The Otters nearly lost it. Kaze was unaware of the impending doom coming his way for calling Hunter out. “Shut up, Kaze!” Even Bella could not take it anymore. She said angrily, “Agnes, keep your son-in-law in line.” “Hear that, bastard? Shut up! Are you oblivious to the trouble you have caused?”Agnes yelled furiously at Kaze. She finally had Bella’s approval to rejoin the family. However, Kaze ruined things for her again. Agnes could imagine how much the Otters hated them. Kaze said indifferently, “Did I commit a crime to tear a piece of paper? Who made the rule up? Mr. Yaphet?” “You got that right, Kaze. Mr. Yaphet’s word is law.” Miya said coldly, “You’ve committed a serious crime by tearing his handwriting, and you deserve the death penalty.” “Oh…” Kaze smiled nonchalantly. “Get him to arrest me then. If he can catch me, he can do whatever he wants.” “Mr. Yaphet doesn’t have to arrest you himself.” Miya sneered. “You’re only cocky because you have ties
“10 million for Alfonso just to show up? That’s some easy money.” Kaze raised his brows. He did not expect Alfonso to make money using his status as ex-branch chief of the Viper’s Den Butterworth Branch. It somehow felt cheap. “You know nothing!” Miya scoffed. “10 million is a discounted price. You really think 10 million is enough to bring him here? Without connections, he won’t even look at you if you give him one hundred million! “Now that you’ve known better, your wife might seem rich but she’s just a nouveau riche. You are nothing to us!” She peered down at Kaze proudly, speaking with superiority. To her, Kaze gained the courage to speak arrogantly and loudly because of his connections with the Viper’s Den. Now that she invited Alfonso, would Kaze’s connections still be useful? In short, she believed Kaze’s days were numbered. “Sir, someone claiming to be Alfonso Longwind from the Viper’s Den Butterworth Branch is outside, requesting a meeting,” said a servant
“Kaze, shut the hell up!” Caster bellowed angrily, “How dare you speak like that in front of Chief Longwind?! Dayton here asks you to kneel and you kneel! What are you doing standing there?” The other family members glared at Kaze as well. “K-Kaze? Kaze Lee?!” Dayton cried in shock, his expression horrified. Even Alfonso’s expression darkened. A bad feeling erupted in his heart. “They are not worthy of that.” Kaze sauntered out from the crowd and then looked at Dayton. “Am I right, Dayton?” Dayton stared at Kaze blankly, and under everyone's disbelieving gazes, he stepped forward and fell to his knees. “What?!” “Chief Longwind’s disciple knelt before Kaze?!” “What is going on?” The entire Otter family was shocked when they saw Dayton kneel before Kaze with a horrified look. Even Darcy and her parents were stunned. Miya was also taken aback by the sudden twist. She could not wrap her head around the situation. “K-Kaze! Y-Yes! I am not worthy to make you kneel
Alfonso chose to remain quiet. Dayton getting slapped was better than he himself getting slapped. Even after Miya questioned him, Alfonso remained unfazed and refused to act. It stunned everyone. Alfonso was the ex-branch chief of the Viper’s Den Butterworth Branch, a prominent figure even in the South River State. Yet someone as powerful as him refused to act when his disciple was being slapped by Kaze. What happened? Was he afraid of Kaze? Impossible! “Since you are so obedient, let’s call it a day for now. Get up.” Kaze finally stopped and took another piece of tissue to wipe his hand. “Thank you, Kaze! Thank you!” Dayton got up from the floor, bowed, and thanked Kaze for his mercy. “Kaze, my master and I had no idea that you were here. We wouldn’t be here otherwise.” Everyone was baffled. Dayton bowed obediently to Kaze as if Kaze was his master instead of Alfonso. Kaze glanced at Alfonso and said with a smile, “10 million just to be here. You really k
Miya’s expression darkened. She bellowed, “You bastard! You called the police? You shameless bastard! You really think you can have me arrested? I can come out whenever I want!” “Tell that to the police,” Kaze said. Soon, the police officers arrived and took Miya and her men away. After going through multiple procedures, she was released because it was merely a financial conflict. Kaze, the self-proclaimed victim, did not suffer any financial losses, so Miya was only detained for two hours before she was released. However, she was a well-known figure online and always appeared on entertainment news with her son. When the paparazzi found out that she was detained for two hours, it sparked a huge discussion online. Countless media outlets swarmed over the topic, making it trending for the day. Due to her detention, be it St. Mary’s or the Geranium Heartanos, their businesses were affected. What happened to Miya caused a chain reaction, eventually snowballing into a huge i
Hunter’s brows furrowed but quickly eased out. “He saw it and then tore it. I think I know why Alfonso is afraid of him.” “Why is that?” Miya asked out of curiosity. Hunter glanced at the woman and said, “When I write the name on the paper, I infuse it with my anger, and usually, any ordinary person will be overwhelmed by its power with just a glance, causing the person to bleed. “Even the powerful ones would suffer internal injuries. “Kaze saw it but did not react to it. It means he’s powerful and it also explains why Alfonso is afraid of him. “Alfonso must have crossed paths with him in the past and know that he was no match.” Miya was shocked by Hunter’s explanation. Alfonso was a well-known expert within the Viper’s Den, yet even he was no match for Kaze. She never thought of it before. Compared to Miya’s astonishment, Hunter was relatively calm. With an interested look, he said, “Interesting. I didn’t expect to meet someone so interesting in Riverbank.” “Mr. Ya
