Although their men had been watching the villa closely and were certain Kaze had not exited since entering, anyone with half a brain could figure the situation out. Kaze must have left through an underground tunnel.This also explained why they had evacuated the Viper’s Den men ahead of time.It was simply to avoid harming their own people.“Kaze, you’d better not show up in front of me again, or I’ll kill you…”Neely snarled, her voice breaking with rage, as she climbed into the car and sped away.“What a pity that Casius didn’t come in person. Otherwise, even if he didn’t die, he’d be leaving with more than just a few scratches…”Just a few hundred meters away in another villa, Conan lowered his binoculars and spoke to Kaze with a hint of regret.Neely’s hunch was spot-on. Kaze had indeed accessed this villa through an underground tunnel. Originally, this place was a Viper’s Den safehouse, with a tunnel linking the two villas.Standing nearby, Kaze also lowered his binocula
“Whether he trusted you before or not, what about now?“Dozens of his men are dead. Even his closest confidante barely made it out alive. With the explosion causing such a scene, the authorities will demand answers. All this will force Casius to burn through significant resources to keep things under control.“And you’re the reason he’s suffered all these losses, Leron. “What do you think Casius’ attitude toward you will be like after today?”Leron sneered. “Kaze, even if Casius doesn’t trust me anymore, do you really think I’d betray him and side with you?”“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.”Kaze shrugged casually. “Honestly, your only value to me is in answering a few questions I’m interested in. As for you yourself, frankly, I don’t consider you all that important. Even if you wanted to join me, I’d need to think it over.”That was the truth.Leron was undoubtedly a sharpshooter. He was possibly one in ten thousand. If Kaze genuinely needed a marksman, one word
To say that Leron was absolutely loyal to Casius would clearly be a joke.The two had always been in a mutually beneficial relationship. Casius valued Leron's sharpshooting skills and connections in the underground world. Hence, Casius brought Leron under his wing and treated him like a VIP.On the other hand, Leron saw Casius as someone who could protect both him and his family from being arrested by the authorities or hunted by enemies.So, for Leron, betraying Casius was not a matter of loyalty. It was simply that previously, Kaze had not held enough leverage. For Leron, this leverage was not about power or wealth. It was about ensuring the absolute safety of his family.While Casius may have claimed to protect Leron’s family, one could argue that he was merely using them as hostages to exert control over him. Having worked under Casius for so long, Leron was fully aware of the kind of person he was.Casius was stubborn. He was outwardly generous but inwardly suspicious.
Another specialist sighed. “Mr. Gwake, with the current outlook, perhaps you should consider discussing final arrangements with your wife. “One option might be to transfer her to a country where assisted euthanasia is legal. After all, it would be a far less grueling end than remaining in a vegetative state. It might bring peace for you both.”This blunt suggestion drew a collective sigh from the assembled doctors and specialists. As compassionate doctors, all of them wished to help Faith.However, at this point, they could not even determine the cause of Faith's condition. Random treatment was risky. if it worked, all would be well. What if she died? These doctors, each with a reputation to uphold, knew Jude’s status and temper well. None wanted to face his potential wrath if things went wrong.Jude’s brows knitted tightly together. After a long pause, he said gravely, “All of you are top experts in the medical field across Riverbank and the West State. With so many of you
Jude’s gaze grew even darker. After a moment of silence, he spoke, “I’ve heard that Dr. Wright has close connections with Dr. Notthingham and Dr. Hardy. Could you invite both of these esteemed doctors to Riverbank for me? I would be eternally grateful!”He had previously sent people to invite both Leo Notthingham and Xaxier Hardy. However, Leo was notoriously eccentric and reclusive. Besides, the person Jude had initially sent was a disciple of the Viper’s Den. He had relied too much on his status and failed to show the appropriate respect. As a result, Leo kicked him out. Later, Jude sent people to apologize, but Leo refused to even see them, shutting his doors entirely. With such an esteemed doctor, even noble families trod carefully. Jude did not dare use force, so he had left it at that.As for Xavier, he was invited to the Midstate at the time to treat a high-profile figure. Jude also lacked the right connections to arrange an invitation to Xavier.“Doctors are meant to
“Alright.”Holfman and the others cupped their hands respectfully.Jude then called over Serene. “Didn’t Casius mention he sent people to deal with Kaze earlier? Tell him that if captured Kaze, don’t kill him just yet.” Though Jude had no intention of pleading with Kaze, he was more than willing to use force if it meant securing treatment for Faith.However, Serene's expression was uneasy as she reported, “Master Gwake, we just received news. Casius’ assistant, Neely, led a group of dozens to seize Kaze at Jade Lake Mansion. “Turns out, not only had Kaze already left in advance without notice, but he also set a dust explosion trap in the villa.“The moment Neely and her team stepped inside, the place blew up. The explosion killed or injured dozens of them. Even Neely barely made it out alive!”“What?!”Jude’s face twitched in shock, his eyes widening in disbelief. Casius made his move. Surprisingly, he failed.He did not just fail. He failed miserably.Casius had sent doz
