“Aaron is leagues above Aiden. He became the South River Strategic Department’s chief commander in his early thirties. Still, Aiden holds up on his own among his peers in Westeros.“The Westeros heirs answer to Aiden. He’s one of the leaders of the community. “Aiden must come to some sort of use so that Reiko would be subservient to him.” She, as a woman, felt a natural disgust toward such matters.Snow was resentful of the fact that Reiko plotted to murder her and Kaze. Hence, Snow assumed the worst of Reiko and Aiden’s relationship. By coincidence, Snow was not far off the mark. Kaze read the file and learned more about Aiden. “It appears Aiden is not just an airheaded heir. “He’s not going to stop now if you’re the reason he’s here.“The Ryokanians are using him to get rid of me, but he’s manipulating them to do his bidding too.“The man in the tree is just the appetizer. The Ryokanians are trying to sound us out. Poor thing. He thought he was special. “I think we
Snow was aware of the beef between Kaze and the Tiger’s Cave. Among the four special institutions, only the Viper’s Den thrived in Riverbank. The Tiger’s Cave was not pleased with the situation. Hence, the organization sent Genesis of the Weathers to cover the piece of territory in hopes that her family’s influence would expand the Tiger’s Cave’s connections into the city. All they needed was a big case to solve. To make her mark, Genesis returned to Riverbank and set her sights on Kaze. It was bad enough that the case was a bust, but Genesis got herself killed by Southern Tiger for shooting at two of the Eight Tigers. Consequently, the Tiger’s Cave’s presence could only mean trouble. Sensing Kaze and Snow’s gazes, the young man beamed. “I should introduce myself. I am Reuben Swan, the new commissioner of the Tiger’s Cave South River State Branch.” Despite the modesty in his introduction, the arrogance reflected on his face was for all to see. “Reuben Swan?“The West
“Beep.” Kaze then hung up. “Tsk!” With Kaze ending the call, the people behind Reuben snickered and looked at Kaze in disdain. Kaze sure would not let up on putting up a tough front. The Tiger’s Cave was unlike the local police. Kaze would not be able to shake the Tiger’s Cave off so easily. Snow met Reuben’s gaze and asked, “What is this big case you’re talking about?” Reuben smiled offhandedly at Kaze before putting on a straight face. “Kaze Lee! Snow Frost!” Reuben waved his arm to his people to have the pair surrounded. He narrowed his eyes at the pair and said solemnly, “We received a tip-off that you murdered Hiro Kita while on your way back to the city from Emerald Bull Palace. “Mr. Kita is a newly hired trainer at Refined Blade. The gym has put in a statement with the relevant department. “According to Refined Blade, they will make the matter public to the press if the case isn’t handled fairly. “Your behavior has resulted in a grave situation and has s
Despite talking about an arrest, Reuben appeared to have named them the killers. Snow understood that Reuben was quick to take action against them, likely due to Aiden and Reiko. God knew what would happen once Snow and Kaze were taken away. Reuben smiled at Snow. “But since you’re a member of the Frosts, I can give you proof. “Take him here.” Reuben waved his arm. Patrick, still in a hospital gown, was carried in by the neck. A Tiger’s Cave member dumped him on the floor. With the impact ripping his wounds, Patrick let out a harrowing cry. He quickly looked humiliated. First, the Weathers sold him out, and the Ryokanians tortured him. Now, the Tiger’s Cave members insulted him. It dawned on Patrick that without power and influence, he was left without dignity. Reuben pointed at Patrick. “You must know him. He’s Patrick Weather. He pocketed Refined Blade’s two-billion-dollar shares. Mr. Kita was one of the few who went after Patrick.“Patrick is with you, and M
Even though Kaze was enraged that Snow was hurt, Snow held Kaze from fighting back. Kaze stopped and looked at Reuben grimacingly before uttering icily, “You will soon know what you’re in for.” “What? Are you planning to get even with me?” Reuben took a step ahead with a smirk and looked at Kaze in defiance. His intention could not be clearer. Reuben was trying to rile Kaze up, giving himself a reason to order a hit on Kaze. He could then avenge Genesis. “Come on. I’m standing here. Don’t you want to hurt me?” Reuben took another step forward and gave Snow another slap. As a trained fighter, he was incredibly quick. Snow was just a fragile woman. She did not know what hit her. With a smack, Snow had another mark on her other cheek. Withdrawing his arm, Reuben put his hand close to his nose for a sniff. He then pointed his gun at Kaze and said with a pretentious smile, “What? Too scared to fight back? “If only your hands were as tough as your mouth.“You’re just a c
