The others could not believe their ears. They would think that Kaze had an accomplice if the words did not come from Holfman himself. Without another word, Holfman got up and grabbed the remaining poison that Kaze made for June. “No, Dr. Wright!” As Holfman brought the jar to his mouth, the crowd shouted to stop him. The Otters panicked. June’s horrific reaction to the poison was still vivid in everybody’s minds. The Otters would be held responsible if anything were to happen to Holfman. Disregarding the public’s concern, Holfman gulped down the poison. Soon, Holfman grimaced in pain. As fear gripped the crowd, Holfman approached Kaze and drank a little of June’s leftover poison. It did not take long for everybody to realize that Holfman’s complexion was restored to its pink. Holfman was as good as new. “W-What’s going on?” The crowd was in a daze. Holfman took Kaze’s poison, consumed June’s poison, and miraculously got better. Faced with disbelieving look
“I admit defeat!” Despite her reluctance, June bit the bullet and spat out the words that she never wanted to. There was no point in denying it. Even Holfman acknowledged her defeat. She would only be lying to herself to carry on with the match. Kaze pointed at June’s poison. “She can drink this to remove the toxin.” Holfman nodded and fed the last bit of poison to June. “Argh!” June felt the churning in her gut spreading up to her esophagus. After throwing up a large amount of black, foul-smelling liquid, June’s complexion improved right away. It did not take long for June to recover. She did not show any signs of poisoning. However, she was covered in a murky, sticky substance, leaving her smelling bad. For a young woman in her twenties, June could not stand her present hygiene. “I-I need the bathroom!” June covered her face and ran off. “Don’t forget that I own your ass.” Kaze’s teasing tone in the back made June want to find a hole to die in. Holfm
Holfman knew of Sam, seeing that the latter had quite the reputation. Despite their different fields of expertise, Sam and Holfman were renowned figures in medicine. Holfman knew who Sam was.“That’s right. It’s Professor Whiteman.” Kaze pointed at Hector. “Professor Whiteman was the surgeon for my father-in-law’s leg surgery.” Holfman glanced at Hector’s leg and got the message. “You are close with Professor Whiteman.” The answer came to Holfman. Still, Holfman was a little puzzled. He had no idea that Sam was proficient in toxins too. On second thought, Sam could have sought help from a poison expert to teach Kaze. It was impolite to pry into Kaze’s privacy more than he already did. Kaze nodded without a smile. He brought Sam up because no one would believe what he had gone through. Plus, Kaze did not want to give the Otters a reason to ride on his coattails. Caster’s change of attitude did not slip Kaze’s eyes. Kaze could read Caster’s mind. Sam would no
In Holfman’s eyes, the Otters were not as important as Kaze. The Otters were resentful and envious. Even Caster was jealous. Just moments ago, Caster was grateful to Holfman. Now, the gratitude turned into resentment. “Thank you, Dr. Wright.” Kaze put away the pills and said, “Still, I need to tell you that you have no means to treat Faith.” Holfman let out a wry smile before nodding solemnly. “Thank you for the heads-up, Kaze, but I need to try. A doctor’s duty is to treat patients. I should at least give it a go and leave no regrets.” “That’s your choice.” Kaze remained indifferent. Once Holfman was gone, Kaze and Darcy’s family were asked to stay for the family banquet. Darcy’s family were seated at the back at first. The Otters’ plan was to show Darcy’s family who was boss. No one expected Kaze to humiliate them instead. Darcy’s family did not mind the seating arrangement anyway. They were about to take a seat when Caster approached with a straight face. H
Alex scoffed. “We have the power to open medical centers everywhere. We also have friends in the government body, so setting up a clinic is an easy feat.“It so happens that the person-in-charge of one clinic will be stepping down for their personal reason. If you’re interested, I can leave the clinic in your hands. “How about it?” Darcy frowned and said, “Thank you, Uncle Alex. My family will need some time to think it over since it’s been years since Mom left the hospital. She might not be ready to return to work.” She believed the Otters would not give a clinic to them for no reason. The Otters must have something they wanted. There was no need to rush into things. “That’s right. We’ll have a think about it.” Hector nodded in agreement with his daughter. There was no such thing as a free lunch. Hector understood that there was a hidden price in everything. “What’s there to think about? I’ve been wanting to open a clinic in Lilyrose. I just hadn’t had a chance.”
