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
“Thank you, Dad.” Kaze was not going to leave his father-in-law hanging. Following his father’s suit, Sky toasted Kaze as well. He was impressed with Kaze. Agnes rolled her eyes at Hector. “He’s going to get a big head if you keep on praising him.” The atmosphere was rather pleasant at the dinner table, except for when Agnes picked on Kaze. However, the lovely mood did not last long. After dinner, Emiko cleared the table and washed the dishes in the kitchen. She had not had a break since rushing from the hotel. A clang in the kitchen ensued soon after. She broke a few plates.“Goddamnit! Can’t you do anything right?” Interrupted from having her after-dinner tea, Agnes scowled. “She’s so clumsy and makes so many mistakes. I only keep her around because she’s honest and hardworking.“I’ve told her off so many times. Here she goes again, breaking more plates. “I’m docking her pay this time.” Agnes hired Emiko from the labor market. Hailing from the countryside, E
Darcy smirked angrily. “If you are the queen of the castle, why didn’t you stand up for Sky when Grandpa hit him?” Taken aback at first, Agnes quickly refuted angrily, “He’s my father and your grandfather. What’s wrong with a little bit of discipline? He can teach you some manners.“If I hit Kaze, are you going to hit me back?” The family was at wit’s end with Agnes’ unreasonable behavior. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Quint. I’m really sorry. I wasn’t paying attention when I got an urgent call.” Emiko ran out of the kitchen, her phone in hand. She was quick to apologize and looked at Agnes anxiously. “Mrs. Quint, things are not looking good for my niece. She hasn’t found a hospital yet. She has no family in Riverbank, or anyone to take care of her. I want to take a day off and find her a doctor. “Rest assured that I’ll be back tomorrow to make you dinner.” Emiko pleaded desperately. “You can forget it!” Agnes said curtly, “Remind me how many times you have taken off since working
Color drained from Emiko’s face, and she apologized, “I’m so—” “Smack!” Agnes cut Emiko off with a slap on the face. “You’re getting back at me, aren’t you?“Get out if you don’t want to work here. Don’t expect to get a penny out of your pay!” Agnes gritted her teeth and yelled, “Poor people are so petty.” “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Quint. I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.” Feeling hurt, Emiko covered her cheeks and apologized profusely. “Quit with the excuses. Get lost!” Agnes raised her hand to slap Emiko again. However, Kaze grabbed Agnes’ hand to stop her. “That’s enough!” Kaze uttered grimly, “What happened to you, Mom? You were so meek around the Otters, but you are so harsh on your family.” Reminded by Agnes’ hounding today, Kaze grew angry. “It’s bad enough that you pick on me. Why are you hitting Emiko? “She’s paid to do a job, not sold to you to be a slave.” Hector pulled a long face. “You have gone too far, Agnes. Don’t take your grievance from the
Soon, Emiko contacted her niece to get an exact location. Kaze called Conan to ask him to pick up the girl and take her to the private hospital where Bass was. The hospital's equipment and facilities were state-of-the-art. However, it was a lot more expensive than the general hospital. Fortunately, Kaze was overseeing the place and Emiko did not need to worry about the cost. It was a token of appreciation for Emiko, who took a slap from Agnes on Kaze’s behalf. Agnes hit someone without a valid reason and as the son-in-law, Kaze refused to just stay down. Even Hector and the others agreed and supported Kaze's kind gesture. Darcy even told him to find her if he had any problems with the medical fee. Of course, they would not let the honest and humble Emiko know about the kind gesture or else she would feel deeply indebted to them. “Thank you, Mr. Lee! Thank you!” Emiko poured a cup of tea for Kaze and thanked him for his kind gesture. “You’re welcome.” Kaze waved in
“Kaze? What are you doing here?” Kaze’s surprise arrival at a mansion in Rivermouth’s residential area excited Buffy. The two days she spent at Kaze’s villa were the most relaxed and comfortable time in her life. She did not need to worry about anything and had an unprecedented sense of security. When she returned to her own place, which was also a huge and expensive mansion, all she felt was loneliness and coldness. She thought she had gotten used to the solitude but just a few hours after she unpacked, she felt scared and wanted to escape. Suddenly, Kaze arrived. The moment she saw Kaze, her heart pounded wildly. “You live alone, right? So I came to check on you. What if Casius is still after you? Don’t forget that we are on the same boat now.” Kaze did not know what Buffy was thinking so he simply walked into the house. “We are merely allies?” Buffy asked instinctively, not knowing what drove her to ask the question. However, the moment the words escaped her mout
