“Jet acquired power through the Frosts, but he’s nothing if I take his place.” Snow’s reply reflected her decision. She had been reluctant to lead the family to be by Kaze’s side. However, her mother’s life was at stake now. Snow did not deserve her mother if she continued to run away from her family. Nile laughed out loud. “You’re just a woman. You can’t take over the family.” Nile chuckled in disdain. “You’re too dumb to believe anyway. Don’t forget that it takes leadership and connections to succeed in a family. “I have both qualities. What does Jet have over me?” Snow’s confidence stemmed from Kaze. With Kaze’s help, she could get anything. “So what? You’re just a woman. It’s only a matter of time before you marry off somewhere. Your family will abandon you either way.” Nile was still on Jet’s side. Rumor had it that Nile and Jet were business partners. It seemed like Nile’s loyalty lay in Jet. However, their friendship would not be the same again. Somethi
“I think Jet is calling the shots in the family now. Does this mean that May is dropped? The Bishops aren’t going to be too happy about this.” “Things can get complicated with these families. It’s just getting rid of one enemy for them.” “I didn’t expect drama at the institution. I better call someone up to give them the news.” An opportunity arose amid the chaos. Kaze was pleased with the outcome, but things were not looking up for Nile. “This is your plan. You caused a scene to attract everybody’s attention.” While Nile grilled Kaze, many whipped out their phones to take a video. Nile tried to stop them, but it was too late. Snow picked her mother up with a struggle and tried to leave. The moment was captured, but at least the public could see how devoted Snow was to her mother. “Things are messy at the Frosts. You have some kid trying to overturn the leader.”“Jet seems close to Serenity 37’s Nile.” “Jet was once one of the Riverbank Seven. Being an elite, he
Snow kicked herself for not being there for her mother when it mattered. “Alright. Let’s head back.” Kaze glanced back at Serenity 37.Things were chaotic there, but business would run as usual soon enough. Serenity 37 could just adopt a slight change in the rules, and the patients would swarm the place. Though Nile had upset Jet, giving up some resources would tide him over. Kaze’s mood turned sour. A man stood by a silver sedan, his expression devastated and helpless. In some ways, the man had made his choice. This was the reality of the average person. Their lives would be in safe hands, but they could stand to lose more. Without the power to change things, they had to adhere to the rules. As the car drove away, Kaze stopped thinking about the matter. Kaze could help the man, but his assistance would only fuel the vicious cycle. Faced with accusations, Nile fled back to his office. Back in the office, Nile ordered his people to kick the troublemakers out.
Though Jet was filled with rage, the only thing he could do was suck it up. After a good chew-out from Jet, Nile gave an account of the incident. Nile felt like he was the victim. Still, he had to answer to Jet. Kaze and Snow settled May in bed and hired an experienced carer to look after her. After what happened, Snow would not leave her mother out of her sight. She stayed by her side. Kaze requested some ingredients and created an antidote for May based on Venom’s recipe. “This should do it.” Kaze watched as the medicine was injected into the drip. May should feel better once the drug was flushed out of her system. She would still feel fatigued in the first few days, though. It would take time before she made a full recovery. “Thank you, Chairman Lee.” Snow looked at Kaze through her teary eyes, feeling nothing but gratitude. “I don’t want to hear this from you. Of course, I’m going to help when you’re in trouble.” Kaze gave Snow a look of assurance. “What d
“This happened because Jet harmed your mother, but things are looking up. You are with your mother now. Only good things will come now,” Kaze said composedly. The smile on his face showed that Kaze was in a good mood. “You’re right, Chairman Lee. It’s not my fault. I shouldn’t blame myself.” Snow felt bad at first, but Kaze’s assurance pointed her in the right direction. “Are you planning to head there alone, Chairman Lee? Should I make sure you have backup? “Buffy is more than happy to go with you, but she’s not involved in the matter whatsoever. Maybe it’s best that she doesn’t get sucked into this.” Snow wanted to find Kaze a companion, but no one seemed to be ideal. She would make the best companion, but she needed to be with her mother. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll sort it out.” Kaze glanced at May, and the latter seemed to be in better spirits. Still, May needed time to regain consciousness. “Stay here and look after your mother. Call me if you need anything. I