“Mrs. Heartano, I am telling you this because I want you to know that you should not be afraid of people like him just because he has some mysterious support. “You brought the paper to the Otters and it represented me to a certain extent.” Hunter stood with his hands behind his back, slightly bent over to stare at Miya with a frosty look. He was displeased by Miya’s cowardness. “I’m sorry, Mr. Yaphet. I should have done better.” Miya felt guilty and lowered her head lower. “But if Kaze tore the paper in front of a crowd, then he’s disrespecting me.” Hunter sat down on the chair and started to make tea. “I’ve come to Riverbank for just a short while and rarely goes out, unlike the others who lived a high-profile life. “Ever since I took care of the two useless ones in the Riverbank Seven, no one in Riverbank dared to disrespect me. Even if I did not show up in person, my words represented me and people would kneel before it, showing utmost respect! “Who would have th
“That’s why Kaze made friends with Mayor Synder’s secretary, Hamlin, and then broke Cole’s arms. He did all of those to capture the mayor’s attention. “The mayor then supported him, helping him to bridge connections with Hannah Delmore and the others. “Hannah Delmore is up against Jude, and the Gwakes had always been trying to unite with the Weathers through marriage, who are also close with Sanwell Finances. “That is the reason why Kaze was able to be close with the mayor, Hannah Delmore, and the others despite coming to Riverbank for just a short time. “I also heard that Kaze is intimately close with Jude’s daughter, Buffy. Jude has been trying to get Kaze to his side, hoping that he could fight on his behalf. “I have to admit that the little bastard is quite capable. I underestimated him. But like you said, there’s nothing to be afraid about. His foundation here in Riverbank is weak and all he has now can be taken away with ease.” Miya’s analysis sounded flawless and rea
As the air crackled with deadly intent, Draig’s heart pounded with dread. He was horrified that the Viper’s Den members were just as strong, if not stronger than him. Draig had no idea that these members were Viper’s Den South River State Branch’s key players. They were the elites of the elites in the South River State. “Easy there, gentlemen. Mr. Tenby is from abroad. He doesn’t know the rules of Arcadia. Please cut him some slack.” With Draig caught in a spot, Cyan came to the rescue. Since Cyan was nice about it, the leader of the pack scoffed and waved his arm. His companions quickly put away their weapons. “I don’t care where you came from, but you need to keep to the Arcadian rules since you’re here. You don’t get special favors here.” The leader stared at Draig and said icily, “This should not happen again. Now, get lost!” Draig burned with rage. The people, except for Kaze, had been bending over backward for Draig since his arrival in Arcadia. To think he
The Viper’s Den members yelled at Draig while pulling out their weapons. The air was thick with tension. Draig knew that it was not wise of him to fight during Hannah’s celebration. The Viper’s Den members would not stand by and let the commotion stew. Draig was caught between a rock and a hard place. By throwing the punch, he would be at odds with the Viper’s Den, but he could not turn the other cheek on the matter. “Just forget it, Mr. Tenby. Don’t get into it with a dropped loser. You’re only insulting yourself.” Cyan gave Draig an out. Draig retrieved his arm and scoffed. “Consider yourself lucky, Kaze.” A shadow of regret fleeted across Kaze’s eyes. If Draig were to start a fight, Kaze would have reason to finish him off and get rid of the annoyance. It was a shame that the Viper’s Den members stopped anything from happening. Cyan criticized, “Mr. Tenby is only looking out for you, Kaze. Yet, you stomped on his car key. You went too far. Hurry up and apologiz
“Nevermind. Why are we wasting our time with the likes of him? We don’t belong in the same world anyway.” Draig waved his arm. “Come on. Let’s get inside.” Dumping his car on the side of the road, Draig led Cyan and her friends into Bronze Sparrow. “Huh? How did Kaze get in? Can he get in?” one influencer exclaimed. The crowd watched in shock as Kaze stepped through the door. “Branch Leader!” The members of the Viper’s Den South River State Branch perked up when Kaze showed up. They, Hannah’s trusted aides, knew who Kaze was. Kaze acknowledged the greeting. “Is everybody here?” The head of the pack said in respect, “Many guests have arrived. Ms. Delmore and Mr. Ettinger will be here once they are done with work. Should I inform them to keep you company, sir?” “No, I’ll sit and wait.” Kaze waved his arm and made his way inside. “Hold it right there, Kaze!” Cyan’s angry voice came from behind. “Are you aware of the event at Bronze Sparrow? Do you know who the
