Kaze could tell that Kiev had a crush on Darcy. Still, he said nothing. His wife was exceptional, so it was only natural she would have many suitors. Kiev would not be the first or the last. Kaze could not possibly shoo each and every rival away. He would not resort to violence unless dirty tactics were involved like in Henry’s and Eliot’s case. Kaze would not be distressed over Kiev. Kiev was not a cause for concern to him. “I brought you a little something, Hector and Agnes.” Kiev carried a few bags over. Agnes waved her arms. “Oh, you shouldn’t have.” They were aware of Kiev’s feelings for Darcy. However, Darcy was already married to Kaze. Kiev might be an outstanding man, but he and their daughter were not meant to be. Hector and Agnes could not possibly accept his gifts. Noticing their reservations, Kiev smiled. “The gifts are nothing big or expensive. Don’t think too much about it. It’s common courtesy to present gifts as we are meeting for the first tim
The moment the box was opened, the item inside drew everybody’s attention. A pink rose blossomed in Kiev’s hand, unleashing an eye-catching pink sparkle. The object everyone saw was not a real rose but a diamond.The diamond’s natural pink glow was further enhanced by its exceptional cut, making it even more vibrant and dazzling.That was the reason why everybody mistook it for a pink rose at first glance. The women in the private lounge were mesmerized by the diamond. It was a beautiful rock, and diamonds were women’s best friend. “Rose, what’s the pink rose?” Agatha asked her daughter excitedly. Rose replied with a thrill, “That’s the name of the diamond necklace. A female celebrity lost the bid to get the Pink Rose at an auction a few days ago, and the incident went viral online.“Sources said that the Pink Rose was sold to a mysterious young and rich man for 10 million dollars. I can’t believe the man was you, Kiev.” Everybody looked at Kiev in surprise. Kiev spen
Poof!It sounded like something blew up in Kaze’s hand. Kaze opened his palm. The 10-carat pink diamond was shattered into shards. As Kaze spread his fingers apart, the remnants of the diamond sprinkled on the ground. Everybody in the room stared at Kaze in horror. Did he just crush a diamond with his bare hand? How did he do it? A diamond was the toughest known rock in the world. That was an impossible feat. Unless the diamond was a fake as Kaze said. Kiev was speechless. He stared at Kaze without a word. He knew better than anybody about the authenticity of the Pink Rose. The Pink Rose’s certificate of authenticity was kept in his home, so the necklace could not have possibly been a knockoff. However, Kaze had crushed the Pink Rose. Even if the diamond was real, others would assume it was a fake now. Anyone else would have gone ballistic by now but not Kiev. Keeping his cool, Kiev told Kaze with a smile, “It was my oversight. I was captivated by the fake Pink
Rose had a closer look. She bolted up from the chair and reacted stronger than when she saw the Pink Rose. “Oh my god! Is that the Goddess’ Heart?!” “Rose, is it something famous?” Agatha was intrigued by her daughter’s strong reaction. “The Goddess’ Heart was on display at a massive exhibition at Sunrise City and it has already attracted a lot of attention. Everyone was amazed by its beauty. “The designer is the world-famous Master Greta De Fontaine. She called this her masterpiece and can never replicate another one. “After that, the Goddess’ Heart hasn’t shown itself anymore. Some said the chairwoman of Sixth Eye Jewelry Group, the Queen of Jewelry, Jasmine Sundar, has it in her collection and no matter how much people offer her, she’s not selling it.” Rose was thrilled. Her voice sharpened and even started to blabber nonsense. “Don’t tell me it’s on Darcy’s neck now!” Her voice surprised everyone in the room and they all turned to Kaze. A diamond necklace of tens
Kaze was rendered speechless. His silly wife denied his identity as Perfect World Group’s chairman, but he did not correct her. He did not care about what other people thought of him, only Darcy’s feelings mattered. She could think whatever she wanted. Besides, the identity of Perfect World Group’s chairman did not affect their relationship. Darcy never looked down on him before. Her explanation sparked speculation. Psychiatric ward? Mental disability? Kiev looked at Kaze strangely. “Aunt Agnes, what is this about? Kaze was in the psychiatric ward?” “Kaze got into some conflict with his family and got locked up there for a few years. He’s fine but everyone in the city thought he had a mental disability. People still laugh at us now.” Now that Kaze had a promising future, Agnes was proud of him and she was no longer embarrassed to tell others about his past. Unlike before, she would be silenced and embarrassed whenever people asked about her son-in-law. She giggled a
