Kaze looked at Casius regrettably. His tone was filled with disappointment. Casius was upset. It felt as if Kaze was the parent while Casius was the defiant child. Casius fixated on Kaze, his gaze void of any emotions. At first, he had assumed that Kaze was bluffing. Now that he thought about it, Kaze had a point. Leron was an egoistic man. Despite Casius’ attempts to recruit him, Leron would not look his way. Later, Leron’s family faced constant danger, and Leron was too busy dodging his enemies’ attacks to keep them safe. Out of desperation, Leron turned to the Weathers for protection. Leron was supposed to kill Kaze. Yet, days later, he pledged his allegiance to Kaze and worked for him, even to the extent of turning against Casius. If Kaze was a hick with no connections and a son-in-law who leeched off his wife’s family, Leron had no reason to seek refuge with him. Kaze’s impressive strength could not possibly be the cause.With that in mind, Casius was horr
“Hannah!” Despite bracing himself, Casius blurted out. The others were equally horrified. They had no idea when Hannah showed up. She just crept up on them. Hank grimaced. He was Casius’ bodyguard in the shadows, and his expertise was sweeping for threats. Yet, Hank did not sense Hannah at all. It appeared that Hannah might be stronger than him. However, Hank understood when he recalled who he was. The most promising member of the Viper’s Den West State Branch was once bestowed the Nether Viper Sword by the Viper Queen, and Hannah lived up to the name. It would not take outside forces to take Hannah out. Due to her talent, rivalry began within the organization. Many other young, promising members jumped out to bring her down. Besides, the recent events happening in the Viper’s Den South River State Branch were for all to see. Previously, there had been rumors that Hannah had been crippled and relegated to the South River State Branch to be a deputy chief by name
Casius was eager to disassociate herself from Madison. He was afraid that Hannah would use Madison’s assassination attempt against him. It was no secret that Hannah was strong. However, the extent of her strength caught him off guard. Hannah detected Madison’s little stunt and killed her with the throw of her sword. Madison had a gun in her hand but no time to pull the trigger.Hannah was terrifying. Casius was at a loss. First came Leron. Then came Hannah. All Casius wanted was to kill Kaze. Yet, it had proved a difficult feat. It was not a coincidence that Hannah showed up at the Gwakes’. Any fool could tell that she was on Kaze’s side. Casius was in distress. Yet, his tone was pressing. “But Ms. Delmore, your fight with Mr. Gwake is around the corner. “I doubt it’s appropriate for you to barge into Mr. Gwake’s home while he isn’t around.” The fight to become the leader of the South River State Branch had caused quite a stir in Riverbank. The fair and open
Hannah was powerful. However, Casius was not without resources. He was backed by the Weathers and the Ryokanians. Unless necessary, Casius did not want to expose his ties with the Ryokanians. “Back him up?” Taken aback at first, Hannah quickly burst into laughter. “You are highly mistaken, Mr. Weather. I’m not here to back Kaze up. I doubt I’m qualified.” “What do you mean?” Casius was shocked. Hank and the others were confused. They would rejoice over the fact Hannah did not come to support Kaze. However, she claimed that she did not deserve to back Kaze up. The most promising member of the Viper’s Den West State Branch, also the deputy chief of the South River State Branch, was not qualified to stand her ground for Kaze. “If I have to answer your question…” Hannah said indifferently, “Kaze is my backer. He’s the one to back me up.” What? Casius and the others widened their eyes skeptically. Hannah frowned and approached Kaze. She got down on one knee a
Casius’ eyes were filled with fear. He understood the meaning behind Kaze’s words. Kaze only took the time to humor Casius while waiting for the confirmation of Buffy’s safety. Now that Buffy was fine, Kaze could proceed to put an end between him and Casius. Buffy was now safe with Kaze, and Kaze was revealed to be the branch leader of the Viper’s Den West State Branch. So was Kaze planning to kill Casius now? Casius, being who he was, could not accept the notion of surrender even though he and his family could not possibly stand against Kaze. He took a deep breath and said, “Kaze, I mean, Mr. Lee. I was blind. It’s all my fault.“But I don’t see a reason why we can’t work our differences. “You have attacked me today, and boy, you went hard on me. “I crossed my boundaries with Buffy today, but I haven’t caused her any harm. “You have made your point across now. “Why are you harping on this? “You and I have reputations to live up to. “As people of our standing
Kaze narrowed his eyes. “Are you threatening me, Mr. Weather?” “No. I’m just stating a fact.” Casius shook his head and said with a smile, “So this is the reason why you have been secretive about who you are. “Power isn’t something you can claim just by having a title. It’s something you have to seize through your own efforts. Otherwise, the little title there will be nothing but trouble.“I think you are trying to gain this power by controlling the South River State Branch from behind the scenes. “By doing so, you will get an edge to compete with your rivals of the Viper’s Den West State Branch and become the real branch leader. “You still have a long way to go, though.” Casius spoke confidently, thinking that he had it all figured out. With that in mind, the tightness in his chest lifted. Kaze had bigger problems to worry about. He was just a branch leader by name. He had many eyes on him. There were a lot of people eager to take his place. Casius felt light
