“Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone harm you.“I promise that it won’t happen again.” As Jude apologized profusely, Buffy shuddered. Kaze looked at Jude with a pretentious smile. He knew right from the start that Naix acted on orders to single him and Buffy out. The orders either came from Jude or Faith. Since Jude silenced Naix, the answer was clear. Jude chuckled dryly at Buffy’s indifference before turning to Kaze. He said emotionally, “You always surprise me, Kaze. “I have always known that you were amazing. I see why my daughter, despite her high standards, is into you.“I didn’t expect you to be the owner of St. Mary’s. That’s a shocker.“Since you’ve acquired the agency right for Gwake Corporation, rest assured that the board and I appreciate your hard work—” “Hold it right there.” Kaze interrupted Jude’s long speech and glanced at Miya. “Miya, are the agency rights signed to Gwake Corporation?” “No, Mr. Lee.” Miya said respectfully, “The signing party for th
“What are you trying to say?” Jude’s heart sank as he had a bad feeling. “Let me refresh your memory, Mr. Chairman.” Kaze said indifferently, “You and I made a wager in the meeting room. “If Kiefer showed up outside Gwake Corporation on his knees and presented the agency right, you’d step down and pass the torch to Buffy. “It’s time to honor the bet, Mr. Chairman. I should correct myself. Buffy should be the chairwoman now. “You are competing to become the Viper’s Den South River State Branch chief anyway. “I trust you will see the bet through, right? “You can’t get anyone to trust you if you break the promise. How are we supposed to trust you to run the South River State Branch?“Am I right, Mr. Gwake?” Kaze smiled pretentiously while putting Jude in the spot. Furrowing her brows, Buffy understood that Kaze planned to strip Jude of his glory and titles. Jude would be left with nothing. Even if Jude were to hand over the chairman position, Kaze would not let hi
No one came forward. Faced with Jude’s grim eyes, the board either looked away or put their heads down. Most of them shied away from Jude’s gaze. It was clear that Jude had lost his influence in the company. The fact was written in ink the moment Buffy secured the exclusive agency rights. A handful of directors felt uneasy about the situation as Jude had been in power for too long. They needed time to adapt to change. Jude grimaced hard. Kaze chuckled. “Seeing that nobody stepped forward, everybody must be in support of Buffy becoming the chairwoman. So that’s decided then. “I expect the minutes to be documented right away. The assistant should get everybody to sign as proof of today’s decision at the next board meeting,” Kaze said while waving his arm. Soon, the assistant of the president’s office drafted the minutes, and the board bit the bullet to put their names on the document. The board even bowed to Buffy. After the board, the senior executives followed suit.
“The senior members of the Gwake family will make things right for Mom and me.“So… Maybe you shouldn’t go, Kaze.“It’s a bad idea to air dirty laundry anyway.” Buffy looked away, avoiding eye contact with Kaze. Kaze was taken aback at first, but he quickly understood. Buffy had a good idea about the truth behind her mother’s coma. She may not know the specifics, but she had her suspicions. Hence, Buffy did not want Kaze to know the truth. It was all that was left of her dignity. She could not bear the thought of being exposed to Kaze. With that in mind, Kaze nodded. “Alright. You can head on to your family home. Dayton will go with you. You can call me if you need me for anything.” “Sure.” Buffy nodded and said, “I need to ask you of one thing, Kaze. Dad has lost power over Gwake Corporation. As you said, he won’t become the South River State Branch chief. He will lose everything. “He will be devastated if Faith can’t be saved. “I hope you can help Faith to the
“So you’re in?” Rose asked excitedly, her tone relieved. She did not get along with many of the young family members because she could not stand their behaviors. They were too pretentious. These family members lacked substance. All they cared about was showing off. Since Bella had urged the younger members to stand as one, Nelson and Agatha called to make sure Rose would go. Given Hanses’ rising influence within the family and invite, Rose felt compelled to attend too. She hoped Kaze would go with her. Having Kaze around would put her at ease. “Okay.” Kaze gave a nod. Understanding Rose’s reservations, Kaze patted her head with a smile and asked, “When and where?” “It’s at Buckridge Lounge at eight tonight,” Rose said happily. Thrilled, she went to get dressed and doll up.The Otter girls loved to dress for the occasion. Rose did not want to be outshined. Kaze simply smiled. He did not mind stuff like that. All he would do for the gathering was take a shower and sl
Rose and Kaze walked over and saw a huge group sitting in the booth. Of the group, Kaze only recognized Maxine and Patrick. The rest were unfamiliar faces. The men and women of the group were dressed to the nines, their clothes suggesting their wealth and power.As the group walked on eggshells around Patrick and Maxine, the couple must hold a higher position of authority. “Maxine, Patrick.” Rose said hello and asked curiously, “Where is Hanses? I have not seen him.” She was closest to Hanses among the young family members. “Oh, Hanses has a night drill with the Flying Dragons. He was called away when he just arrived. Max went to drop him off.” Maxine explained before glancing at Kaze. She said with a frown, “Where’s Darcy, Rose? Why isn’t she here?”“Are you talking about the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation who has just been accepted back to your family, Maxine? She’s the head of the Ridgesouth Quints in the South River State.” Those sitting in the booth and all
