“Smack!”Just as the officer finished speaking, a sharp slap landed across his face.The female officer withdrew her hand and yelled, “Are you blind? Do you think you can just ignore my orders?“When I say make an arrest, you make an arrest. If you want to disobey me, head back to the station!”Taken aback by the slap, the officer was caught between shock and anger. However, he did not dare to respond.Seeing this, the other two officers quickly fell silent and prepared to cuff Kaze.“Hold on!”Hannah suddenly stepped forward, her voice sharp. “Mr. Lee is a part of the Viper’s Den. You have no right to arrest him!”She was well aware of Kaze’s identity. Kaze was the leader of the Viper’s Den’s Western Division. At his level, only top authorities in the Viper’s Den had the jurisdiction to take action against him. The local police have no authority to arrest him.“He’s a member of the Viper’s Den?”The hooked-nose officer, who had been silently observing, sneered. “Isn’t this g
Kaze spoke calmly, “There are two of you and only one of me. Why don’t you guys get out first?“Are you guys going to shoot me in the back once I get out?“And then accuse me of trying to escape to cover it up? That would be an awfully unjust way to go, don’t you think?“So, maybe you should just take me to a proper police station instead.”Kaze’s words left the hooked-nose officer and the female officer in the driver’s seat visibly startled and uneasy. They exchanged glances, and their expressions turned cold and sharp.The female officer shoved him and retorted, “You think we’re in some kind of action movie where we just shoot you down?“Accusing us like that is only going to add to your troubles! It won’t do you any good!“Stop stalling and get out!“Or things will get a lot less friendly for you!”The female officer’s face darkened. She looked like she was ready to act if Kaze dared say another word.Kaze calmly countered. “Just because you call yourselves officers, it do
The hooked-nose man suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and pain. Tears and snot streamed down his face as he instinctively covered his nose with his hand.Just as he threw the ashtray, Kaze lunged toward the driver’s seat and grabbed the woman’s wrist, where she held her gun.With a swift twist, she heard a loud crack as he broke her wrist.“Argh! I’m going to kill you…”The woman screamed in a frenzy. Amid her frantic cries, Kaze, already unbuckled from his seatbelt, leaned back and kicked her out of the car.Moments later, he tossed the incapacitated man and woman into the back seat.“Ted hired you guys to deal with me, right? Where is he?”Kaze toyed with a gun in his hand while he dismantled another into a pile of parts inside the vehicle.“Spit!”The woman spat out a mouthful of blood, refusing to respond.The hooked-nose man, his eyes bloodshot, gritted his teeth and said, “Kill us if you have the guts! Otherwise, don’t even dream of getting any information from us!”Ka
A minute later, Kaze stepped out of the car. He carefully wiped a small splash of blood from his hand with a tissue. He then looked toward the brightly lit villa ahead.According to Hannah’s intel, Sasha, Nadia, and Ted were all inside.This was why he had not fired any shots earlier.He needed to avoid alerting anyone in the villa.Without a second thought, Kaze walked straight toward the entrance.Inside the villa, the spacious living room glowed under dim lights, casting an eerie atmosphere.A tall, handsome young man sat with one leg crossed on the couch with a lit cigar in hand.This was Ted from the Lee family.Ted was the son of the Lees’ third master, Garrett. Their family had spent years abroad and only returned to Arcadia a year ago.Hence, Kaze did not know Ted.However, much like his cousins, Narian and Cosmo, Ted was a classic playboy through and through.Growing up abroad made him even wilder than his cousins in his antics.He now eyed the unconscious girl lyi
“Mr. Lee, you don’t have to apologize. After all, you’re her boyfriend. I shouldn’t have talked to you…”Like a startled deer, Sasha flinched slightly and shifted away.Seeing her so visibly afraid made Ted feel a bit displeased. Feigning irritation, he said, “We’re in a relationship. That’s all. What's wrong with me talking to you?“She’s way too possessive. That’s something bad about her.“I’ve already told her off. Sasha, please don’t let it bother you.”To Ted, his so-called girlfriend, Nadia, was just a passing amusement.To him, women were like clothes. He could easily have another one whenever he felt like it.He had never taken Nadia seriously.“Don’t be afraid, Sasha. I've already dealt with those kidnappers. You can stay here for now. I’ll send you back to the hospital later…” As he spoke, he edged closer to her on the couch. He reached out his hand, aiming to caress her smooth, porcelain cheek.There was an innocent purity about Sasha that stirred a desire he coul
“The second option, I hear that the brat who dared lay his hand on my girlfriend is some kind of ‘big brother’ to you?“Once he’s here, tell him to kneel before me and apologize.”Of course, Ted had no idea that Kaze was the very same outcast from his own family. He had not even bothered to look up his identity.Just hearing his name from Nadia was enough to set him off. He sent Steelclaw Guild after him right away.As a member of the powerful Lee family, he ruled over Riverbank City without caring about anyone’s background.“Kaze’s coming?!”Sasha’s eyes widened in shock and alarm.“I already called in some favors with the police to bring him in.” Ted smirked. “Though Nadia’s a gold digger, a drama queen, and a complete pain, she’s still my girlfriend. Well, at least until I say otherwise.“Anyone who touches my woman disrespects me and deserves to pay the price. “She told me he nearly smashed her face in. Well, breaking a few of his limbs would be a light punishment. Ki