Kaze remembered the guy. The middle-aged man wore a dark brown shirt. He looked dejected and sad. However, he looked at Kaze as if he was his last hope. The middle-aged man took a brisk walk and tried to grab Kaze’s hands. “Who are you? I don’t know you.” Kaze backed away warily. “You don’t know me, but I’ve seen the things you did.” The man’s eyes lit up as if he had witnessed something unbelievable. “You asked about me outside Serenity 37. I found out later that you were there on a rescue mission,” the man said excitedly and made himself known. Kaze recalled who he was. The dejected man was torn, unable to choose between his wife and kid. “What can I do for you?” Despite knowing his intention, Kaze might not be able to help. “I don’t know who you are, but I know you managed to get a patient out of Serenity 37. I need a favor. Can you bring my wife and kid back to me?” Clark looked at Kaze earnestly, his eyes pleading. Even though the man had no idea who Kaze was
“We are desperate. Otherwise, we won’t come to you for help.”Cornered, Clark had to resort to desperate measures. He did not want to beg others on his knees, but he had to swallow his pride for the sake of his family. Feeling sorry, Kaze sighed and helped the dejected man up. “What’s the situation? Tell me.” Kaze could offer help, but he needed an idea of the situation. Clark saw hope. Just when Clark thought he would hit a deadline, Kaze gave him hope. “My child is hurt. He needed urgent care, so we headed to Serenity 37.” Clark gave the full story. Despite being aware of Serenity 37’s rules, the family took their chances. Upon arrival at Serenity 37, the family of the patient must get a blood test to determine whether they were a match for organ donation. If they were matched with a patient, the family member must donate their organs.Clark and his wife understood the point. However, there was a chance that they would not need to donate their organs. It was all
“I have a tiny business with a turnover of a million bucks a year. You can take over the business. “I have a house and two commercial properties, but the title deeds are under my wife’s name. Once she’s out of the hospital, I can transfer the deeds to your name.” At this point, Clark was willing to give up all his assets in exchange for his family’s health. “You are considerably well-off, and your business is making a profit. I’m sure you can afford the hospital bill. Why are you giving up your assets to me?” Kaze thought it was strange. Surely, the expenses at Serenity 37 were not more than the family could afford. “There’s no talking to the management at Serenity 37. My child’s hospital bill is 50 million dollars, and all my family’s combined assets are not enough to cover the expenses. I wanted to pay in installments, but that’s not an option.“The institution expects my wife to donate a kidney to get free surgery for my kid, and only then, my wife and kid will be allowed
Aloysius looked at the business venture at hand with a mix of emotions. Jet was supposed to make a comeback with the project, but the defeat was a huge slap to his face. “Can I ask whether Kaze was behind this?” Aloysius braced himself to ask the question. Even though Aloysius had an inkling, he feared receiving confirmation of his suspicion. “Chairman Lee helped me. If Jet hadn’t hurt my mother, I wouldn’t have rushed back to take his place. “He did this to himself,” Snow said blatantly. “How did you know about the island project? We have been discreet about it.” Aloysius was eager to find out. The question would burn on his mind unless he got some answers. “You can’t keep anything from the Viper’s Den, but this is the end of the matter. If you’re interested in the project, I can put you in charge of it.” Snow could not be bothered to explain herself. Aloysius played it smart. He had been carrying out Snow’s orders without a hitch. Snow was happy to honor her prom
“Tell them that the company is expecting funding, and all the projects will be launched in a few days. Everything will be back on track. It’s a good thing that the higher management is gone. We will be opening the positions for internal employees to apply.” Snow got the right solution to handle the situation. She had to give these employees hope to gain their dedication in return. Aloysius was surprised. “Who would pour money in when our finances are in a mess?” Having worked with Jet, Aloysius had a good understanding of the company’s ins and outs. Several business ventures were up in the air, and the company was bleeding money. Even with a relaunch, these projects would not bring in much of a profit. Most importantly, the relaunch had to be backed up by some funding. The business got a loan from the Viper’s Den. If payment was not made in time, the company’s shares would be used to make up for the loss. The whole thing spelled trouble. Snow just joined the company.