As Buffy, now the president of Gwake Corporation, carried herself with authority, Reuben had a sinking feeling. “We were once friends, Buffy. Your family and mine go way back, but you have no right to tell me how to do my job.” Reuben was aware of the changes Buffy had gone through. Buffy was not just the president of Gwake Corporation, but she was also the head of the Riverbank Gwakes. The Riverbank Gwakes were extended family to the Westeros Gwakes. Now that Buffy wore the pants in the family, she gained massive support from the main branch. Considering Buffy’s position now, Reuben did not feel superior as the Swan heir and the Tiger’s Cave’s commissioner. Sure, the Swans were highly influential within the Tiger’s Cave.However, Buffy’s family was equally powerful within the Viper’s Den. Jude was not the only member with authority in the Viper’s Den. Though it was not clear why the Westeros Gwakes did not support Jude in the power struggle within the South River Stat
“You have no right to dictate how I and the Tiger’s Cave run things. “Besides, your family may be powerful within the Viper’s Den, but you might find yourself in hot water by interfering in the Tiger’s Cave’s affairs. “Seeing that we were friends before, I won’t pursue you for obstructing justice.“Now, get out of my way!” Reuben waved his arm and said sternly to his subordinates in the back without looking back, “Kaze Lee and Snow Frost aren’t going to be cuffed themselves.” “Click!” The subordinates raised their guns at Kaze and Snow. Another pulled out cuffs. Buffy grimaced and said curtly, “Reuben, are you really going to push this so far without giving me any respect?” Reuben scoffed. “I would need to give you respect when Casius was around, Buffy.“But your man is dead. Why should I give you any now? “If you continue to get in my way, I’ll have you arrested too.“You should know that once you’re taken into the Tiger’s Cave’s custody, you can forget about ever
“Hannah!” Getting on his feet, Reuben rubbed his hot cheek. Reuben looked Hannah dead in the eye and hissed her name. He was filled with rage. “You have gone too far. I am the commissioner of the Tiger’s Cave. How dare you hit—” “Smack!”Hannah cut Reuben off with a slap in the face. “Have I, though? I don’t mind taking things to a whole new level.” Reuben dropped to the ground once more. With Hannah assaulting Reuben, his team would have none of it. Even Snow and Buffy narrowed their eyes at Hannah. Reuben may not be the most influential man, but he was no pushover. However, Hannah was pretty disrespectful to whip Reuben. It was possible that Hannah’s interactions with her posh circle in Westeros had set a precedent.Reuben’s response when he saw Hannah was a good indication. He and his kind revered Hannah. On the other hand, Hannah’s newly acquired power as the South River State Branch chief may have something to do with it. Either way, Hannah did not see
“I reckon that the stone might be important to someone within the Krads.“Aiden volunteered to take care of the business in Riverbank and go up against your wife. He’s not just here to suck up to his chief commander brother but to prove to the Krads that he’s better than the rest of the competition.“If he can gain that somebody’s favor, this can be bigger than his achievements in business.” Everett adopted the requirement analysis. Though Everett had no idea why the Golden Toad was important to the Krads, he understood Aiden’s needs. By grasping an individual’s core requirement, he was able to deduce something that was closer to the truth. “Has Aiden lost his head?” Kaze uttered in confusion, “He could’ve just gotten the thing from you at a better rate. Why is he getting to buy it from an auction?” Everett mentioned that the Golden Toad was worth tens of millions of dollars, but no more than a hundred million dollars. Aiden could have made a private deal with Everett.
