“But this time around, it will be longer than two hours. Fifteen days, not a second less,” Kaze said indifferently, showing no respect for Miya and her men. “Tsk. You?” Miya’s men looked battered but they looked at Kaze like he was an idiot, scoffing. Had Kaze lost his mind or his vision? Miya came back with a temper and it was obvious that she gained powerful support this time. Was it not obvious enough? “Kaze Lee, stop talking nonsense.” Miya stepped forward and pointed at Kaze, her shiny black nails gleaming. “I’m telling you, you’re dead this time! You should be worrying about yourself instead of trying to get me locked up. Why don’t you ask the police chief here to lock me up again, see if he dares? “I can tell you that the moment you tore Mr. Yaphet’s letter in front of everyone, you were already dead. In fact, not only you, your family, your friends, people related to you—all of them would die horribly!” Miya gritted her teeth as she glared at Kaze, a hint of
“You know the Tiger’s Cave? One of the four agencies that served the country with special authority, specializing in heavy crimes and prison…“Director Weather isn’t just the person in charge of the Tiger’s Cave in Riverbank, she’s also from the Weather family! The same Weather family Casius belonged to, and he’s one of the Riverbank Seven you offended!” After a brief introduction of Genesis, Miya scoffed, “Kaze Lee, I brought Director Weather here to uphold justice. I’d like to see if the Riverbank Police Department will side with a criminal and lock me up or not.” She also shot a disdainful gaze at Welson. She assumed Welson wanted to gain a good impression from Cole, so he helped Kaze lock her up. Now, she was no longer afraid with powerful support on her side. Welson might be the police chief but Genesis was the director of Tiger’s Cave Riverbank Office, with her authority equaled to a director of the police station. If the police could intervene, so could she. If it
“Mrs. Heartano, I called the police on you because it was the right thing to do. It was also in line with the official procedure, or else you won’t be released after two hours. “Believe me, if I really want to use my connections to crush you, you wouldn’t even make it out alive, yet you were released and here you are, talking nonsense.” Miya and her men reacted with disdain and disbelief. “Enough with your nonsense, Kaze Lee.” Genesis refused to waste time listening to Kaze. She interrupted him, stepped up, and peered down at him, saying, “Hunter is an old friend and so is Miya. If you disrespect Hunter, and bully Miya, then you will be going up against me. “More importantly, the dust explosion last night happened at a mansion near the suburbs, and my cousin lost a dozen of his men. “Based on all the evidence we have, it shows that you are the mastermind. You did it because you snatched Casius’ fiance, Buffy, and he found out about it, so you wanted to silence him. “Don’t
The men and women looked up to Genesis as their leader. One word from her and they would attack Kaze without the slightest hesitation. Inside the spacious office, Kaze was the only one not affected by the agents of Tiger’s Cave. He said indifferently, “Genesis, right? Based on how you conduct things, if I didn’t know better, I would think you were some street thug. “You really think just because you are with the Tiger’s Cave, that allows you to do anything you want in Riverbank?” “Is it not enough?” Genesis smirked. “What’s the matter? Are you questioning my authority? You think this is a bluff? “I guess it’s understandable. I heard you were quite close with Hannah Delmore of the Viper’s Den and she regarded you highly. Why don’t you call her and ask her to save you? “The Tiger’s Cave is responsible for solving heavy crimes and arresting you is actually within my jurisdiction. In fact, Hannah won’t be able to do anything, even if you got someone who has a higher rank than
Miya had scruples when she brought her men to the Otter family. She called Bob, but he was just a gangster in Golden Ray. She called Alfonso, but his influence started to weaken since he was no longer in power. Today, however, she was no longer restrained or afraid of anyone, because she had Genesis on her side—the director who held the power to decide a person’s life or death. If anyone defied her, she could pull out a gun to end that person’s life. Miya continued to provoke Kaze. She wanted to see if the arrogant Kaze had the nerve to slap her in front of Genesis. Her men smirked and crossed their arms, looking at Kaze scornfully. “Kaze Lee, do it! What’s the matter?” “Mrs. Heartano let you slap her, don’t tell me you don’t have the balls!” “You were arrogant before, right? How can you be a coward now?” The men kept provoking Kaze, as if doing so could help them unleash their grievances and vent their emotions.“You really want me to slap you?” Kaze looked at Miy
Miya blacked out and her head fell onto the floor, but her eyes remained wide open, staring at Kaze grudgingly. Genesis was left speechless as well. She had never seen such a shameless and rude person before. “Kaze Lee, I have to give it to your arrogance. You impress me, but I’m also upset that you’ve used your arrogance on me. “You should know that as director of the Tiger’s Cave office here in Riverbank, I can legally take lives. Now that you’ve hurt someone right in front of my eyes, I can take you back to the Tiger’s Cave. “If you resist, don’t blame me for getting rough.” As she spoke, she pulled out her gun from the holster. She had to admit that Kaze was the most persistent opponent she had met to date. She had assumed that a few words and some intimidation would be enough to handle the bumpkin live-in husband, but things turned out completely differently. Kaze was fearless even when facing her, a high-ranking agent of the Tiger’s Cave. No wonder he had the ne
Hamlin found Genesis’ sarcasm masked by flattery funny. He simply said, “Genesis, I am just spewing facts, it has nothing to do with my identity or my position.” “Nothing to do with your identity?” Genesis scoffed, “Do you even believe the words that are coming out of your mouth? If it’s not your identity, do you think I would spare a glance at you now given how poor your family was in the past? “Hamlin, you might have made it now and become Kent Synder’s secretary, and I admit that you have a bright future, but a secretary is as far as you can go. “You think you’re the mayor? No! You are just responsible for writing reports, making tea, and arranging the mayor’s schedule. “Since when interfering with the Tiger’s Cave operation is a part of your responsibility? Besides, does a secretary have enough power to do that?” She looked at Hamlin scornfully, showing no respect to him despite them being distant relatives. Hamlin came from a neglected branch of the Weather family. T
Miya looked nervous. Kent stepping out to defend Kaze caught her off guard as it was beyond her expectations. However, after a glance at Genesis, she quickly calmed down. Kent might be the mayor of Riverbank holding incredible power and authority that allowed him to interfere and speak up on any matter within the city, but the Tiger’s Cave was an independent agency with its own authority. The four major agencies were established many years ago to act as supervisors, overseeing the local authorities and balancing the power within the cabinet or any government entity. In short, Kent had no authority over Genesis and could not do anything about her. What reason could he possibly have to stop Genesis from taking Kaze away? Genesis was clear about that as well. After the initial shock, she quickly regained her composure. “Mr. Mayor, I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately.” She wore a fake smile and continued, “I wonder what you mean by that, Mr. Mayor?” “What do I mean
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