“Ask yourself, do you think you deserve to take that much? “You even go after the employees’ bonuses. It’s not that difficult to know how much you’ve taken with some calculations. “You’re greedy. You're like a vampire, sucking out the blood of the employees and executives. “Frankly speaking, the fact that Gwake Corporation hasn’t been brought down is because the executives were too weak and gullible.” Buffy personally collected the information. She was not going to fight an unprepared battle. She knew Naix represented Faith. Before Buffy took up her position, she had already prepared to suppress Naix or even take him down to establish a strong image within the company. However, if she revealed the evidence that she had gotten right away, the other senior executives would not take her seriously. After Kaze slapped him in the face and seized the initiative, taking control of the situation, things were different. Kaze successfully stirred up the anger and resentment that h
“Mr. Krad, you shouldn’t be that shameless…” Kaze did not even need to speak and the other senior executives started to mock and sneer at Naix. Mock after mock, Naix’s expression grew darker. Everyone at the table knew the circumstances clearly. If they did not band together to overthrow Naix, they would either face even worse oppression or suffer retaliation afterward. Therefore, they might as well take their bets with Kaze and Buffy. Seeing his influence fade, Naix stood stiffly as he stared at Kaze and Buffy, his gaze gleaming with mixed emotions. A while later, he took a deep breath and bowed. “I am sorry, Mr. Lee, Ms. Gwake. I was wrong. I was incompetent. It was all my fault. I hereby apologize.” An unprecedented insult drowned him as he apologized. His mind was not filled with apology but the thought of ripping Kaze and Buffy apart. The meeting today was prepared for Buffy. He was confident that she would step into the trap, thus suppressing her. Yet Kaze j
Manipulating the situation with ease. That was the only phrase Buffy could think of when she looked at Kaze. Kaze’s method was straightforward and effective. However, not everyone could execute it as perfectly as he did. Only Kaze, who had skills and the right mental state, could overpower his opponent in every aspect. When he used those methods on people, it worked naturally. It was why Naix was overthrown so easily and could not make a comeback anymore. The executives quickly forgot about teaming up with Naix to oppose Buffy. No one would stand against money. Compared to the vampire, Naix, Buffy and Kaze were generous. If the executives could perform, they would be rewarded. Even though nothing had been carried out yet and those were mere words from Kaze’s mouth, they did it better than Naix. The tides had changed. Naix was humiliated and even the executives who saw him as a king sneered at him scornfully. The anger in him almost erupted like a volcano. He t
“Hmph! Kaze Lee, you talk big. Let’s see how you are going to settle the deal with St. Mary’s today. “If you can get the rights before midnight, I’ll crawl out of the building even if it takes me a day! Every executive here can be a witness!” Kaze smiled. “It’s a deal.” As the conflict between Kaze and Naix escalated, the executives simply nodded and stayed back to watch the show. Before the dust settled, none of them dared to take sides. “The meeting is adjourned.” Buffy got up and announced the end of the meeting before she left. Back at the office, Buffy made a cup of tea for Kaze knowing that he disliked coffee. She said with a smile, “Thank you for what you did just now. If you didn’t argue with Naix, my first day might be my last.” She was glad that Kaze was here with her because she could not handle someone as pushy as Naix. “There’s no need for courtesy.” Kaze sipped on his tea and said with a smile, “You don’t need to worry about Naix either. After today,
Buffy raised her brows. “Let him in.” A moment later, Naix, whose face was covered in cream and iodine, came in. He shot a resentful glare at Kaze before he tossed two invitation cards to Buffy. “Royal Familia Hotel, 12 P.M., a drinking party?” Buffy glanced at the invitation card and then looked at Naix indifferently. “What is the meaning of this, Mr. Krad? You’re inviting me and Kaze to a drinking party? I don’t think we are that close yet.” Naix scrutinized Buffy from top to bottom with a strange look and it made her sick. “If there’s nothing else, you know where the exit is. I have work to do,” Buffy said coldly. Naix then put his disgusting gaze away and smiled. “Ms. Gwake, you sound so distant and cold. We are colleagues, aren’t we? “I know we are having a bet but I am a generous and magnanimous man. I asked Mr. Kiefer Heartano of the Heartanos for two invitations to his drinking party. “He is hosting the party later in the afternoon and many influential people wi
“Kaze, are we really going to attend the drinking party? Is there going to be a trap? Why not let me make some calls first.” Buffy picked up her phone, looking worried. She had many friends in Riveria and if Naix said there would be many influential figures there, then some of her friends might be there too. A while later, Buffy put her phone down. “I’ve asked some of my friends who got invited. It seems like it’s a legit drinking party, not a trap for us. “I’ve also asked around about this Kiefer Heartano. He’s the youngest son of the head of the family and he has an older brother named Khan. “He’s capable and he has been contributing to the family business in Geranium. He lived a high-profile life and is known to be impatient.“He just arrived at Riverbank yesterday and found out what happened to St. Mary’s. That’s why he is hosting the drinking party to build connections with the folks in the upper circle…” “An impatient person?” Kaze pondered for a moment and then sa
