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
Hannah intimidated Reuben. Reuben would not stand a chance against Hannah if she were to go for the kill. He could not even dodge her attacks. The way she disposed of Reuben’s subordinates suggested that she held a dozen gunmen in utter contempt.Fear washed over Reuben. He was baffled too. Reuben did not believe that his insult toward Kaze and assault on Snow warranted Hannah’s revenge. Hannah could not possibly kill him without worrying about the Tiger’s Cave’s retaliation. To Reuben, Kaze was just a loser who hid behind women’s backs. There was something more to the loser, though, because three women stood by him. Still, Hannah made no explanation. She believed that Reuben did not deserve to know who Kaze was. “Hannah, the boy killed our ally from Ryokan. Are you sure you want to bail him out when this is possibly going to be a huge diplomatic dispute?” Reuben pointed at Kaze and said grimacingly to Hannah, “I doubt you can handle the weight of the situation.”
Hannah’s aggression only made Reuben grimace harder. He looked Hannah dead in the eye and hissed through clenched teeth. “So you’re determined to stand by Kaze Lee?” “Let me correct you there again. I am not qualified to protect Kaze.” Hannah said in a flat but firm tone, “As I said, I don’t care who from your organization gets in my way. No one can take Kaze away, not on my watch.” Reuben’s gaze fell on Kaze. If he heard it right, Hannah said that Kaze was one of the Viper’s Den. Yet, Hannah mentioned that she was not qualified to protect Kaze. Did Kaze hold a higher position than Hannah in the Viper’s Den? It was impossible. There was no way. Kaze was a guy who had to take his wife’s family name. He could not possibly earn a high-ranking position. Reuben believed that Kaze had the support of someone more powerful than Hannah within the organization. Who could it be? Hannah was the branch chief, so the individual had to be a deputy leader or branch leader to
The ward was a scene of utter chaos with screams of the injured. Reuben thought that Kaze’s assault gave him an opportunity to kill, but before he could point his gun, he was knocked off his feet. The slap came on too fast and strong, throwing Reuben into a daze. Not realizing that he dropped his weapon, Reuben held his cheek and wobbled to his feet. He fixated on Kaze, feeling enraged and humiliated. “How dare you, Lee! You’re asking for it!“Don’t just stand there! Get him! Arrest the bastard. Shoot him if he resists arrest!” Reuben stamped his foot and yelled. He blew his top. It was bad enough that Hannah slapped him in public. However, Kaze did the same to him too. Kaze had some nerves. He was a loser who took his wife’s family name. Yet, Kaze had the cheek to attack him. Reuben’s ego would not allow it. He would never live it down if word ever got out. Reuben’s shouting came to an abrupt halt. There was no response from his people. Some Tiger’s Cave
“Is that a threat to me?” Kaze shook his head and laughed. “It seems that this needs to end today.” “How are you going to do that?” Reuben smirked and said in disdain, “Just because Hannah has your back, it doesn’t mean you can disrespect me, Lee. “My job with the Tiger’s Cave aside, my family prestige can shut you down. “You are not worth my time.” Reuben looked at Kaze in contempt. His privileged upbringing and social standing gave him a sense of entitlement over Kaze. “Oh, really?” Kaze said indifferently, “If I remember correctly, you belong to the Westeros Swans. Are you that confident with your upbringing?” “Confident?” Reuben shook his head. “No, no. My upbringing doesn’t hold a candle to the real heirs because everybody is the same. “You’re just a loser who lives off your wife. All I have to do is drop a name and many will come crawling to do my dirty work and crush you like a bug.“Don’t take this as a threat. I’m just stating a fact.“From birth, it’
The other three experts of the Quints scoffed as they stared at Darcy. Darcy might be more beautiful than them but she would have to lose one of her legs. A beautiful cripple would be an interesting scene for them to enjoy. “What?! One of Darcy’s legs?!” Hector and Agnes were shocked by Dark’s words. Sky stepped up to express his dissatisfaction, saying, “What did Darcy do wrong? Why are you people punishing her? “Even if Darcy did something wrong, breaking one of her legs is too much! Are you people savages? How can you set up such an inhuman punishment in the family—” “Slap!” Before he could finish, Dark darted forward and slapped Sky in the face. “Ignorant boy! Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? Are you deaf? I have already announced Darcy Quint’s punishment! Do you not understand English? “Savage? Who are you calling savage? As the branch head of the Quints, Darcy colluded with outsiders to harm the head of the family. Breaking one of her legs i
The group of five strode into the living room. Looking at Dark, who exuded the same ominous aura as her daughter, Shadow, Agnes, who had been advising Kaze on how to negotiate with Phoenix, shuddered and shrank back in fear. The anger on her face was quickly replaced by a timid and flattering smile. “Madam Dark? What brings you here? Welcome to our humble abode!” Dark served Phoenix, so every member of the Quints in the South River State showed her the same respect as the elder of the family. After showing a flattering smile at Dark, Agnes turned around to her husband with furrowed brows and bellowed, “Hector, what are you doing there? Go prepare tea for our guests! “Madam Dark basically grew up with Madam Quint, they are as close as sisters! If we don’t serve her properly, we might not be able to make a stand in Riverbank anymore!” She then turned back to Dark and said respectfully, “Madam Dark, ladies, this way, please. Have a seat and we’ll prepare the best tea we have