The other three experts of the Quints scoffed as they stared at Darcy. Darcy might be more beautiful than them but she would have to lose one of her legs. A beautiful cripple would be an interesting scene for them to enjoy. “What?! One of Darcy’s legs?!” Hector and Agnes were shocked by Dark’s words. Sky stepped up to express his dissatisfaction, saying, “What did Darcy do wrong? Why are you people punishing her? “Even if Darcy did something wrong, breaking one of her legs is too much! Are you people savages? How can you set up such an inhuman punishment in the family—” “Slap!” Before he could finish, Dark darted forward and slapped Sky in the face. “Ignorant boy! Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? Are you deaf? I have already announced Darcy Quint’s punishment! Do you not understand English? “Savage? Who are you calling savage? As the branch head of the Quints, Darcy colluded with outsiders to harm the head of the family. Breaking one of her legs i
The group of five strode into the living room. Looking at Dark, who exuded the same ominous aura as her daughter, Shadow, Agnes, who had been advising Kaze on how to negotiate with Phoenix, shuddered and shrank back in fear. The anger on her face was quickly replaced by a timid and flattering smile. “Madam Dark? What brings you here? Welcome to our humble abode!” Dark served Phoenix, so every member of the Quints in the South River State showed her the same respect as the elder of the family. After showing a flattering smile at Dark, Agnes turned around to her husband with furrowed brows and bellowed, “Hector, what are you doing there? Go prepare tea for our guests! “Madam Dark basically grew up with Madam Quint, they are as close as sisters! If we don’t serve her properly, we might not be able to make a stand in Riverbank anymore!” She then turned back to Dark and said respectfully, “Madam Dark, ladies, this way, please. Have a seat and we’ll prepare the best tea we have
“You’re finally getting brighter,” Hector said with a soft sigh. When Darcy became the branch head of the Quints, Agnes was the happiest because she thought the family had hit the jackpot. She foolishly thought her family’s status would surge, which fueled her arrogance along the way. Now, after what had happened, she finally woke up and saw the truth. “What else do you know other than mocking me in my face?” Agnes glared at her husband. Hector said helplessly, “I just want you to see things clearer and if your demands are too much, Madam Phoenix might not agree to them. She might even forfeit the negotiation. “After all, Sky Ocean Corporation belongs to Darcy and it’s her blood and sweat, not Madam Quint’s. So, even if the company goes bankrupt, she has nothing to lose.” Agnes pondered for a moment and realized her husband’s words made sense. Fear caught up to her immediately. She quickly said, “Kaze, then let’s not make so many demands. Let’s just appoint Darcy as the
Though it was infuriating that Kaze cost Darcy her job at Sky Ocean Corporation, Hector was willing to give Kaze another chance for some reason. He was curious whether Kaze was telling the truth. Hector had been taking the calls since yesterday while keeping Agnes out of the loop. “Kaze was right.” Hector looked at Kaze with a mix of emotions, and there was one thing he did not understand. “I just don’t get how he got Perfect World Group and Mayor Synder to follow through with his instructions.” It was a debt and project worth tens of billions.Even if Kaze had ties to Perfect World Group and Kent, it was a big personal favor to ask. Hector could not figure it out. Agnes’ jaw opened, and she glanced at Kaze before tugging at him. “Have a seat, Kaze. Have you had breakfast? Come. Do you want milk with your cereal?” She was always quick to adapt to the situation. Her attitude toward Kaze took a 180 turn. Agnes was not one to reflect on herself. She did not care what Ka