“You little wretch, who do you think you are?!”Ted stopped, gasping for breath as he glared at Sasha with bloodshot eyes. “I'll give you one last chance!"Serve me well tonight, and I might forgive your rudeness. Otherwise, I'll lock you in this villa. You'll never get to see the outside again. Who's going to come looking for a nobody like you anyway?“And as for that so-called ‘brother’ of yours, I’ll break his limbs right in front of you.“Now, get into that room and strip!”As he spoke, he retrieved a box of blue pills, popped one into his mouth, and swallowed. It would take a moment for the pills to kick in. Hence, he prepared himself in advance.“No… Please don’t do this, Mr. Lee…”Although she did not know exactly what he had just taken, dread filled her as the implications settled in.“Hmph, I tried to be nice before, but you didn’t appreciate it.“Now it’s too late!”Dropping his pretense entirely, he motioned to his guard. “Go find out why Steelclaw Guild hasn’t b
“Well, interpret it however you like.”Kaze would not give anyone leverage. He smiled knowingly and continued, “However, if someone kidnapped Sasha and she ended up at your place, can I take that to mean you sent the kidnappers? Are you the mastermind behind the kidnapping?“In that case, wouldn’t it be quite reasonable for me to kill you right now?” As he spoke, Kaze took a step forward.Ted’s face shifted dramatically. He quickly retreated. “What are you trying to do?! Do you know who I am?!”Just then, the sound of a car engine roared from outside.“This is my boyfriend's villa. We occasionally come here to stay. Come on! I heard he’s captured that bastard, Kaze. This time, we’ll smash that bastard’s face to pieces!” Soon, Nadia and her friends burst into the living room, full of energy.However, as they entered, they saw Ted's bodyguard sprawled on the floor, covered in glass shards and unconscious. Upon seeing that, they stopped in their tracks.“W-What’s going on?!”
Darcy frowned and said, “Grandaunt, we don’t need to be afraid of Aiden Krad’s dirty tricks. As a matter of fact, I dealt with the banks and their repayments last night. “Sky Ocean Corporation is fully prepared for the upcoming auction. All our funds are being diverted and we will receive them today…” “Shut up!” Phoenix shouted to cut Darcy off. Her eyes were sharp and fierce as she said, “You are more ignorant than I thought. The bank repayments are nothing! “I heard that the auction committee raised the deposit to ten billion. You can’t even afford to qualify for that, yet you dream of opposing the Krad family? You are delusional! “I don’t want to repeat myself. Call Aiden Krad right now and drop out of the auction!” The deposit alone was ten billion?!” Agnes and Hector, who were hiding behind the crowd, were shocked by the astronomical amount. “Darcy, what are you doing standing there? Make the call!” Noticing Darcy’s silence, Agnes finally lost her patience and de
“Hmph! You’re trying to hide it? How long do you think you can keep this up?” Joan crossed her arms and scoffed. “Everyone in Riverbank knows that you’ve offended the Krads and are being sanctioned right now. “The bank cut off your loans and the suppliers refused to work with you. Sky Ocean Corporation is in a huge financial crisis and might be facing bankruptcy!” Darcy frowned. “Joan, Sky Ocean Corporation’s financial status is none of your business.” “Yeah, but it’s Madam Quint’s business!” Joan scoffed. “Darcy, don’t you forget that you are the branch head of the Quints and your duty is to make money for the family. “Madam Quint came all the way here to Riverbank from Ridgesouth because she is representing the family to inspect your work! Yet look what you've done! Why don’t you look in the mirror and see who you are? How dare you offend Aiden Krad and oppose the Krads? You’re ignorant! “One word from them and Sky Ocean Corporation is facing bankruptcy! Don’t forget th
“Thank you, Ms. Quint!” Tess and the others were overjoyed. Darcy was the main reason why they did not resign or lash out at the old lady when they were slapped. Darcy treated the employees like family and even after Aiden’s intentional sabotage, only a few resigned from the company. “Where are they?” Darcy asked Pamela. “The main meeting room.” Darcy nodded and went straight to the meeting room. Kaze, on the other hand, pondered. He glanced at Tess and the others who went behind the counter to retrieve their phones and then said to Darcy, “You go ahead, I’ll be right there.” Darcy hummed a reply and went off with Pamela. When they arrived at the entrance, they saw Phoenix and the others from the Quints, sitting around the table like they owned the place. The executives of Sky Ocean Corporation were serving water to them like they were waiters. The other branch heads of the family ordered the executives around, giving them a hard time. “A small company with no man
