“Now that I recruited Josiah’s clique, the South River State branch is split into two sides. One group is led by me and Collier while the other supports Jude. “Jude’s group consists of senior key players in the organization. It will take a long time to unify forces.”Hannah texted Kaze with respect. She did not act high and mighty just because she held sway in Riverbank City for seizing control over half of the South River State branch. Hannah knew that Kaze was the only reason for her changed destiny. Kaze could put her back into her misery any time. “How is Jude reacting to this?” Kaze texted back. “Jude made a public announcement, accusing me of playing dirty, backstabbing colleagues, and harming Josiah. He said I was unworthy of being the branch chief. He wanted to fight me to the end and called upon those who had pledged allegiance to me to return to his side.“No news from Camden yet.” Jude believed he had the South River State branch in the bag. No one could tak
Lock’s family looked at Kaze in surprise as this was the last place they expected to see him. Wyomspring was Riverbank City’s affluent area. Commoners would have trouble affording the space for a toilet there. Kaze did not expect to run into the Yemens. He turned around and went over to say hello with a smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Yemen, have you had lunch yet?” “Yes.” Lock nodded. “You would know whether we had lunch or not.” Ryna scoffed in disdain. She believed Kaze tailed them to Wyomspring and pretended to run into them. Ryna had warned Kaze not to get any ideas about Cyan. The only thing on Ryna’s mind was ways to get rid of Kaze. She had asked her niece, Violet, to sort Kaze out, but Violet went radio silent. When Ryna asked about Kaze, Violent would keep a tight lip, insisting that nothing happened. Cyan pouted and refused to give Kaze any attention. Kaze was getting on her nerves for creeping on her. Unconcerned about Ryna and Cyan’s attitude, Kaze asked i
“10 million dollars is money Kaze can never make. “Your bragging will only make him feel bad. “Cyan had to help him find a job. This sort of wealth is unreachable to him. We can talk about it among ourselves but not in front of him.” Ryna would show off to others like her neighbors. Kaze was a different story. He was a stalker, shadowing the family around to get close to Cyan. It would be bad if Kaze would not leave them alone upon learning of their wealth. Dread washed over Ryna at the thought of Kaze clinging to them. Since Kaze was Lock’s student, he could very well approach them in the name of visiting his mentor. It was pointless to call the cops. Considering the potential issues, Ryna changed the subject. “I’m sorry, Kaze. Lock and Cyan were not considerate of your feelings when bragging. Don’t take it to heart. “We were only bragging. We don’t have money to get a villa. “That reminds me. Why are you here? “You seem to be heading to Villa No. 1. “I sho
“I just realized that you’re full of hot air, Kaze.“Do you know who Villa No. 1 belongs to? I can’t believe you claimed it as your own.”Lock scowled and said solemnly, “I’m disappointed in you, Kaze. “Do you have any idea that Villa No. 1 belongs to Mayor Synder? “When Mayor Synder first took office, he was involved in a high-profile case. He was bribed with this villa, but he seized the property and turned it over to the government. It was quite a scandal as he made the incident public. “Later, to set an example and deter future bribes, Mayor Synder bought the villa to prove his wealth. The villa had been left vacant since.“It’s no secret in Riverbank City. “I can’t believe you would brag and say that it was a gift.“Do you think I would fall for your lies?” It never occurred to Kaze that there was a story behind Villa No. 1.He tried to explain, “Mr. Yemen, I—” “That’s enough!” Lock waved his arm and cut Kaze off in frustration. “I have always taught you to stay
“I don’t want to go on about this, Kaze.“If you still consider me your mentor, stop what you’re doing. “Just take the job at Golden Scale Corporation. Make an honest living with Cyan.“As for the villa…“I will visit you at your place the day the villa truly becomes yours.” Lock abruptly ended the tour and stormed off. “Why are you doing this, Lock? Kaze has just given you a box of premium tea from Mayor Synder. Even if you don’t want it, you can re-gift it,” Ryna remarked sarcastically. She snatched the box out of Kaze’s hands and went after Lock. “See that, Lock? Kaze is no longer the student you loved. People change. Besides, it has been years since you last met him. “Didn’t you want to give Kaze Cyan’s hand in marriage? I think you lost it,” Ryna said. “Hmph! I was only kidding.” Livid, Lock scoffed.“Some people might take your joke seriously. You just saw how shameless people can be,” Ryna said. As Ryna and Lock walked away, Kaze grinned bitterly. Lock did