The doctor quickly stepped forward to comfort her, his expression anxious, worried that Faith might collapse at any moment.“I’ll speak with her. You all can take a break.” Jude gestured for the others to leave. He stayed behind with Faith. The medical team relaxed slightly. The pressure of treating such a high-profile patient had weighed heavily on them.Once alone, Jude gently took Faith's cold hand. “Faith, I’ve already asked Dr. Wright to contact Dr. Nottingham and Dr. Hardy. “They'll come as soon as they can and treat you.“You have to hang on!”Faith shuddered and weakly whispered, “Jude, don't lie to me. I overheard what you said outside.“We’re not even certain those two famous doctors will agree to help.“And even if they do come, if Dr. Wright couldn’t save me, can they do it?“Jude, I'm terrified. I don’t want to end up as a vegetable. You're the only one who can help me now!”Faith sounded almost like she was pleading. She was no longer carrying the authority
Although Jude had come to value Kaze more, he still despised the young man who had slapped him. He created a rift between him and his daughter. Most importantly, he obstructed his path to power.The idea of begging Kaze was simply impossible.“Faith, don’t worry. Just wait a little longer…”Jude avoided her desperate gaze and said softly, “Dr. Wright has already contacted the two renowned doctors. They'll be here as soon as possible…”“Bang!”Just then, one of his men forced open the ward door and hurriedly entered, looking grim. “Chief, Dr. Wright asked me to inform you that he has contacted the two doctors.“However... Dr. Notthingham is unreachable. It seems he's out traveling again.“And Dr. Hardy has agreed to come. But the earliest he can make it is in three days. He also insists that you prepare one hundred million dollars in advance for his consultation fee…”“Bang!”Jude collapsed onto the floor, his face turning ashen.He could afford one hundred million dollars. An
“You…” The fear of death suppressed and replaced the anger in Phoenix. Her wrinkled face paled, making her look like a living corpse. “Madam!” Two of Phoenix’s followers from Ridgesouth tried to jump on Anzu to rescue their employer. However, Anzu swung her katana in a swift, deadly arc, slitting their throats instantly and splattering blood across the ground. “Kaze Lee, get over here! Or else I will kill this old hag!” Anzu roared, her tone resentful. “She killed them!” “Grandaunt is being taken hostage!” “Call the police!” The morgue fell into chaos following the death of the two followers. All the members of the other family branches screamed in panic. Some scrambled to escape, while others stood still in shock. A few were paralyzed by sheer terror, unable to process what was happening before their eyes. As chaos broke out, Kaze quickly dashed forward to pull the horrified Hector and Agnes away, dragging them back to Darcy and Sky. “Stay here and don’t move.
“Get down and kneel to Joan, or else I will haunt you even after I die!” Kaze twisted his wrist, subtly revealing a thin silver needle in his palm. He then looked at Joan and said, “Fire if you can.” If Joan got so much as close to the trigger, he would use the silver needle to kill her on the spot. His words put disappointment in Darcy’s eyes. Kaze was physically strong but the family was surrounded by guns. Under such intense circumstances, Kaze could really be more tolerant and endure the insult for their sake. Darcy was deeply disappointed in Kaze. Phoenix was so enraged by Kaze’s threats toward Joan that she laughed in exasperation. “Joan, show that you mean business!” “Kaze Lee, you made me do this!” Joan said with a grin. She slowly raised the gun at Kaze. Bang! Suddenly, the door was kicked open from the outside, and a woman in a funeral home uniform with a mask appeared. Strangely, she wielded a Ryokan katana and was searching for someone among the cr
There were police officers outside of the funeral home, and since the hitmen from the Steelclaw Guild would come after Hector and his family, Phoenix did not need to kill them in the open. Though she did not mind scaring them and making them kneel before her, begging for mercy—it would be quite satisfying. Thump! Hector and Agnes knelt immediately. Agnes was shuddering as she said, “Grandaunt, we never meant to disrespect you! It was all Kaze! Him! He was the one who opposed you and challenged your authority! “He was the one who broke your cane and beat up Joan. He was the one who called the stop on the projects! We had nothing to do with it!” She then turned to her son and daughter. “Sky, Darcy, what are you two doing standing? Get down! Madam Dark’s death is already painful enough for Grandaunt. Stop upsetting her!” “Yeah, kneel! Grandaunt is an elder, it’s not embarrassing kneeling to her!” Hector said to his children, the anxiety on his face was obvious too. He did