Naix was not in the mood to argue with Kaze because, to him, Kaze was already a dead man. He knew Kiefer back in Geranium City, where they used to hang out and drink. In addition to his excessive flattery, Kiefer had already viewed him as a good friend. On top of that, Naix also knew that Kiefer was the favorite child in the Heartano family and his parents always gave him what he wanted. If he could just make Kiefer happy, then getting the rights to St. Mary Hospital would be a piece of cake. It was the reason Naix was overflowing with confidence. The only thing he needed to think about was how to make Kiefer happy. He used to do the same to earn favors but always felt something was missing. Kiefer was a cautious man. He would not act before seeing what he would gain. He always remained ambiguous, so he never fully agreed to give Naix the rights to the hospital. However, Naix came up with an idea that he believed could work. With that, he had another glance at Buffy a
Back at Bronze Sparrow, Kaze beat Buffy in a game of cards, which got him a night with her. The news spread like wildfire in the circle and sparked a heated debate. It was no secret that Casius saw Buffy as his future playtoy. Anyone who had the nerve to go after her would end up dead. It was said that Buffy’s parents already agreed for them to get married. Just when everyone expected things to end badly for Kaze, a few days later, they saw Buffy and Kaze together, attending a party hosted by Kiefer. Were they making a statement to Casius, telling him that his little plaything was no more? The young men and women surrounded Kaze, scrutinizing him. They wanted to know what was so special with the bumpkin that Buffy fell for him. However, no matter how they looked, they found nothing stellar about him; he was just another man. Maybe he was brave and meticulous, two aspects men could use to win most women’s hearts. However, Buffy was not just any ordinary woman and she
“If you won’t listen to reason, I’ll have to send you abroad and leave you to fend for yourself.” Katie would have no choice but to ditch Leah if she became too hard to manage. Leah never thought that her mother would say such a thing. While Katie was a callous mother to her, it never crossed Leah’s mind that Katie would send her away. Leah did not want to leave Arcadia. It would cut her off from the person she wanted to meet. Though it was uncertain whether she could see Kaze again, the odds would be in her favor if she stayed. Leah was defenseless against Katie’s coercion. With Leah falling silent, Katie knew that she was moving in the right direction. “Be a good girl, and I’ll make it worth your while. You’re my daughter. Of course, I love you and want what’s best for you.” Katie backed up a little to ease the tension. “You don’t have to do anything. Just stay with me. There’s still room for discussion if marriage isn’t for you right now.” Katie knew her daught
Katie, taking off in the car, was not in the best mood. The smile on her face quickly vanished as soon as the car was out of sight. “What’s wrong with you today?” Katie questioned. “What do you mean?” Leah talked smack. “I’m sure you know full well why I took you with me.” Katie had conceded, but Leah just would not take her win and leave it at it. The nerve of her to defy. “I did. You’re trying to sell me, aren’t you?” Holding a grudge on the earlier slap, Leah was pretty rude to her mother. “Since you can’t accept the big man from the Viper’s Den, I set you up with a young, handsome man. There’s no pleasing you.“Jet is the whole package. He has the looks and wealth. Is he not good enough for you?” Katie felt put in the spot. Leah was getting more unruly by the day. “I want to live life on my own terms.” Leah voiced her thoughts. She was nobody’s puppet. “Oh, you want to dictate your life. As you can see, everything you have comes from me. You’ll lose eve
“I am just telling the truth. Thank you for your enlightenment, Madam Loren,” Jet said humbly. “It’s getting late. We should be going. My daughter easily gets tired at night. She’s like a little rabbit at home. “If you have any other gathering in the future, remember to bring her alone and let her make some friends.” Katie once again pushed her daughter to the forefront, hoping to matchmake the two of them. “Let’s keep in touch, Leah. If you want to have some fun, just call me. I’ll arrange everything,” Jet said. “Thank you. As for your problem, don’t worry about it. I’ll go ask around,” Katie added. Jet had already achieved his objective, so he stood up and sent them out. After the mother and daughter went into the car and drove off, the humble smile on his face disappeared. Aloysius then came from the side. “Have you prepared the present?” Jet rubbed his stiff cheeks and then lit up a cigarette. “Yes, sir. It’s a set of jewelry.” Aloysius had prepared a presen