Phoenix uttered indignantly, “That’s fresh coming from Kent. “Didn’t you tell them that you were there on my behalf?“I’m a senior member of the Ridgesouth Quints. Can’t they just hand the rights to use the land to us?” Dark said resentfully, “According to the Riverbank council, they only answer to Darcy, not the Ridgesouth Quints.” “Oh, brilliant. Just brilliant.” Phoenix smirked furiously. “Kent has no respect for me. The Westeros Synders will pay for this!“What’s the situation like in Lilyrose? What does Perfect World Group have to say about this? Don’t tell me only Darcy can handle the business deals?” Dark grimaced hard. “Ma’am, when I said that I was representing you, I wasn’t even allowed into the premises.” …Humiliated, Phoenix froze. As tension rose, Phoenix jolted to her feet exasperatedly and slammed the table. “That’s pushing it!” With Phoenix seething in rage, some family members had ideas of their own. Phoenix had been acting high and mighty, looki
“The family of ingrates!“They have some nerve to threaten and manipulate me.”Phoenix was livid. She, a senior member of the Ridgesouth Quints, had always been superior and the center of attention. No one would defy her. Phoenix believed Hector’s family would not rebel against her. However, Kaze and Darcy had been nothing but a menace since her arrival in Riverbank. Kaze even put her behind bars for a few hours. Phoenix had never been so humiliated. She had had enough. The other family members in the South River State kept to themselves, not wanting to be at the firing end. Phoenix had dragged two family members out to the corridor to punish them for saying something she did not like. They could still hear the echoes of the slapping sound. Anxiety washed over the ward. Joan and her family were desperate. With Phoenix’s help, Joan finally seized Sky Ocean Corporation for her own, only to be blindsided by Perfect World Group and the Riverbank council. The corpora
Robin fell into contemplation before uttering, “I know what to do. “Bring me Ms. Delmore’s trusty sword.” A member retrieved Hannah’s sword and handed it to her respectfully. “Come on.” Kaze turned on his heel and left River Watcher Inn together with Hannah and Collier. As Kaze disappeared from the building, Robin sighed. “I didn’t expect the Chief to appoint a moocher to be the branch leader.” Robin knew that the revelation of Kaze’s identity would be a total shocker. Kaze took Hannah and Collier to Herbal Spring and wrote them a prescription. Hannah suffered internal injuries from Robin’s attack, and Collier sustained mental trauma from Robin’s music. Though the injuries were not serious, they were not in the best shape. Recovery would take time. Medicine could only do so much. While waiting for the medicine, Collier glanced at his phone and said, “The story is out, Kaze. Siberian attempted to kill Robin, and the Roads died protecting him.“There is nothing abou
Kaze smiled pretentiously. “Are you still trying to recruit me, Chief Hill?”Robin hung his head low in shame and replied, “I wouldn’t dare.” It finally dawned on him why Kaze would not accept his offer. Kaze even kept things hush-hush to spare him the embarrassment. However, Robin mistook Kaze’s intention as arrogance. It was true. Robin was unfit to engage in a fight with Kaze. Kaze was more powerful in strength and rank. “Rise,” Kaze uttered indifferently, not putting the blame on Robin. Robin was taken aback, but he quickly responded, “Thank you for overlooking my mistakes.” He rose to his feet. The members of the execution hall stayed in position, their faces pale. They were scared. Just minutes ago, they taunted and mocked Kaze. They had insulted the branch leader. If only there was a hole in the ground they could sink into. “Slap yourselves ten times before you can get up.” Kaze directed the comment at the execution hall members. He pointed at the
Silence filled the air on the ninth floor of River Watcher Inn. Robin stood frozen, his discolored face carrying a look of shock. The clamoring members of the execution hall looked at Kaze with their jaws dropped too. They did not see how Kaze did it. However, they picked up on the vanishing flicker. Robin’s reaction was all the answer they needed. Kaze delivered a blow when Robin attacked. Kaze clearly deterred Robin from launching another attack. Um… It was impossible. The outcome left emotions running high. While Robin killed Siberian with ease, he was no match for Kaze. Robin looked Kaze dead in the eye, his eyes unreadable. He felt that he was a tiny step away from death when Kaze struck him. It had been many years since Robin was consumed by that feeling. Robin knew from experience what it meant. Kaze could kill him if he wanted to. Robin would end up lifeless just like Siberian. Robin cocked his head back stiffly and glanced at the dagger that sank