting Kaze’s palette, he was just giving excuses because if he could afford it, he would order someth
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