High-end villa compounds like Wyomspring had a strict no-delivery policy. Like the Yemens, the manager believed Kaze snuck into the place for no good reason. Wyomspring was an affluent neighborhood, and its residents were important people. The manager might lose his job and the chance to befriend these VIPs if Kaze were to upset the residents. Furrowing his brows, Kaze said indifferently, “I’m the owner of Villa No. 1.” “You’re the owner?” The manager ran his eyes on Kaze and clicked his tongue in disdain. “You? Do you know the value of Villa No. 1? “I doubt you can ever make that kind of money.” With an exclusive clientele to serve, the manager developed a sense of superiority over ordinary people. The way he saw it, Kaze’s get-up was not even as valuable as his work uniform. Kaze was too poor to be the owner of Villa No. 1. Besides, the manager overheard the Yemens’ conversation with Kaze. He was sure Kaze was bluffing. “Let me be straight with you, boy. This
Kaze looked grim. “I said don’t—” “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t give you a choice.” Fig cut Kaze off and rubbed his swollen cheeks. He said with a smirk, “Get him! Get this bastard out of here!” He wanted to get even with Kaze. “Swoosh!” The security officers pounced on Kaze. The villa district’s security detail, composed entirely of retired special forces, was renowned for their prowess. Still, they were no match for Kaze.“Thud! Smack! Pow!” As grunts and groans filled the air, the security officers sprawled across the floor. Kaze had gone easier on them since they did not know the truth. Otherwise, the security guards would be left with broken bones. “Um…” Fig and several other staff members were dumbfounded, their jaws dropping at the unexpected resistance. “So you can fight.” The villa compound was home to many influential figures with their own hired protection. Fig had seen it all, so he quickly pulled himself together. He took a couple of steps back bef
The few property management personnel behind Fig were dumbfounded. As the Yemens mocked Kaze moments ago, they did not think he was someone important. They took Kaze’s claim about owning Villa No. 1 through Kent as a joke. It turned out to be real. “M-Mr. Lorde, surely this is a mistake. This guy disguised as a deliveryman to get in. “I saw the Yemens dressing him down. Even his mentor did not believe he was the owner of the villa. “You must have gotten it wrong. “Everybody in the city knows that Villa No. 1 belongs to Mayor Synder. He wouldn’t give the villa to a nobody.” Fig drew close and said in a trembling voice while yanking Maurice’s arm. He would rather believe the whole thing was bogus.If Kaze was the owner, Fig would be done for after what he said and did to Kaze. “Smack!” Maurice slapped Fig and shouted with his finger pointed at Hamlin, “Take a good look. Mr. Corner, who is Mayor Synder’s chauffeur, is right behind me. “He dropped Mr. Lee off here
Thomas glared at the two police officers and waved his arm curtly. “Don’t just stand there. Make the arrest!” He knew how Scorpion and his crew operated.Scorpion was not the type to give up on a fight easily. Thomas was the security captain of the Southgate Police Department. The supposed Captain Conroy would only rank slightly higher than him. Members of the criminal underworld often associate with people on the police force to seek favors in time of need. However, these favors should not be used lightly. It was common knowledge not to enlist the help of someone high up in the command chain right away. It would be a waste of resources. In a typical situation, Thomas might have trouble making the arrest. However, Thomas was taking Kaze’s side, so he had nothing to fear. With that in mind, Thomas said icily, “Captain Conroy? How many more captains are you going to call upon?“Even if you summon someone working for the state, you’re still coming with us.” “You’re ju