“Kaze Lee! How dare you scold Maxine!” Patrick’s expression darkened, his eyes burning with rage as he bellowed, “You piece of shit! Don’t you know who owns Buckridge Lounge?” “Who?” Kaze raised his brows, asking in an intrigued manner. “You don’t even know who owns Buckridge Lounge? You’re really a bumpkin!” Then, a woman with meticulous makeup stood up from the couch elegantly with a wine glass in her hand. She looked at Kaze with disdain and said, “The owner of Buckridge Lounge is one of the big four gangster bosses in the underworld of Riverbank, Everett Techman! “Have you heard of Zoro, the general manager of Bronze Sparrow? If you haven’t even heard of the high-profiled Zoro, you should really bury yourself.” “Zoro?” Kaze scoffed. “I thought he’s dead.” “Hmph. I guess you are not that outdated after all.” The woman grunted and added, “Zoro is dead but when he was alive, he was one of the big four gangster bosses too. You are not even worthy of being his slave. “
“Don’t you run!” “Can’t you hear Maxine? Stay!” As Maxine bellowed, the young men and women in the booth bolted up and quickly surrounded Kaze and Rose. Rose argued, “What are you people doing? Are you holding us back? What are you people, kidnappers?!” “Don’t think about leaving without apologizing!” “Slap yourself and say that you are sorry!” The young men and women crossed their arms, surrounding Kaze and Rose in the center. Kaze looked at them indifferently and then turned around to Patrick and Maxine. He scoffed. “You really think these pieces of trash can stop us?” Patrick and Maxine knew how powerful Kaze was. In fact, even if everyone in the lounge jumped on him, they might not be able to hold him back at all, let alone the few men and women. Patrick grunted and said sinisterly, “Kaze Lee, you might be a little strong but that doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want! They can’t stop you, but I know someone who could! “Waiter!” he cried. A wait
Agnes did not care if Darcy was tired, she just wanted to get this done there and then. Kaze frowned. If he stayed, this nonsense would continue endlessly. He turned around and tapped Sky on the shoulder, saying, “Take Darcy upstairs to rest. I’m not coming back tonight.” Suddenly, Hector came over with the phone in his hand and a panicked expression. “Darcy, your grandaunt is on the phone. She wants you to go to Sky Ocean Corporation now.” “She wants me there?” Darcy and Agnes were both surprised. Darcy frowned but her mother shuddered with fear on her face. “Let me talk to her.” Kaze took the phone off Hector’s hand. The call was still connected, so he said, “Tell that old hag that my wife is not free now. If she wants to see Darcy, tell her to get over here herself.” Phoenix’s voice came from the phone and she did not sound happy. “You little bastard, you…” Kaze hung up the phone without giving her the chance to speak. Agnes was stunned for a few seconds before
“Bullshit! You fulfilled your duties to our family? You’ve been putting us in harm’s way!” Agnes stepped closer with an intimidating gaze and pointed at Kaze’s chest. “Come on, stab me or strangle me, or else you are going to divorce Darcy no matter what!” Kaze scoffed, “You want me to stab you so I can go to jail? Keep dreaming.” Agnes clenched her teeth. She continued threatening him, “Then I’ll go hang myself at the door! I want the whole world to know that my son-in-law made me do it! I don’t believe that after you forced me to kill myself, Darcy would still want to be with you!” Kaze then took some money out of his wallet. “Go get a good rope.” “You shitty…” Agnes was consumed by her anger. “Darcy, are you going to just watch as this bastard takes advantage of me?! I’m your mother, I’ve raised you, I gave birth to you… Are you going to abandon me because of some outsider?!” She started crying in front of them. “Mom, can you stop making a scene?” Darcy was havin
“Let me go. I don’t want to talk to you now,” Darcy said, her tone remaining cold. Kaze decided to be shameless and said, “I am not letting you go. I am going to hug you until the end of time…” “You bastard! How dare you kick me! I’ll beat the shit out of you!” Before Kaze could finish, a sharp and irritating shout echoed across the backyard. Agnes, whom Kaze had kicked to the couch earlier, came with a broom in her hands and her disheveled hair as she strode over to Kaze. Kaze helplessly released Darcy and pulled her away. Darcy looked at the mad woman who was her mother. She then spotted the footprint on her abdomen and glared at Kaze. “You kicked my mother?!” Kaze shrugged and said, “She lost her mind. She slapped Hector and beat up Emiko, forcing her to scrub the floor on her knees. I thought I’d wake her up from the unhealthy fantasy.” “But you kicked her?! She’s my mother! What if you hurt her?” Darcy bellowed. When a woman dislikes you, even breathing could be