“You can take a closer look at our mall’s prized possession.” Marilyn was adorned in a golden ray, giving off an almost saintly vibe. Kaze brought Darcy and Sasha forward for a good look. Encased within the vacuum-sealed glass display was an emerald gemstone the size of a fist.The gemstone was crafted in the shape of a toad, and it was remarkably lifelike. The jewel displayed no visible imperfection to the naked eye. Kaze, Darcy, and Sasha could not tell what was special about the gemstone other than its shape and purity. “What’s the story about this crown jewel?” Kaze asked. Marilyn shook her head. She was unsure why the gemstone was considered a prized possession. Darcy grabbed Sasha’s arm and asked with concern, “What’s the matter, Sasha? Are you unwell?” “I-I feel a burning sensation on my back.” Sasha looked at Kaze in agony. She knew that Kaze had a better understanding of her well-being. Kaze approached Sasha from behind and gently pulled down her back coll
“I’d like to hear from you, Kaze.” Everett was interested in knowing what Kaze was after. Kaze glanced around the mall, and a thought came to him. “You know what. You have quite a nice antique collection in Marlboro, Gem City. How about that in exchange for your son’s life?” Everett felt his heart sinking. Even with Duncan’s life at stake, he could not stop the fury from building. “You’re asking for too much, Lee!” Gem City? Gem City was worth ten billion dollars at the very least. Kaze had the audacity to ask for Marlboro. “Mr. Techman, please mind your attitude.” Kaze said indifferently, “You panicked when I talked about Marlboro. I guess your son’s life doesn’t compare to Gem City. “I didn’t think you’d choose assets over family, Mr. Techman.”Everett ignored Kaze’s taunting. Once his head cooled down, Everett figured that Kaze raised the stakes just to stay in the bargaining game. That was why Kaze rejected his first two proposals. Everett believed that Kaze w
Everett was skeptical that Kaze would kill Duncan in broad daylight. As an underworld kingpin, Everett understood that Kaze had ways to make Duncan pay. After much contemplation, Everett said, “Here’s the thing, Kaze. I’ll pay you 20 million dollars for the trouble today and yesterday.” “20 million dollars? Are you kidding me, Mr. Techman?” Kaze glanced at Darcy before walking a short distance away with the phone in hand. He said emotionlessly, “Since you’re helping Aiden to go against me, you should know that he wants my wife out of the competition. He established some billion-dollar barrier to stop her.“You might not be aware but Jiro Sakamoto, a Ryokanian of the Refined Blade, died yesterday, and Reiko of the same organization gave me a villa worth hundreds of millions of dollars right away. “If you think that your son’s life is worth 20 million dollars, I can pay you that money and kill him.” Everett was lost for words. He quickly picked up on the message Kaze had s
“What do you want?” The call quickly connected, and Everett’s annoyed voice came on. Everett never had the patience for his airhead of a son. Due to Duncan’s recent involvement with Kaze, Everett was humiliated, and he still had not let things go. Duncan looked at Kaze, and the latter took the phone and said indifferently, “How are you, Mr. Techman?” “Who are you? Wait, Kaze?” On the other end of the line, Everett was flustered. However, his experience dealing with challenges anchored him down, and he said curtly, “Why do you have Duncan’s phone, Kaze?” “You should ask your son what he did.” Kaze took the phone away from his ear and gestured for Duncan to talk. “Dad, this is on me…” Duncan sobbingly recounted the whole thing. “Bastard!” Everett blew up. “Why did you get involved? Didn’t you learn your lesson?” Everett came down hard on Duncan. However, Kaze frustratedly interrupted them. “That’s enough, Mr. Techman. Don’t play dumb.“I don’t care if you kne