“This is the financial report you submitted today. Any intern can do a better job than you.” Snow mocked Jack. She was disappointed in his performance. A finance director who could not even get his basics right should not be working in finance in the first place. “Who do you think you are, doing this to us?” The others are only out to save their own asses. They did not sympathize with Jack. “I’m sure you are well aware of what you have done.” “You’re on your phone all day at work. You put your daily expenses on the company card, and we’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars a month. You only bought stuff for your personal use. “Let’s not forget about you. Your so-called business trips are to take your mistress out for expensive hotel stays and vacations.” Snow looked at each one of them while detailing their deeds. She shamed them in public, utterly humiliating them. “Why were these allowed before? Why are you stopping these practices now? If you can change
“No, Ms. Frost. I can do it,” Aloysius said right away. He did not want to miss out on a good opportunity. “I gave you a chance. It’s up to you to seize it.” Snow looked at them with a smile. “I’ll get right to it, Ms. Frost.” The HR manager nodded and took off. He had to prepare the paperwork. Those in upper management were on a higher pay grade with a cut of the shares. Following a termination, the HR manager had to calculate the final pay. There had to be a valid reason for the discharge from duties too. Though things were a little complicated, the HR manager was experienced in this aspect. The only issue was that the staff involved were not the low-ranking employees. They held high positions. Despite his unrest, Aloysius did not wear his heart on his sleeve. He had a good read of the situation. Snow was impartial in carrying out business. Those who contributed to the company would stay while the ones who bled the business dry would be sacked. Anyone would p
Sure enough, the mean would gather around the individual at their fall from grace. It was sad to grasp this reality. “I promise you to have everything in order. Don’t worry. You will get a nice promotion.” Snow knew when to give her employee encouragement. Only then would Aloysius feel motivated to work. Aloysius departed in dejection, but Snow did not mind it at all. He served the wrong person. Snow took on the leadership role the same day Jet left. Since she assumed the responsibilities without much experience, the employees did not take her seriously. The people doing the grunt work felt nothing toward the change of leadership. The upper management may experience shifts, but they were still obliged to finish their usual tasks. The only thing they hoped for was to be paid more for their overtime. Following the change of leadership, some leaders may receive a promotion or be transferred out. The employees at the bottom of the pyramid wondered if they could compet
Despite her unease, Snow trusted that Jet would not have the chance to hurt her. Hence, she put the matter aside. The dynamic shift within the Frosts caught the eye of elite families across the business world. They kicked Jet while he was down. Some even tried to get a piece of the pie. However, most of them stayed on the sidelines, observing. A fallen giant was still a giant. Even if these families were greedy, they had to assess the situation before moving in. These businesspeople were skeptical about Snow taking Jet’s place. They did not know what Snow was made of. Consequently, they tried to approach her. Snow had been kept busy in the office, dealing with the problems left behind by Jet. She worked late into the night every day. While being buried deep in paperwork, Snow refused to meet anyone. She had lived in Butterworth before, so she had peers from school and friends around. Snow’s sudden return caught many off guard. Everyone wanted to get close to he
If Jet had detected the problems early on, he could have prevented things from escalating. Yet now, everything was too late. Jet did not regret his actions, though. “Just sign this, Jet. At this rate, the shares will drop beyond the point of redemption,” Talon said. The Frosts were terrified at the stock market’s dropping numbers. They did not have time to lose. “I will sign the papers. I lost.” Jet did not want to give in just yet. However, he had to comply with the family elders’ pleas. Snow was relieved. The contract was quickly drawn up, and Jet signed the papers to give up the proprietorship. “Relax. I won’t do you wrong.” Snow made a promise. At least, Jet would still have a home to go back to. “Don’t get too cocky. I didn’t lose to you. I lost to Kaze.” Jet knew that he would face much resistance if his rival were Snow. It was a shame that he was up against Kaze, a strong and mysterious man. “Just sign the papers. I will take over the family empire, and
“Don’t project your filth on everyone else.” Snow was angry, but she knew that she had to keep her head cool. By jumping straight to defense mode, Snow would give others the wrong idea. She had been there before. Kaze sat still without a word. He furrowed his brows in annoyance when Jet painted his relationship with Snow dirty. “I’m not here for the drama.” Kaze looked at Talon. The senior members of the Frosts should back down before Kaze did something about it. “Who do you think you are? This is a family meeting. Why are you getting involved?“If you are unrelated to Snow, you shouldn’t be here in the first place.” Jet took out his anger on Kaze. Kaze was not part of the family anyway, so Jet did not have to consider his feelings. “Watch yourself, Jet. He’s a visitor.” Talon was smart enough to read the room. Despite the air of mystery shrouding Kaze, he managed to screw with most of Jet’s business ventures. The Frosts stood to lose more by crossing Kaze. Ta
Following Snow’s lead, Kaze entered a big conference room. The centerpiece of the conference room was a long, solid wood table, drawing out an air of solemnity. Various notable and valuable paintings hung on the wall. The expansive floor-to-ceiling window brought light into the room. Sunlight bounced off the window that displayed a picturesque view outside. “There you are.” Jet had been waiting. With the pair slowly making their way in, Jet could not hide the rage in his eyes. “Long time no see, Jet,” Snow greeted him and pulled a chair for Kaze. “It’ll take a bit of time, Chairman Lee. The senior members of my family are on their way.” Snow contacted the family elders while getting to the venue. Jet had not produced much results lately, and the Frosts were utterly humiliated. Since Jet would soon be replaced, the senior members of the family wanted to be kept in the loop. These family members had their own ideas. However, they would be happy to appoint the lea