Behind Miru was a group of men, all looking ferocious. Their bulging muscles were an obvious sign that they were experts in fighting. They all glared at Kaze the moment they barged into the room. Tension rose as they stared at each other. Darcy and the others felt pressured that they had a hard time breathing. “What? What are you talking about? Kaze killed your godfather? The chairman of Lefteria Group, Alan Cummingham?” Darcy blurted out instinctively. Kaze murdered Alan? Impossible. He was not capable of killing someone. The others exchanged a baffled look. Slam! Miru slammed some pictures on the table. Darcy went through the pictures briefly but still could not understand. “These pictures are the footage from the surveillance cameras of Lefteria Building.” Miru continued, “Around 10.30 in the morning, Kaze led the security guards on a routine security check around the building. Halfway through the security check, Kaze went into my godfather’s private office
Everyone in the room stared at Kaze, including Darcy. “Kaze, tell me, why did you run? Did you see something?” “I didn’t go into Alan Cummingham’s office. I saw nothing.” Kaze shook his head. He added, “I received your text and I was running to Clover Center to save you.” Miru glared at Kaze. “Text? Darcy, are you in danger or is he lying?” “I didn’t text Kaze, but if he received the text, that means someone is trying to prank him,” Darcy said. Her eyes remained glued to Kaze. “So, it’s his own words?” Miru tried really hard not to swing the machete at Kaze’s neck. Darcy did not answer this time. She did not know if she should continue to trust Kaze. Kaze noticed Darcy’s hesitation. He said, “Darcy, believe me. I didn’t do it.” “Excuses!” Miru shouted. She tossed another stack of pictures in Kaze’s face. The pictures showed him and Angel sitting together. Miru bellowed, “These pictures are from Leo. The man in the picture is Angel White, Cronus’ man, is it? He c
Don then ordered his men to take Kaze away, but Miru and her men stopped them. “What are you doing?!” the officers shouted at them. Miru’s men were ferocious gangsters who roamed in the underworld. They were not afraid of mere police officers. They stood in the way of the officers. “Ms. Scarlet, what is the meaning of this?” Don looked at Miru grimly. “Chief Braders, we are taking this man back to Lefteria Group and we will punish him for what he did,” Miru said coldly. Don grunted. “Ms. Scarlet, don’t get this wrong. This is a law-enforced society, you are not allowed to hurt others in private. Since we have already filed the case, the police must be involved.” He raised his hand. All the police officers pulled their guns out and pointed at Miru’s men. Miru’s men were deterred. Miru took a deep breath and glared at Kaze coldly. “Let’s go!” She left without pause, ignoring Darcy’s guilty and apologetic gaze. After Miru and her men left, Kaze was also taken away
“Just tell me what you need, Arthur. You wouldn’t be calling unless you have received orders.” Philip was surprised to get a call from Arthur. Though they were acquainted, they had only communicated because of work. “We have just left Rising Sun. Don’t approve the films for now.” Arthur was blunt. “I can do that, but can I ask why?” Philip was caught in a dilemma because he had just promised Jet to release the films. Philip needed to know if the orders to delay came from a high power who could cover his ass. “Since you got a call from me, you should know that there are eyes on Jet. “You should know what you can and cannot say. Otherwise, you never know when you’re going to lose your job.” Arthur threatened. Philip was reluctant. He accepted Jet’s payment, and now he had to go back on his word. Nevertheless, Arthur was part of the Viper’s Den, and his status was rather unique. Arthur provided services to confidential individuals. These individuals were elites among t
A balanced, profitable dynamic had been developed among the ports in Butterworth. Jet spotted his chance in the lucrative port business. He covertly took out some money to invest in a dying port. The port was situated in a more remote area. Some businesspeople favored more accessible ports. This drove shippers away from the dying port. Jet snagged the steal and improved the logistics and facilities around the area. The port was up and running again. Business at the port was decent enough. As the Frosts would run their business through the port, the local economy took off too. It was a good thing. However, Jet set his sights on several residential buildings around the area. He needed space to accommodate containers. The land was required to make business at the port more profitable. This triggered a whole new thing. Jet could spend some money to buy the residents out of their homes. However, the residents preferred to stay put in their long-time homes. No a
“I’ll keep the bank cards for now. I’ll talk to our superiors and give you a decision. Since the man said that the cards are meant for us, they won’t be going anywhere.” Knox had no idea who Kaze was, but he knew Arthur was with the Viper’s Den. Arthur must be someone from high places. Eli soon put the little incident behind him. He got a call from Aloysius yesterday and was made aware of Jet’s plans. The films had been put on hold for far too long, and the people above Eli were anxious to get things moving. Though Eli was surprised by the review board’s visit, everything was still in his control. Eli left the matter at that without reporting the incident to the higher-ups. The flashy, red car sped along the road. Arthur kept looking back at Kaze, eager to find out about the next plan. Arthur brought Kaze out today to witness how Eli and his team operated. As it happened, Eli adopted such a shallow ploy. Arthur was not surprised, though. Eli’s methods were common.