“What are you doing?” Marilyn rose to her feet and shouted in a panic. “Are you trying to get yourself killed, boy?” Duncan’s security team charged ahead. They were newly hired, so they had not met Kaze before. Kaze had crippled the prior security team. “Stay away!” Duncan shouted to stop his bodyguards. Lying on the floor, he looked at Kaze and said with a sad face, “What are you doing, Kaze? I didn’t upset you today.” “Thud!” Kaze kicked him. “Did you not? Is that why you set Sasha up? “You have some nerve.” Darcy witnessed Kaze’s violence without a word. She believed Duncan deserved it after what he did. Duncan shivered. He knew that Kaze had seen through his plans, and there was nothing he could do or say to get himself out of the mess. Kaze drew close and put his foot on Duncan’s chest. He asked curtly, “Am I doubting your integrity?”“N-No.” Duncan stammered, “I have no integrity. I’m a scumbag. I’m a nobody in your presence.” “Can I call Marlboro
Despite Duncan’s sad state, no one dared to look down on him. Duncan’s family owned Marlboro after all. However, the crowd was curious as to how Duncan got himself all beat up. Who would lay a finger on Duncan in all of Riverbank anyway? “How are you feeling, Mr. Techman?” Marilyn greeted Duncan with a smile and sucked up to him. “Cut the crap!” Duncan waved his hand annoyedly. “Where’s Sasha?” “She’s there.” Following the direction of Marilyn’s pointed finger, Duncan quickly saw Darcy standing with Sasha. Darcy’s beauty took Duncan’s breath away. However, the only thing on his mind was revenge now. Duncan immediately turned to Sasha. “Do you still remember me, Ms. Spoon?” Sasha looked at Duncan in surprise. “Oh, it’s you, Mr. Techman.” “Heh. That’s right.”Sasha was all Duncan focused on. He laughed cryptically. “I’m only in this state because of you, Ms. Spoon. “Who’s the guy who has your back? Get his ass here!” Duncan was eager to ruin Sasha and get
“Mr. Techman’s family runs Marlboro. He’s only helping Ms. Spoon because he took pity on her. “Besides, it won’t reflect well on the business if we don’t sort things out. “Mr. Techman doesn’t mind the money, so Ms. Spoon can take her time in paying him back. “Ms. Spoon has the look and attitude to work in sales at Marlboro after she finishes school too. “Of course, we offer a good salary too.” Marilyn turned to Sasha. “Ms. Spoon, you can write the IOU now. You’re lucky that Mr. Techman took notice of the situation. “Mr. Techman doesn’t usually have time to care about these matters.” Sasha looked at Marilyn and said shyly, “I’ll only follow Kaze’s lead.” Marilyn grimaced, and her gaze fell on Kaze. “What do you want to do about this, Mr. Lee? “Normally, Mr. Techman won’t bother with these trivial matters.” Kaze looked hesitant. “Why don’t you call Mr. Techman here, so we can talk face-to-face?“I just don’t feel comfortable unless that happens.” Marilyn put on a s
“I’m sure a big man like Mr. Techman won’t expect us to cover our losses.” Marilyn took out her phone to make a call. She then said, “I’ve asked Mr. Techman. He said that though Ms. Spoon caused the vase to fall, you are partly responsible for not taking safety precautions. “The responsibility should be shared, and Ms. Spoon only has to pay a million and five hundred thousand dollars.“How does that sound?” Chloe looked reluctant. “Huh? Just a million and a half? We’re taking half the loss.” “What? Doesn’t Mr. Techman’s words mean anything to you?” Marilyn pulled a long face. Chloe shuddered and said with a nod, “Of course. A million and a half, it is. I expect cash.” Marilyn turned to Kaze. “You heard it, Mr. Lee. They have dropped the price to half because of Mr. Techman.” “Huh? It’s still a million and a half. I don’t think we can afford it.” Kaze looked distressed. “Can’t Mr. Techman be so kind and let us off the hook from paying? I’ll be eternally grateful.” D