Alex paused before revealing more. “Besides, Darcy runs a big business. Shouldn’t she split some of the profits with us since she’s part of the family too? “Some of their assets should belong to us too.” Alex spoke grimly. It was clear that he had his eyes on Darcy’s business. Caster and the others pondered for a moment before finding that Alex had a point. “You’re right, Alex. We need to look at the bigger picture.“Free up the clinic for the Quints to take over.” Caster gave the final word on the matter. … Meanwhile, Kaze and Darcy’s family left the Otters’ residence. “I heard from Agatha that you’ve been staying in some villa on a hilltop since you came here. Apparently, it’s on the high end?” After going separate ways with Rose’s family, Agnes turned to stare at Kaze. Surprised, Kaze blurted, “Yeah. What about it?” “What about it? We can go back there now.” Agnes scoffed and lifted her chin. “Don’t just stand there. Go and bring the car around.“We can c
Darcy’s family got into the car and headed straight for Wyomspring. Half an hour later, they arrived at Villa No. 1. “Tsk, tsk. Agatha was right that this is the fanciest neighborhood in Riverbank. The place looks grander than Horizon Mirror Mansion.” They were still in the car when Agnes’ eyes lit up at the sight of Villa No. 1. “If I find anything suspicious going on in the villa, you’re done, Kaze!” Agnes glared at Kaze and jumped out of the car. She raced into the villa ahead of Kaze. With a clear conscience, Kaze had no fear. He walked slowly with Hector, who was still recuperating from surgery.“Huh? Why is it empty?” Soon, Agnes checked the top and bottom floors and found nothing. The villa was empty. Kaze furrowed his brows. When he left this morning, Buffy was still asleep, and Juan was making breakfast. They were both gone. Nevertheless, something had not happened to them since the villa looked neat and tidy. Juan and Buffy must have left on their ow
Darcy pulled a long face. “I told you a long time ago that I wasn’t interested in Kiev, Mom. Can you stop giving him false hope?”“I’m not giving him false hope.” Agnes rolled her eyes. “I’m not expecting you to do anything. You’re the head of the Ridgesouth Quints now. Kiev doesn’t deserve you. You deserve better. “But Kiev only has eyes for you.“He can be a friend to you. A friend can help with some problems.” Even Sky could not take it anymore. “Mom, where did you pick up these lines from? What kind of playbook are they from?” “What playbook?” Agnes smacked Sky. “Hurry up and pick a room. You should find yourself a wife instead of taking space in the villa.” Since Darcy’s family insisted on moving in, Kaze let them be. However, Kaze needed to sort the issue with Leron out as soon as possible. “Why aren’t you keeping yourself busy, Kaze? Do you honestly think you come from a rich family?” While Kaze was lost in his thoughts, Agnes approached with a grimace. “Go
Jiro pointed at the corner, indicating that the men could kneel there. His men behind him laughed in agreement. They then started to scrutinize the women as if they were picking one for themselves. The way they browsed through the women as if they were products left the women feeling sick and disgusted. Cyan’s face paled. She tried to shake off Jiro’s hand but could not even break free. She turned to Draig with eyes begging for help. “Let go of her!” Draig stepped up and stared down at Jiro. Jiro glanced at Draig and then raised his brows. He curled his lips up and said, “Hmph. And here I thought I found someone that I like.” “I said, let go of her!” Draig said, stepping closer to Jiro. Jiro tightened his clutch over Cyan’s jaw, making her tear up. He chuckled and said, “Beat me and I’ll let her go.” “You bastard!” Draig cursed. Cyan did everything she could to set him up with Snow, but he had to return the favor. Even though Draig feared Jiro, he steeled himsel
Everyone on the couch gasped in shock. A moment ago, the influencers, who were giggling and chuckling, waiting for Wesley to show off his strength, instinctively shrank in fear. “How dare you beat Wesley! You guys are asking for it!” Wesley’s followers failed to realize the severity of the situation. They bolted up, grabbed the nearest beer bottles, and jumped at the enemies. Jiro raised his hand to signal his men, indicating he would handle this challenge himself. Then, he stepped forward. Punches and kicks were dished out in a flurry. In less than thirty seconds, Wesley’s men were all beaten up to the ground, twirling around in painful groans. Like Wesley, they, too, suffered broken arms and legs. Everyone thought Wesley would be able to teach the Ryokanians another lesson they could not forget but it turned out the other way around. Other than Kaze and a few more, most of them on the couch were horrified. Cyan instinctively glanced at Kaze. She started to regret
Kaze frowned. He tapped on Snow’s shoulder, gesturing to her to sit down as they could no longer walk away. Since they were not part of this, Kaze wanted to leave the matter to Wesley and let them deal with it. The men were not towering but all of them were buff and bulky. Their muscles were obvious even through their uniforms. Their necks had the same tattoo of a sword, amplifying their ferocity. One of the men's heads was bleeding. He was the Ryokanian whom Wesley had hit with a bottle of beer. Wesley wiped the beer and snacks off himself and then shouted at the men, “Who the fuck are you pieces of shit? Do you know who the hell am I? How dare you hit my friend with the bottle?!” The leader of the Ryokanians was a young man in a black karate uniform. He was around 180 cm tall, which was considered tall among Ryokanians. He had a buzz cut that amplified his stern and stoic expression; his presence felt sharp and strong. He had a glass of whiskey in his hand as he loo