“The day I arrived, you broke my walking cane of three million dollars and you hurt Joan. You even got her fiance’s family killed. Don’t even get me started about Mayor Synder stopping the company’s project. Now, you are opposing me directly?! “The other branches of the Quint family are doing just fine but why are you and your family such a pain in the ass? Now I realize the reason—it is you! You are the one who caused all this mess! “Hector, your family is useless! That’s why even a live-in son-in-law can misbehave like this! Do you even deserve to carry the Quint’s name?” Phoenix bellowed. Hector lowered his head and dared not argue with Phoenix. Kaze did not care at all. He sternly said, “Phoenix, you know better than anyone why I broke your walking cane, why I hit Joan, and why I ceased the project. “If you want to distort the truth, I won’t bother to explain it either, but all I want to say is don’t overly rely on your position and your seniority. Respect is earned, not
“She was elderly; how could someone beat her up physically? More importantly, aside from breaking Madam Dark’s arm, this particular someone staged a car accident and killed her, leaving her with barely a corpse. “It’s inhumane! It’s outrageous! Is he even human?” Joan cried as she expressed her grievance. Each word she muttered felt heavy like mountains. Following her claims, everyone turned around and looked at Darcy and her family at the back of the line—including Kaze, who was beside them. “Have Hector and his family arrived yet?” Phoenix stomped her walking cane on the floor and bellowed, “Tell them to get over here right now!” Seeing Phoenix as if she was ready to devour someone alive, Hector and Agnes shuddered as they quickly went up. “Grandaunt, we are here. We’ve arrived for some time now.” Agnes quickly shifted the blame to Kaze, saying, “Grandaunt, it was not us who broke Madam Dark’s arm. We did not arrange for the truck to ram into her car either. It was Ka
Besides, several Viper’s Den agents in casual attire had also blended into the scene. Hannah was hurt, or else Kaze would bring her along as well. Although he had already devised a plan with the Steelclaw Guild, he was not sure if the guild would take the act too far and make it real. On top of that, the Steelclaw Guild was a mysterious organization rooted deeply in this city. No one could guarantee if they would not deploy all their hitmen on this mission. It was why Kaze arranged as many men as possible to be on the scene to ensure the safety of Darcy and her family. Under the staff’s guidance, Kaze, Darcy, and the family arrived at the morgue. They saw a crowd inside. All the branch families and their respective heads arrived. Phoenix, leaning on her walking cane, and Joan, seated in her wheelchair, were also there. Madam Dark and her family had served the Quint family for generations and she grew up with Phoenix. She took care of Phoenix, protected her, and they
South said with a sigh, “Kaze, you might not know First Tiger in person but he’s a man with a great mind and tactics. “He said the Steelclaw Guild would remain in the shadows while the Quint family roamed openly. If the Quint family wants revenge against us, then their family members will be our targets. “You, however, are not the same. He can’t see through you and he’s willing to sign a peace treaty with you instead of going to war against you without any solid reason.” Kaze smiled and said, “He’s a wise man indeed. I’m more curious about First Tiger than before. Tell him that I will play along with his plan. I owe him one.” After the call with South, the chief of the South River Police Department, Morgan Bale, called. “Mr. Lee, the servants of Phoenix Quint and the elder of the Quint family from Ridgesouth were killed in a car crash. All six of them died on the spot. I believe you’ve received the news.” As soon as the call got through, Morgan’s serious voice came through.
Agnes bellowed, “So what if Darcy suspects you? You did it, yet you won’t let people talk about you? My daughter is a chairwoman, she’s smart! She’s not like Sky who trusts you unconditionally. She has solid reasons to suspect you!” “I have to take this call.” Kaze did not want to argue with Agnes. The buzzing phone saved him in the nick of time and he went out after seeing South’s name on the screen. As though Agnes clutched on the very evidence that could prove Kaze did it, she jumped excitedly and shouted, “Look! He knew he couldn’t keep it up anymore! He’s going out to talk with the killer! “I’m telling you guys! Don’t trust people like him! He’s mad and he could do anything to you! He’s beyond saving…” While Agnes was being relentless with her groundless accusations, Kaze answered the phone. “Kaze, Phoenix Quint just contacted us and said you and your family would be at the funeral house. She even said if we wanted revenge, we could send people over there now and they
“Other than Kaze, who else has the motive to kill Madam Dark and her daughter? Didn’t you hear him when he shoved them out earlier? He said he would kill them! “I think he was afraid back then, but he didn’t want them coming after him, so he took the chance once they left! “Kaze, you’re horrible! How could you kill them?!” Agnes took a few steps away from Kaze and stared at him. “You’ve gotten bolder than ever. I really don’t know what else you don’t dare to do! Do you know what the consequences of your actions are? You can’t keep it hidden forever! People will eventually find out! “You think you can get away with it? Look again! The crash just happened, and the driver is already under investigation. A gambler in debts took the risk for money and pretended to be DUI. Do you think people are idiots? “Can’t you see it’s obvious? Now you’ve become a prime suspect! You better take responsibility and not get us involved, or I will make you regret it!” She scolded Kaze as her f