“You’re finally getting brighter,” Hector said with a soft sigh. When Darcy became the branch head of the Quints, Agnes was the happiest because she thought the family had hit the jackpot. She foolishly thought her family’s status would surge, which fueled her arrogance along the way. Now, after what had happened, she finally woke up and saw the truth. “What else do you know other than mocking me in my face?” Agnes glared at her husband. Hector said helplessly, “I just want you to see things clearer and if your demands are too much, Madam Phoenix might not agree to them. She might even forfeit the negotiation. “After all, Sky Ocean Corporation belongs to Darcy and it’s her blood and sweat, not Madam Quint’s. So, even if the company goes bankrupt, she has nothing to lose.” Agnes pondered for a moment and realized her husband’s words made sense. Fear caught up to her immediately. She quickly said, “Kaze, then let’s not make so many demands. Let’s just appoint Darcy as the
Though it was infuriating that Kaze cost Darcy her job at Sky Ocean Corporation, Hector was willing to give Kaze another chance for some reason. He was curious whether Kaze was telling the truth. Hector had been taking the calls since yesterday while keeping Agnes out of the loop. “Kaze was right.” Hector looked at Kaze with a mix of emotions, and there was one thing he did not understand. “I just don’t get how he got Perfect World Group and Mayor Synder to follow through with his instructions.” It was a debt and project worth tens of billions.Even if Kaze had ties to Perfect World Group and Kent, it was a big personal favor to ask. Hector could not figure it out. Agnes’ jaw opened, and she glanced at Kaze before tugging at him. “Have a seat, Kaze. Have you had breakfast? Come. Do you want milk with your cereal?” She was always quick to adapt to the situation. Her attitude toward Kaze took a 180 turn. Agnes was not one to reflect on herself. She did not care what Ka
Phoenix uttered indignantly, “That’s fresh coming from Kent. “Didn’t you tell them that you were there on my behalf?“I’m a senior member of the Ridgesouth Quints. Can’t they just hand the rights to use the land to us?” Dark said resentfully, “According to the Riverbank council, they only answer to Darcy, not the Ridgesouth Quints.” “Oh, brilliant. Just brilliant.” Phoenix smirked furiously. “Kent has no respect for me. The Westeros Synders will pay for this!“What’s the situation like in Lilyrose? What does Perfect World Group have to say about this? Don’t tell me only Darcy can handle the business deals?” Dark grimaced hard. “Ma’am, when I said that I was representing you, I wasn’t even allowed into the premises.” …Humiliated, Phoenix froze. As tension rose, Phoenix jolted to her feet exasperatedly and slammed the table. “That’s pushing it!” With Phoenix seething in rage, some family members had ideas of their own. Phoenix had been acting high and mighty, looki
“The family of ingrates!“They have some nerve to threaten and manipulate me.”Phoenix was livid. She, a senior member of the Ridgesouth Quints, had always been superior and the center of attention. No one would defy her. Phoenix believed Hector’s family would not rebel against her. However, Kaze and Darcy had been nothing but a menace since her arrival in Riverbank. Kaze even put her behind bars for a few hours. Phoenix had never been so humiliated. She had had enough. The other family members in the South River State kept to themselves, not wanting to be at the firing end. Phoenix had dragged two family members out to the corridor to punish them for saying something she did not like. They could still hear the echoes of the slapping sound. Anxiety washed over the ward. Joan and her family were desperate. With Phoenix’s help, Joan finally seized Sky Ocean Corporation for her own, only to be blindsided by Perfect World Group and the Riverbank council. The corpora
Robin fell into contemplation before uttering, “I know what to do. “Bring me Ms. Delmore’s trusty sword.” A member retrieved Hannah’s sword and handed it to her respectfully. “Come on.” Kaze turned on his heel and left River Watcher Inn together with Hannah and Collier. As Kaze disappeared from the building, Robin sighed. “I didn’t expect the Chief to appoint a moocher to be the branch leader.” Robin knew that the revelation of Kaze’s identity would be a total shocker. Kaze took Hannah and Collier to Herbal Spring and wrote them a prescription. Hannah suffered internal injuries from Robin’s attack, and Collier sustained mental trauma from Robin’s music. Though the injuries were not serious, they were not in the best shape. Recovery would take time. Medicine could only do so much. While waiting for the medicine, Collier glanced at his phone and said, “The story is out, Kaze. Siberian attempted to kill Robin, and the Roads died protecting him.“There is nothing abou
Kaze smiled pretentiously. “Are you still trying to recruit me, Chief Hill?”Robin hung his head low in shame and replied, “I wouldn’t dare.” It finally dawned on him why Kaze would not accept his offer. Kaze even kept things hush-hush to spare him the embarrassment. However, Robin mistook Kaze’s intention as arrogance. It was true. Robin was unfit to engage in a fight with Kaze. Kaze was more powerful in strength and rank. “Rise,” Kaze uttered indifferently, not putting the blame on Robin. Robin was taken aback, but he quickly responded, “Thank you for overlooking my mistakes.” He rose to his feet. The members of the execution hall stayed in position, their faces pale. They were scared. Just minutes ago, they taunted and mocked Kaze. They had insulted the branch leader. If only there was a hole in the ground they could sink into. “Slap yourselves ten times before you can get up.” Kaze directed the comment at the execution hall members. He pointed at the
Silence filled the air on the ninth floor of River Watcher Inn. Robin stood frozen, his discolored face carrying a look of shock. The clamoring members of the execution hall looked at Kaze with their jaws dropped too. They did not see how Kaze did it. However, they picked up on the vanishing flicker. Robin’s reaction was all the answer they needed. Kaze delivered a blow when Robin attacked. Kaze clearly deterred Robin from launching another attack. Um… It was impossible. The outcome left emotions running high. While Robin killed Siberian with ease, he was no match for Kaze. Robin looked Kaze dead in the eye, his eyes unreadable. He felt that he was a tiny step away from death when Kaze struck him. It had been many years since Robin was consumed by that feeling. Robin knew from experience what it meant. Kaze could kill him if he wanted to. Robin would end up lifeless just like Siberian. Robin cocked his head back stiffly and glanced at the dagger that sank