“I’ll cut to the chase then.” Casius asked, “Between Ms. Delmore and Mr. Gwake, who do you think has a higher chance of winning?” “Are you trying to say that Jude has a better chance of becoming the next branch chief?” Kaze replied nonchalantly. Casius nodded. “That’s right. Mr. Gwake’s chances are better because I’m helping him.” With Kaze keeping to himself, Casius said with a smile, “You might think I’m bluffing, but I’m not the type to say things I’m unsure of. “Like you, I am more than meets the eye. “I’m not just backed by the Weathers. I’m friends with a powerful force that can alter the fate of Riverbank. “With this entity’s help, I have the confidence to make this promise. “My support will decide who gets the win.” Casius spoke with a swagger, “I wonder if you know much about this entity that I’m talking about.” Kaze looked at Casius in contemplation. “Are you talking about Sanwell Finances?” The city council and most elite families would not be able to h
“Haha, that’s ridiculous, Mr. Lee. You’re the branch leader. You represent the Viper’s Den. With the Viper Queen around, no one will hurt you.” Casius brushed the whole thing off and said, “Like I said, we’re just working together. No one is anybody’s accessory. “It’s a win-win. There’s no need to fight. “Am I right?” Kaze smiled offhandedly. “Even if you have a point, I have a question to ask you.” “Hit me. I will tell you everything I know.” Casius waved his arm generously. Kaze said indifferently, “I ran into Mayor Synder and saved his life on my way to Riverbank. “I’ve gotten to know that the multiple assassinations on the mayor as well as the hex on him and his daughter are closely linked to Ryokan.“Since you represent Sanwell Finances, here’s my question to you.” Kaze looked Casius in the eye and asked aloofly, “Were you aware of these events?” Casius grimaced. Kaze just threw him a fatal question. Casius forced a smile. “You’re paranoid, Mr. Lee. I’m no
Katie proudly made the statement, convinced that she had done a lot for her daughter. It was only right for Leah to be grateful and understand her sacrifice. To Katie’s surprise, Leah chuckled. “What else have you done for me? You never showed me any attention. You don’t know what I like. You have no idea what I want.” Leah finally saw her mother as the person she was. This side of Katie was terrifying. “What more do you want? Am I not supposed to work? Should I be spending every waking minute of the day with you?” Katie understood Leah’s needs. However, there was no way she could make it happen. It was not easy for a woman to take hold in the Northborn Group, much less secure a high position there. Katie went through great pains to get where she was today. Alas, Leah could not understand where she was coming from. “I’m not asking you to be with me every day. I’ve tried my best to do everything you asked of me, but you can’t even be there for me during my birthdays.
“Everything I do, I do for you. Get this straight. The guy approached you because of what I could bring to the table.” Katie was pissed by her daughter’s defiance which was becoming worse with age. “I know the kind of person he is. Without Kaze’s help, I wouldn’t have escaped. Where were you then? You’re in no position to say that. “Even if there’s something he’s after, what would he want from me? I have nothing to offer.” Leah did not believe a word Katie said. Clearly, Katie was out to get Kaze. “He’s nothing but a poor kid. Why are you blowing this out of proportion? I’ve clearly stated what needed to be done. Why are you still being stubborn?”Katie believed she had not raised her daughter right. Leah turned out pretty naïve. “I told you. He has no ulterior motive. He doesn’t know who I am. He doesn’t have any other intentions. I approached him, not the other way around.” Leah kicked herself for pulling a reckless stunt. All she did was give Kaze more problems. Kat
Leah hated her mother being unreasonable. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I fed you, I gave you clothes, I put a roof over your head, I gave you life! The least you could do is to listen to me!” Katie did not expect her daughter to go so far as to defy her. Kaze remained silent, knowing that no matter what he said, it would be meaningless to someone unwilling to listen. “Kaze, I’m sorry. It was my fault that you are in this mess. I’m a jinx…” Leah blamed herself for getting Kaze in trouble with her mother. If not because of her, he would never encounter her mother. “Shut it! Why are you apologizing!? He approached you with purpose and you can’t even see that? He’s not worthy of your time!” Katie was livid. She felt her daughter was blinded by emotions, incapable of making the right decision. And to make matters worse, the girl even apologized to Kaze—what nonsense! A poor man without any background was no match for her daughter and her status. He approached the girl becaus