“That means we share the same taste, which is great because I can ask her out for dinner next time.” Jet seemed to have understood Katie’s intention, and he started to carefully scrutinize the girl. Leah wore a pale yellow strapless dress, looking stunning with her fair skin. Only a few could carry such a dress and looked amazing. Leah might be quiet but she was beautiful, especially with her neck exposed. “Thank you. It’s just that my daughter really likes to stay at home and doesn’t go out a lot. If you can bring her out, I would be so happy.” Katie was even fonder of Jet, as his sharp perception exceeded her expectations. “Not a problem, but I’m quite busy lately. When I settle my work, I can bring her to meet my friends,” Jet said. He even took the initiative to offer to take the girl out. Katie saw no problem with that. As expected, Jet was smart and perceptive. “Don’t worry about your projects. I’ll do whatever I can to help.” Katie saw it as a trade and a
“It just feels right to talk to you in person.” Jet stood up and served the dishes onto their plates, making an effort to appear polite and considerate. Katie grew fond of her future son-in-law. “I heard a few of your projects were canceled. Did anything happen?” As the CEO of Northborn Group, she was aware of the news circulating around. She heard about the Frost family as well but she had never gotten to know Jet, so she was not concerned. “Yes. We are in a little trouble. Everything was progressing smoothly and we should be able to see profit soon but something held us up,” Jet explained with a smile on his face, his tone casual. He made it sound like the delay and seizure of the operation was no big deal. “You are still young and maybe it’s because you don’t have enough experience. Don’t worry, take it slow.” “I understand. I should learn from you, Madam Loren,” Jet said politely. “If you need any help, let me know. I’ll do what I can,” Katie said. Jet had bee
“I’m okay with anything. Thank you,” Leah said. “I’ve spoiled my daughter. Please don’t mind her,” Katie said, trying to ease the tension. The three of them entered the VIP room with dishes already served on the table. Jet came early to prepare for the dinner. “It seems like you’ve been waiting for us for a while. I should have urged the girl to be quicker just now.” Katie was happy with Jet’s attentiveness. “I don’t have anything particular today, so it’s okay that I wait. Leah is really beautiful in her dress. It’s only normal for a girl to doll up and look great,” Jet answered. His tone sounded casual and it was his attitude that won Katie’s fondness. “You are really kind. I bet you are a great boyfriend,” Katie asked, hoping to find out more. “Madam Loren, I am solely focused on my career, I do not have a girlfriend,” Jet said as he got up and poured them water. “You are young and successful, how could you be alone and single? What a waste!” “A man should alwa
Katie was a woman and it was not easy for her to become the CEO of Northborn Group and a member of the Viper’s Den all at once. Jet invited her to dinner because he wanted her to find out who was behind the malicious attacks on his projects. Leah knew her mother had brought her to this dinner for matchmaking, but the moment she saw Jet, she felt less than satisfied. Before she met Kaze, she might have been interested in Jet. Jet was a well-known figure in Butterworth and his presence could easily attract young ladies. He was a tall and handsome man; a gentleman who exuded elegance, an ideal man who could capture any young lady’s heart. In addition to his family background and his position as heir, he became the ideal candidate for husband and son-in-law to many. Leah used to fantasize about him but she had a boyfriend back then and did not want to cheat. However, when she saw Jet in person, she did not feel anything, not even the slightest excitement. Looking at Jet,
Leah was naturally beautiful and with meticulous makeup coupled with a beautiful dress, she looked stunning. “It’s getting late. We have to leave now. Your mother is already there and she’s expecting us soon,” Joey said. Leah had planned to make a fuss by changing into a different dress, showing her unwillingness to take the dinner seriously. However, after hearing Joey’s words, she realized she was out of time. “Don’t try to defy your mother anymore. It’s over now. Just let it be in the past,” Joey said, afraid that the girl would get into a fight with her mother again. “I’ll just zip my mouth,” Leah said. That was the only thing she could do now. Katie changed into something formal for the dinner as well. The person she and her daughter would be meeting was her ideal son-in-law candidate. She wanted Leah to meet him because she wanted her daughter to develop a relationship with the man. Ever since she slapped Leah, she had been feeling sorry and she wanted to use this
Leah grew up surrounded by luxury brands. Be it luxurious, tailored brands or the latest designs from famous designers, every new piece of clothing came with the question of whether she wanted it or not. After she made her selection, only the other young ladies could browse through whatever she had discarded. Leah could not live a normal life. She was slightly displeased but did not argue with Joey. Maybe she was clear that she could not live without the luxury that she grew up with. Joey looked at the quiet girl and thought she had returned to her obedient self. Even an obedient girl like Leah would sometimes be rebellious. Joey brought Leah to the car and soon reached a fashion house. The fashion house was a white building with a classic architectural style. The designers here specialized in styling wealthy young ladies, sometimes providing door-to-door services. Joey had booked a slot, so they did not have to wait for the designers and stylists. After Leah had