All these incidents put together suggested that Kaze was more than he seemed. Thomas focused the most on Kaze and the mayor’s relationship. The power of a local authority outweighed someone from out of state. Though the officials working in the state government were more powerful, they would have no bearing on the locals’ situation. Kent was the mayor of Riverbank, and his decision would change the course of the locals’ fate. Thomas understood his place in the matter. Boris may be badass, but Thomas could get nothing out of him. Thomas had to deal with Boris’ men frequently. These men would give the police gifts during the holidays as payment for turning a blind eye to certain things. He could fall out with Scorpion and his crew, but he could not cross Kaze when Scorpion’s people were clearly at fault. Kent could possibly intervene, and Thomas’ connections would not be able to bail him out.Thomas turned stern and said coldly, “It’s outrageous of you to trash a plac
Scorpion sat sprawled across the couch, his legs crossed. He lit a cigarette, took a drag, and said, “Oh, an old friend. It’s Captain Blunick from the Southgate Police Department.“I’m handling business today. I’d appreciate it if you could look the other way.” The person in charge was Thomas Blunick, security captain of the Southgate Police Department. Thomas frowned and said icily, “Is this your way of handling business, Scorpion? “Don’t you push it.” Scorpion grinned and said without any reservation, “Mr. Road’s son, Rhys, was beaten up by some riff-raff. Mr. Road sent me here for some unfinished business. “You should know that Mr. Road dotes on Rhys, and Rhys now suffers two broken legs. “This is not over until the culprit pays.” Thomas scoffed. “You can’t trash a medical center in broad daylight.” He asked curiously, “Who is Rhys’ attacker?” Even the other police officers were intrigued. To think someone would hurt Boris’ son in Riverbank. It was a death wis
“Heh. Scared?”Scorpion laughed maniacally. “Ask around. I’ve been working in this line for twenty years. Nothing scares me. “I don’t know what fear is.” Kaze said indifferently, “Cut the crap. You and your crew can come at me all at once, or you can fight on your own. “I want to crush you and be on my way.” “Thud!” Scorpion smacked the table, splintering the wood. “Hear that, my men? “Get him! Kill him!”“Get him!”A dozen minions pounced on Kaze. “Bang!” One subordinate tried to whack Kaze with a steel pipe, but Kaze grabbed the pipe from his hands and kicked him away. Kaze strode toward the street gang and swung the pipe. “Clank! Bang!” Sparks flew from the clashes of metal. The street gang felt their hands go numb as their pipes were knocked out of their hands. Only one steel pipe remained firmly in Kaze’s grasp. Kaze made his next move. “Argh!” The steel pipe struck the gangsters one after another, fracturing their bones. In less than a minute, t
Scorpion stood there, watching brutally as his people trashed the place. “Smack!” He raised his hand and hit the owner of Herbal Spring. The owner folded like a cheap suit, and his head was busted. “You don’t know why we’re upset? “Well, why are we here then?” Scorpion stomped on the owner’s belly, and the latter shrieked in pain. Scorpion nodded in glee. “Tell Kaze Lee to get his ass here right now! “I know he’s in there. He injured my boss’ son. I’ll kill him today, or my name isn’t Scorpion,” Scorpion puffed out and said menacingly.His grim gaze scanned the room, and no one at Herbal Spring had the guts to meet his gaze. “You have one minute. If I don’t see Kaze in one minute, my people will trash the place.”Scorpion walked to the black couch in the hall and sat down while smoking away. Scared stiff, the owner of Herbal Spring cried, “Quick! Get Mr. Lee here now.” Kaze emerged from the back with a grimace. “It’s him, Scorpion!” A thug took a photo out for
As fear took over, Agnes sobbed.“Kaze is the death of us!“Sob, sob. I’m telling you. I’m not your mother unless you divorce him!” Hector held Agnes and persuaded her, “Just stop it. Darcy is upset enough as it is.” “Smack!” Agnes raised her hand at Hector. “You’re one to talk. You’re just a loser! If you had made something of yourself, we wouldn’t have to rely on our daughter for everything. “Do you think I don’t know you’ve been protecting the bastard? “I’m telling you, Hector. If you continue to defend him instead of standing with me, I’ll dump your sorry ass!” “Can’t this wait until we get home?” Hector covered his face, wishing that he could just sink into a hole. Joan’s family snickered. “Just separate already. You’re just in your fifties. I’m sure you can find another at your age.” “You should just file for divorce now, Darcy. Otherwise, you’d be widowed instead of divorced.” “He broke Rhys’ legs. Boris, the underground kingpin, will make him pay.” “The
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