Eli dined offhandedly as if he had taken hold of the group. His words were layered with threat. “What? Are you trying to replace us?” Knox asked in disbelief. “I don’t have that power, but the investor does. I heard that he enjoyed dinner with your superiors. I’m sure the project will get the green light in no time. “Even if you didn’t approach me today, my team and I would have invited you out for a get-together.” Eli knew when to back down, easing the tension in the air. It was another type of reconciliation. Eli needed to go through the review board to get the rights to air the films. The carrot-and-stick approach was the best way forward. Kaze was surprised by the sophistication of Eli’s tactics. Still, he believed he had come to the right place. Sure enough, Jet would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. Surely, he was bound to leave loose ends. Nevertheless, he probably did not care. Arthur cocked his head back to look at Kaze. Kaze grinned, unbothered
The purpose of the visit was to inform Rising Sun that the films did not make the cut. Since Rising Sun would not make the necessary amendments, the project would come to a halt. “Please, don’t. Since we are all here, we should talk it out.” It took Eli quite some effort to get the group to the hotel. Eli had plans to please the crowd, so he could not let them leave just yet. This went beyond getting the green light for the films. Eli needed to make the group happy. “There is nothing more to talk about. We can’t proceed unless you make the changes.” There was no way around it. Since Rising Sun refused to make the right amendments, and Knox had orders about putting a hold on Rising Sun’s films, that was one less problem for Knox to deal with. Eli could not let the group walk out on him. Hence, he quickly sent people in. Several thinly clad women entered, each holding a small bag. Despite the weightlessness, the bag appeared to be carrying something of substance. “You
For that reason, Rising Sun’s film productions were not cleared to be aired. “I told you the reason. The investor supplied us with the scripts, and we were told to base our productions on the scripts. Our hands are tied.”Eli would have made the amendments if he could. He knew where the problem lay. However, the company had to take the investor’s perspective into consideration. In the end, the films were yet to be approved for release. “I guess you won’t get the permission to air them then.” Knox was surprised that Rising Sun would not budge on the matter. Nevertheless, Knox and his team were not there to give the all-clear or talk some sense into Rising Sun. Knox and his team could care less about what Eli had to say. “We’re serious about getting the approval. “I’m sorry that we aren’t a better host for your visit today. Why don’t we move to the nearby hotel for a talk?” With the review board making an appearance, Eli knew there was still hope. If Eli did not grab
Arthur chuckled, his smile carrying a touch of sleaziness. “Oh, I see.” A realization dawned on Kaze. “Are you with quality control?” Several individuals in dark blue suits approached. The men and women carried files and documents. Kaze nodded without a word. “We are just here to announce the results. We shouldn’t be long.” Arthur came forward to engage with them. The group was likely given the heads-up as they had the right number of people. They swaggered into Rising Sun’s building. The general manager straightened up his tie in a fluster and walked out. None of the film productions made the cut yet, and the delay was costing the company money by the day. At this rate, the project would go down under. Eli, the general manager, rushed to the entrance upon learning the news. The review team was there to do one final check. The films would get the green light if the board found that everything was up to par. The head office would stop putting pressure on
Given Kaze’s status, Alfonso knew better than to have him waiting under the hot sun. Of course, he would send his people to be on standby for Kaze’s arrival. Peter only came to the rescue when Kaze was pestered by some street gang. Alfonso’s omission of Kaze’s identity led to this hiccup. Kaze did not care one bit about the incident. Heck, he did not even bring it up. Arthur straightened his back nervously, becoming even more cautious behind the wheel. “You knew, but why didn’t you say anything, Mr. Lee? You didn’t even tell on us.” Arthur could not understand why. However, he had more respect for the man. “I didn’t see a point. You’ll learn what happens when you displease me, so I won’t bother telling you now.” Kaze was mild-mannered as ever. He spoke softly without a hint of anger. All the more Arthur revered him. “Mr. Lee, we didn’t do our jobs right. We didn’t know who you were.“But my duty is to protect you in the dark. “We saw you getting out of the train
“Rising Sun is a media company. Several of their films are about to be released. They are trying to get them approved to air due to some censorship issues.” Arthur took out a document. “Are there any issues with the films? Why aren’t they approved yet?” Kaze asked curiously. Kaze had no idea. “There are some issues. They aren’t fit to be aired. “Typically, there aren’t a lot of restrictions for film productions so long as the themes aren’t sensitive topics. “But these films featured altered history. The company has been asked multiple times to make revisions, but the films still don’t make the cut.” The Viper’s Den’s members were not privy to the information. The Frosts were insignificant. Kaze was after the Frosts. Otherwise, the Viper’s Den would not waste its resources on a mere film production company. Jet’s investment of nearly ten million bucks in Rising Sun caught the Viper’s Den’s attention. The delayed approval of the films would be catastrophic to the in