Kaze turned a blind eye to those who looked down on him. He smiled it off and said, “I don’t care whatever you guys want to say. I know if I am a coward or not. I am just giving you a friendly reminder. “Or else, when shit hits the fan, I don’t think everyone can be safe. Whether you want to take my advice or not, it’s up to you. As for Cyan…” He looked at Cyan with a serious look and continued, “If you don’t want this gathering to be ruined, you can consider what I just said.” Although he knew Cyan disliked him and would never take his words seriously, for the sake of Lock, he gave a piece of advice and did what he could. “Hmph!” Cyan scoffed. She remained seated with the glass of wine in her hand, looking at Kaze condescendingly. With a disappointed look, she said, “Don’t even talk to me. Since when were we that close? Wesley said what needed to be said. You are afraid of the Ryokanians, so be it. Don’t drag us down with you. You really think everyone is as cowardly as yo
No one knew what Wesley had gone through. Even Kaze felt that the useless coward was surprisingly brave. Therefore, he spoke up to give a piece of friendly advice, “Wesley, the Ryokanian wore the uniform of the Refined Blade and there’s an apprentice badge on him. I think he has some background. “If everyone wants to have a fun and peaceful night, you should consider changing the venue, or else trouble will come knocking.” Kaze thrashed Bronze Sparrow himself, so he knew the Ryokanians’ status in the establishment. When Zoro was still in charge of the place, the Ryokanians were basically the kings. Other than teasing the ladies, they could bring back whoever they were fond of and Bronze Sparrow could not do anything about it. After Miru took over, the Ryokanians no longer possessed the privilege. However, since Miru wanted to expand her business in Riverbank, she did not make enemies with the Ryokanians, so they were still welcome in the establishment. As long as they
Kaze’s words changed the expression of everyone around him. The influencers were left speechless. Kaze practically called them gold diggers! Yet he himself was a live-in husband and son-in-law! He had no right to call them gold diggers! Draig’s expression darkened. He did not expect Kaze to lecture him in front of the women. More importantly, Kaze sounded right and reasonable, leaving him with no words to argue back. No women at the scene would argue against Kaze’s words, or else they would practically admit that they were gold diggers. What was more unacceptable were the words that came from Kaze’s mouth, someone Draig looked down upon. If they were from someone with a similar status, he would still accept it. Yet Kaze was just a live-in useless piece of trash that all men despised! He was not even worthy to be a slave, let alone lecturing Draig in public! Draig felt insulted. “That’s enough, Kaze!” Right before Draig could lash out at Kaze, Cyan stepped up a
Yet Kaze simply sat down without having any knowledge of his status and position. More importantly, everyone else realized something was wrong. Cyan and the others stared at him coldly, silently wishing he would be self-aware enough to move away. Kaze, however, sat like a rock and ignored the gazes on him. He even picked up a piece of melon and started eating. Draig’s expression darkened. Wesley noticed the change of expression on Draig’s face and he, too, was agitated. Even he dared not have ill thoughts about Snow, a woman with exquisite beauty, yet Kaze, a live-in husband, showed no boundaries. “Slam!” Wesley slammed the table and bolted up. He pointed at Kaze and bellowed coldly, “Kaze Lee, Draig allowed you to stay but can’t you read the room? “This isn’t a place for you! You are just a bodyguard! Don’t you know Draig is into Snow? They are the main highlights for tonight! A piece of useless pie like you should get the hell away! Get it?!” The influencers who wer
Kaze wondered if his generous cash handouts had backfired on Cyan. Maybe he should take back his donations and retract the sources allocated to her by Golden Scale Corporation. Everybody took their seats. An awkward moment followed. Somehow or rather, there were no seats left when it was Kaze’s turn to sit down. “Ha. Mr. Lee of Golden Scale Corporation.” Wesley looked at Kaze with a smirk and said sarcastically, “I’m sorry. I might have forgotten that you were attending when I reserved the booths.“But you’re just a sales manager. You are not qualified to sit with us.“Look around. They are all senior members of Golden Scale Corporation. They are your boss’ boss’ boss. “You might want to find somewhere else to sit.“If you’re short of money, just put it on my tab. “It’s my treat tonight! “Consider it a celebration of my release. I’m disappointed that you reported me to the police, though.” Wesley gestured gracefully for Kaze to leave. Draig let out an amused gr
Cyan frowned. “You’ve not been out for long, Wesley. It’s better not to start anything, especially with Ryokanians.” Wesley was no longer on par with her anyway, so there was nothing romantic going on between them. Nevertheless, Cyan would consider being friends with Wesley. Upon learning that she wanted to have a party at Bronze Sparrow, Wesley volunteered to reserve her seats. “Tsk. Ryokanians don’t mean squat. My cousin, Buffy, is now the chairwoman of Gwake Corporation. She asked for my release, and I was let out with no questions asked. One Ryokanian doesn’t scare me.” Wesley pouted in disdain. He saw Kaze behind the crowd and grimaced. “Get out of the way!” Wesley yelled at the people in front and made a beeline toward Kaze. He said curly, “Oh, if it isn’t the moocher? I didn’t expect to see you here.“Tell me. Who did you have to suck up to get in? “I doubt you can get into this exclusive place on your own. “I hate to say this, Cyan. “But why did you bring