“Aiden Krad? Why is a man like you threatening a woman? You call that capable?” Kaze took the phone and said, “Tomorrow at the auction, I will make you kneel and beg in front of me.” “Kaze Lee?” Aiden was taken aback for a moment before he realized he was speaking to Kaze. “How dare you speak to me like that? You must have a death wish.” “Fuck off.” Kaze hung up the phone immediately. “Don’t worry about that.” As he handed the phone to Darcy, he tapped her shoulder and said, “Tomorrow, Aiden Krad won’t even have the tears to shed.” Darcy might or might not have listened to Kaze. Her brows remained furrowed along the way back. She got a few calls during the journey but she did not answer them all. Kaze’s phone rang a few times as well. One was from Agnes, but since he did not know what his mother-in-law was up to, he refused to answer. When they almost reached Sky Ocean Corporation, Darcy slowly regained her composure and senses. “Ring!” Darcy’s phone rang
Aiden’s words carried obvious threats. His tone sounded like a bloodthirsty monster warning its prey. The arrogance and confidence that originated from his family were on full display during the conversation. It was as though Darcy must step away and let him take the land or else it would defy the laws of nature. “I don’t fucking care if your family is pissed.” Darcy spat out a rare vulgar word, showing neither respect nor courtesy to the man. “We’ll see what happens at the auction tomorrow.” “Ms. Quint, it seems like you are determined to oppose me and the Krads.” Aiden’s voice turned cold as he added, “If you continue down this path, you will only be my enemy. What I have done until now is nothing but child’s play. If you really become an enemy of my family, then…” A quick pause later, his voice turned sinister, and said, “Believe me, you will regret it.” “You’re threatening me?” Darcy scoffed in disdain. Aiden explained, “I am merely stating a fact. I know you are
“It’s like a fish in water, a tiger in the woods. To the Steelclaw Guild, at least in Riverbank, no one can stop them if they want to leave.” Kaze nodded, agreeing to Leron’s explanation. He quickly put the thought of pursuit aside. The Steelclaw Guild had been around for many years and its existence and strong influence became answers to many questions. “Let’s go back to Riverbank,” Kaze said to Darcy. Darcy looked hesitant. She carefully looked around and asked, “We’re just going back like that? Should we call the bodyguards or something?” She was terrified about what just happened and she still had not completely calmed down. She became aware of her surroundings and cautious of the people who appeared before her, assuming that they were people with malicious intentions. Kaze knew that she was under high pressure and anxiety for the past two days, especially after what happened. Siberian’s assassination attempt only made her condition worse. It all started with Aiden’
Leron said, “The Eight Tigers named themselves that just to look good. As a matter of fact, the four who died a while ago were just recruited to fill in the numbers. “As for the top four tigers such as Siberian, each of them has their own characteristics and traits. Siberian is responsible for the assassination and is one of the strongest and fastest members of the organization. “I believed Mr. Lee just experienced it first-hand.” Kaze narrowed his eyes. “So Siberian is after me?” He then pulled his phone out to dial a number. “Kaze, my brother, what can I do for you?” A while later, South’s voice came from the phone. Rumors about Casius dying at Kaze’s hands had been circulating around these days, but most of the common citizens did not believe it. No one believed a useless live-in husband could do something that atrocious. However, South believed otherwise because he saw what Kaze could do with his own eyes. It explained why he kept his arrogance and confidence of
It was the familiar sound of a handgun equipped with a silencer. Kaze breathed a sigh of relief. Leron had arrived! He had been tailing them, secretly protecting them from the shadows. Right after the first shot, two more shots sounded. It was Leron’s signature triangle shot, used to block a target from escaping. The old killer initially charged at Kaze from the left but he quickly did a side flip, twisting his body in a freaky manner, and escaped from the trajectory of the triangle shot. All three shots missed—two shots hit the wall, and one hit the ground. The impact chipped off a small part of the wall and ground, leaving behind deep holes. “Huh? Interesting.” Even Kaze was surprised by the old killer’s response. The killer was not just good at assassination, but his body was also agile and extraordinarily nimble. Leron had been following Kaze for a while now and participated in multiple fights. Other than Kaze himself, he had never seen anyone who could do
“Whoosh!” The swift swing of the dagger left a huge cut on Kaze’s shirt at the abdomen. The old man had switched his stance to kneeling on one knee. The pain in his eyes had been replaced by frosty murderous intent, with a hint of shock and resentment as if he did not expect Kaze to dodge the lethal blow. “Old man, you’re a wicked one.” Kaze was also shocked. He looked down at his collar T-shirt and the wide opening at his stomach. The chilling wind on his skin sent chills down his spine. A split second later he would be gutted on the spot. “Swoosh!” After missing the ambush, the old man jumped like a nimble fox for a follow-up attack. This time, he switched his target from Kaze to Darcy. The dagger in his hand glared coldly as it thrusted toward Kaze’s chest. He was shocked that Kaze was able to dodge his lethal blow. He also realized Kaze was a tough opponent, so he switched to an easier one—Darcy. He acted like a gambler who had lost everything. With nothing