Katie suddenly chuckled. “What’s the matter? You are after my daughter and you tried to give me advice? What are you trying to do?” She looked down on a man with no future. She stubbornly believed he approached her daughter because of her. If he said as such, he must have known something else. It was no secret that Katie was preparing the birthday banquet for Leah and one could easily find out about it with a little research. Katie took his words not as a suggestion but as a challenge to her power. “Whatever. You stubbornly believe that anyone who approaches you or your daughter is after your power, does that mean there’s no emotions or love throughout your life?” Kaze suddenly looked at Katie with a pitiful gaze. She had been consumed by the thirst for power and it wiped her humanity. Katie would eventually be a sacrifice of someone else before she knew it. “Don’t look at me with those eyes. Who do you think you are? I see through you right away! I’ve seen a lot of
Frustrated, Leah tried to shake her mother’s hand off, but Katie tightened the grip and did not let it happen. The more the girl resisted, the more Katie felt challenged. She felt that her authority was being shaken by her daughter’s defiance. “Stop it! I told you before that if you don’t listen to me, I will make you regret it! And, don’t let me catch you with this bastard anymore, or he won’t have a future here in Butterworth!” Katie shouted at the girl to silence her. Leah could resist her mother and defy her, but not at the expense of her friend’s well-being. She knew her mother always meant what she said, and once those words were spoken, she would certainly take action against Kaze. Therefore, she quickly fell silent and let her mother take control of the situation. Katie glared at Kaze resentfully. “Stay away from my daughter or I will make you pay!” she bellowed. She then dragged Leah to her car and told the girl to get in. Right after she closed the door, s
Without further ado, Katie stormed out of the car and dashed over to them. “Leah!” she shouted, startling her daughter. When Leah saw her mother, she knew doomsday was upon her. She was frightened and stunned on the spot. Kaze was surprised by the coincidence as well. He was not afraid of the woman but she was charging at them like a ferocious monster. “I told you not to be with this guy! Why didn’t you listen to me?!” Katie could not tolerate her daughter’s defiance. She saw it as a direct challenge to her authority and bottom line. She stepped up and dragged her daughter away. “I told you not to see this poor bastard. Why didn’t you listen to me?” She was consumed by rage and paid no attention to her choice of words. All she cared about was the fear that her daughter had nearly fallen into a stranger’s hands. Leah disliked her mother being unreasonable. She had no idea what changed her mother into an unreasonable wretched hag. “Mom, what are you talking about?” “W
“Katie’s daughter dined at my restaurant and she met the man Katie intended to match her with, yet Katie knew nothing and even threw a tantrum at the door. Why do you think that happened?” Master Fuller shook his head helplessly and poured himself a glass of beer. The last guest of the day had left and he could enjoy his rest peacefully. However, the last guest of the day was a rather interesting pair. “Isn’t it a little contradicting? She’s trying to get Mr. Lee to marry her daughter but she’s asking for trouble at the same time.” The woman was surprised but also found it interesting. “Do I have to deliver the meals to Mr. Lee?” “Let my disciple do it. Don’t you get involved in this, it’s better to stay away from trouble.” Master Fuller wanted to get back at Katie, yet he did not need to do anything because the woman was actively bringing trouble upon herself. The woman did not say anything and simply gazed into the distance. The wooden door at the entrance was ope
“It’s getting late. Let’s get you back.” Kaze knew that Leah had snuck out of the hotel, so it would not be good to let her stay out too late. Katie was a tough mother to deal with. If she found out her daughter snuck out without her permission and spent dinner with him, she would lose her mind. Kaze was not afraid but Leah would have to suffer her mother’s wrath. “It’s getting late. We have to go back.” Leah liked the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. She felt free of restraints while on the premises, but time flew by quickly, leaving her with little time to savor the experience. She wished she could enjoy more moments of peace and quiet while indulging in good food. “Do visit if you have time. We usually open at night only,” Master Fuller said when he noticed the heavy look on the girl’s face. “Great. I’m definitely coming again!” Leah then got up and headed out. Kaze then pulled his wallet out and wanted to pay for the meal. “Mr. Lee, what are you doing here?
Passersby would spare an extra glance at the expensive car but dared not pause to inspect further. The woman in the car looked anxious as she relentlessly tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. Katie was still waiting, hoping to find out who Master Fuller’s guests were. Her patience was thinning by the second. Since she picked up her daughter, everything had gradually slipped out of her control, and she hated the feeling. Back at the restaurant, Master Fuller and his guests were still chatting over delicious dessert. Kaze had a bite and was amazed by the taste. As expected of a national-level chef, his culinary skills could turn the simplest ingredients into the most amazing delicacy. “I thought this was just a normal sweet potato but there’s something else added inside.” After an enjoyable dinner, Leah finally had the chance to taste the final dish—the dessert, which appeared to be an ordinary sweet potato. When she peeled the skin and took a bite, she realized