However, knowing that Kaze was not able to help her during her most helpless time and with Snow’s matter lingering around, Darcy’s heart clenched with sourness. Whir! A chilly gale turned the already cloudy sky darker. The leaves on the trees swayed along with the wind and a strong sense of loneliness gushed into Darcy’s mind, causing her to shudder. Suddenly, she felt a warm jacket gently draped over her, wrapping around her slender frame. The familiar scent of the jacket told her who it belonged to even without turning around. Kaze appeared beside her and was looking at her with a gentle gaze. “It’s going to rain soon. Let’s go in. You’ll catch a cold if you stay out in the rain,” Kaze said as he tried to bring her inside. Darcy pursed her lips and shook Kaze’s hands off. “Don’t touch me. I don’t need you to take care of me.” Kaze was slightly stunned. He explained, “I’m sorry I’m late. When I got your call, Boris Road’s men caused a scene at Herbal Spring. When it
Slap! Right after Kaze walked away, Agnes slapped Hector’s face. “You useless jerk! Why are you helping him?” Hector covered his face in silence, unwilling to continue the argument. “What are you looking at? Scrub the floor!” Agnes lashed out at Emiko once again. “Who gave you the permission to talk to people during your work? Did I tell you to scrub while standing? You are a servant and you should act like one! Don’t you know I am the one who pays you? “Do your job properly! If you don’t want to continue, just leave! It’s hard to find a unicorn nowadays but there are a ton of people who want this job!” She shouted at the top of her lungs. She had already made up her mind to have Darcy divorce Kaze, but before that, she ought to make him transfer the ownership to her daughter and then find more ways to drain Kaze of his money. When she chased Kaze out of the house back at Lilyrose, he came to Riverbank with their money and even used it to buy a house for someone else. S
“Because of your stupid actions, Darcy was removed as chairwoman. Sky and I were also beaten up by Grandaunt! You caused all this! “You didn’t do shit and you’re back here to poke your nose into our business? You really think you are the owner here? I’m telling you, you are a dog in this house, less than a dog even! You are not in charge!” Kaze stared at Agnes as he took a step back. He said, “I am not trying to cause a mess, but Emiko is hired as our nanny, not a slave you bought. “Why don’t you put yourself into her shoes for a bit and see how you’d feel if you were told to scrub the floor on your knees?” “Mr. Lee, I’m fine,” Emiko said as she looked at Kaze with utmost gratitude. She did not want Kaze to get into an argument with Agnes because of herself. “It’s none of your business!” Agnes rolled her eyes at Emiko before glaring at Kaze, hoping she could tear him apart. “Kaze, you are the one who caused all of this. You must give us an explanation! This house! We start
Sky Ocean Corporation had always been under Darcy’s command and the Quint family of Ridgesouth was not part of it, externally and internally. Other than the executives turning on Darcy, Kaze could not think of a reason that Phoenix was able to remove Darcy from her position in such a short time. “No. The execs are all loyal to Ms. Quint, but Phoenix used the incident of you beating Joan against her as an excuse to remove her, allowing Joan to take her place. “She called all the execs to the hospital, but no one was willing to turn on Ms. Quint. Then there was Shadow, the woman who served her. This woman is powerful and ruthless. The execs who disagreed were all beaten, their arms and legs broken. “Ms. Quint doesn’t want the execs to suffer and ultimately decides to step down. Joan then replaced her…” “She forced Darcy to come down from her position? It does sound like something that old hag would do,” Kaze said coldly. “What should we do now, Kaze?” Riley asked. She knew
“Captain Blunick, was it?” Kaze looked at Thomas with slight confusion. If he had not taken the initiative to speak, Kaze would have forgotten about him. Too many things happened at once and too many people were at the scene. “Just Thomas is okay!” His face was swollen due to the slap and coupled with his curled-up lips that were supposed to resemble a smile, he looked funny. In addition, he was in his 40s. His age somehow became a subject of ridicule to the other South River Branch agents, all looking at him scornfully. “No need to be nervous.” Kaze tapped his shoulders and said, “Herbal Spring’s safety is in your hands now and they are relying on you. The least you can do is prevent something like this from happening again.” He did not look down on Thomas because everyone had their own way of surviving the harsh world. As long as they were friendly and harbored no malicious intentions, he would never judge others based on their looks. Thomas was the security capta
Poking a few needles into Rory’s body and it cost him ten million! Bastard! Rory was deeply aggrieved, but he could not do anything. He should be grateful that Kaze did not choose to kill him. “Go.” Kaze finally allowed them to leave. He then said to Rory as the man was walking out, “I am letting you live because I want you to deliver a message to your master. “If he wants to live a good life, then be a good person. Don’t get himself in trouble just because he wants to repay some debt of gratitude.” Rory was sent on this mission by Marcus because Boris made a request. The man known as the Godfather did not bother to find out who was wrong and simply sent the captain of the Execution Hall to carry out private business. Kaze only said this out of respect for his reputable status in the West State Viper’s Den, and it would be the final piece of advice. With that, his duty of kindness would be fulfilled. After Rory and his men left, everyone back at Herbal Spring breath