“Kaze, I heard that your wife dumped your ass. Are you pinching pennies now? “You had a fancy car and a beautiful lady by your side just a couple of days ago, and now, you’re riding a bike.“I guess you want to do more than just a valet service.” Draig pulled out more cash to give to Kaze. “You can get my car washed too.“I’ll give you another twenty bucks. The money should be enough for you to get fried chicken or something for lunch.”“Hahaha!”Cyan and her friends laughed out loud. Twenty bucks for a fried chicken. That kind of life seemed far away for these people. Cyan suddenly scowled. “I’m warning you, Kaze. My family will not take pity on you just because your wife kicked you out.“Don’t try to leech off my family.” Cyan thought Kaze was so alpha at Emerald Bull Palace two days ago. The mayor was Kaze’s backing, and Juan was his apprentice. Yet now, Kaze was divorced and kicked out. It meant one thing. If Kaze was indeed badass, Darcy, who knew and love
Sucking up to Cyan, the influencers offered her words of comfort. Though Cyan did not have an invitation, she was close with Draig. The influencers could attend the event through Draig with Cyan’s help. Despite having other thoughts, the influencers knew better than to put Cyan down. A Mercedes G-wagon pulled up by the road. The car door opened, and Draig jumped out. He took off his sunglasses and said with a smile, “Why aren’t you going in, Cyan?” Cyan replied with a grin, “We don’t have an invite, Mr. Tenby. We’re waiting for you to take us in.“Oh, where’s your invite, Mr. Tenby?” She was confused as Draig did not seem to be holding anything. “An invite? It’s just a party for Hannah. You don’t need an invitation card.” Draig smiled confidently. “My name is basically our pass into the place. You can just say that you’re with me.” “Wow! You’re the man, Mr. Tenby.” “Mr. Tenby is so badass. You are total boyfriend material.” The influencers drooled over Draig, a
The influencers dropped their jaws in shock and looked at Cyan enviously. “Oh, my gawd! Marrying the branch leader is your gateway to super fame.” “Is it true, Cyan? Really?” The influencers hounded Cyan. Cyan rolled her eyes at Sweetpea. “Don’t take it from Sweetpea. “The VIPs from the South River State Branch did make a subtle mention. “I’m not sure whether Sponge is the branch leader since I’ve never met him before. “Just keep this between yourselves. Don’t spread the word. I’d be embarrassed if the whole thing was all a misunderstanding. “The branch leader keeps a low profile, and no one has met him in person before. “I doubt he likes to be put in the spotlight, so I’m playing it discreetly too.” Cyan spoke and acted reservedly. However, her smug look revealed her true thoughts. “Haha. Wouldn’t you meet the branch leader today?” “I see why you are so sure to take us to the celebration. We’d never get into a place like this on our own.” The influencers l
It never occurred to Kaze that Cyan and her influencer friends would attend Hannah’s celebration too. Before Cyan said anything, one influencer put her hand over her lips and said with a smile, “Get with the times, Anna. Cyan’s family isn’t just close with the senior members of the Viper’s Den. She’s going to be part of the organization soon.” “Huh?” Stunned, the other influencers asked, “What’s going on? Just tell us, Sweetpea!” Sweetpea was the influencer who just spilled the beans. She was Cyan’s closest friend and biggest ass-kisser. Taking Cyan by the shoulder, Sweetpea said, “Remember Cyan’s number one fan?” “Yeah!”“Sponge has been a fan of Cyan even before she signed with Golden Scale Corporation. Sponge tipped her tens of millions.”“That was how Cyan caught the eye of Golden Scale Corporation, and she became a hit.” The influencers chattered among themselves, all familiar with Sponge. They came from nothing and clawed their way up online.Their beginnings
The next afternoon, Kaze arrived at the parking lot outside Bronze Sparrow. It was packed with fancy cars. Needless to say, the underground garage must be filled with cars too. Hannah’s celebration was held in Bronze Sparrow. Just a few days ago, Siberian infiltrated Bronze Sparrow and abducted Anzu. The incident caused quite a stir in the upper crust of Riverbank. At the same time, the underground powerhouses were eager to get involved. As Miru, the up-and-coming underworld boss, seemed to be all bark and no bite, they wanted to see what she was made of. Bronze Sparrow, a place where troublemakers once ceased to exist, had to deal with incidents daily. Despite Miru getting tough on these troublemakers, business at Bronze Sparrow took a nosedive anyway. Miru was frustrated with the situation. Siberian had been a threat to the Viper’s Den for many years. It was no surprise that Miru’s crew could not defeat him. This time, Siberian’s death at the hands of the Viper’s
Kaze was taken aback. “How did you know?” “How?” June’s lips curled. “It’s all over town by now. Darcy is the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation. Have you any idea how many eyes are on a rich and beautiful girl like her? “Her divorce has caught the attention of men, and they are going to try their luck with her.” It did not take Kaze much to know that the Quint family members had nothing better to do. Agnes had been hoping to marry her daughter up. However, Darcy had the power, money, and connections to be playing with the big leagues herself. Agnes’ expectations for her future son-in-law would only go higher. Despite her lack of brain cells, Agnes would not do something degrading like circulating the news of her daughter’s divorce. “Hey! Why do you seem indifferent about this?” June elbowed Kaze. “How do you think I should react?” Kaze found June baffling. June looked disappointed. “You don’t seem upset that you were dumped.” “Get a life.” Kaze did not hav