Kaze went to the chairman’s office to take a shower. He had spent the night in the office building. Darcy had called him, asking why he was not home. Kaze explained that he was busy with matters concerning Shangrila Group and would not be expected home that night. Darcy supported Kaze to stay and help out at the company, thinking it was about the previous press conference. “Key High Tech wants to take us to court.” Winnie recounted the earlier phone conversation furiously. Kaze smirked. He gave Albert a call right away. In less than half an hour, the representative of Key High Tech called back. “I’m sorry, Ms. Souffle. I will pay back the deposit. We are all businesses trying to survive in this climate. Why must you take things so far?” Winnie was shocked to hear the wails on the other end of the line. “What happened? I didn’t do anything.” Baffled, Winnie had no idea what was going on. “Don’t be silly, Ms. Souffle. I just talked about suing you, and the n
“Are you deaf? I called him babe.” Rei glared at Kaze before turning to Ryan. She lashed out, “You’re a loser, Ryan. Why do you need your figurehead chairman to speak on your behalf? “I should let you know that he’s my babe, and we get along like a married couple. “Am I right, babe?” She turned around and looked at Zach coyly. “You’re right, my wife.” Zach chuckled. “Oh, boy, do we get along in bed. Rei and I were in the hotel last night, doing things you couldn’t and hadn’t done with her. Tsk, imagine the pleasure.” Ryan clenched his fists, tempted to take Zach’s eyeballs out. Still, he kept it together. He knew that Zach was manipulative. For all he knew, Zach could be trying to get a rise out of him. Ryan could only be giving Zach something against him if he turned to violence. “Did you spend the night at a hotel together?” Kaze said curtly, “Rei, you are still married to Ryan.” “What? Are you trying to stick up for your good-for-nothing employee, Mr. Cha
A few burly men tagged along behind Frank. They looked scary and savage. They were the Goldings’ security detail. “Just give it to him, Mr. Golding. Ryan will never learn until you get rough with him.” Frank’s presence gave Zach confidence. Zach pointed at Kaze and uttered resentfully, “That Jesse White, the chairman of Shangrila Group. He can fight. Aster and I can’t beat him even though we are trained in boxing.” He was wary of Kaze. Hence, Zach requested Frank to bring along his family bodyguards. Otherwise, Zach could have just hired a few thugs to rattle Ryan. “So, he’s Jesse?” Frank was stunned when his eyes met Kaze’s. He grinned with intrigue and laughed out loud. In the end, he was in stitches. “Haha! That’s the dimwit son-in-law of the Quints.” Once Frank enjoyed a hearty chuckle, he fixated on Kaze and sneered. “So, you’re Jesse White who never shows his face?” “What? He’s the dimwit man who took the Quint family name?” Zach’s and Rei’s jaws droppe
“It’s too late to change your mind now, Ryan. No one can save you now that you got on Mr. Golding’s nerves,” Rei said gloatingly. Ryan uttered angrily, “I don’t believe I have ever done anything to you during our marriage, Rei. Why do you hate me?” “You did not give me a life of luxury because you refused to give up the patents to the top three families, and that’s the worst thing you could ever do to me,” Rei shouted in rage. Ryan clenched his jaw without a word. There went his last hope to ever rekindle their relationship. “Do you regret it now, Mr. White?” Not forgetting the slap yesterday, Zach looked at Kaze and mocked. “Kneel before me and slap yourself a hundred times. I might just plead with Mr. Golding to make it less miserable for you.” Kaze gave him a sympathetic look. Without a peep, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “You can make the arrest now.” Kaze then ended the call. “Why are you still keeping up with the act, loser? I hope you don’t think
“Charged for wrecking the marriage of a serviceman? Who?” Zach and Rei were dumbfounded. They could accept fault for having an extramarital affair and illegal cohabitation. They would not be charged for such behavior anyway. However, breaking the sacred vow of marriage with an active-duty military personnel was a crime. Zach soon realized what was going on. He cocked his head and gave Ryan an angry look. “Bastard, you created a fake identity to pin a crime on us!“I bet Kaze, the imposter, taught you that.” The first thing that came to mind was that Kaze guided Ryan to fabricate a military identity. Rei cried out loud, “Officer, Ryan is not in the military. He must have lied to you.” “We have verified that Mr. Waker is one of us,” the superior of the military squad uttered indifferently. “No way. Ryan broke his leg two years ago. The loser couldn’t possibly serve in the army. He must have created a fake military persona. Please review your database again,” Rei shouted
Kaze could not possibly forgive the things Zach, Aster, and the others had done on James’ behalf. Zach’s group, Frank, and the top three families would receive their deserving punishment tomorrow. Amid Rei’s wails, she and Zach were taken away. “You might win this time, but this is not over, Kaze.” Frank glared at Kaze before walking away. He was frustrated. Not only did Frank fail to acquire the technology from Ryan, but Kaze managed to get away scot-free too. There was one more thing Frank was alarmed about. Kaze was just a scamming loser. How was he able to give Ryan a military rank in the army in a matter of one night? Frank could not wrap his head around it. Now that he thought about it, Kaze had demonstrated strong ties to the military during the few times the top three families were in conflict with Jesse White. Frank was shocked. “Hold it right there. Did I say you can leave?” Kaze’s icy voice was heard when Frank turned around to leave. Frank turned b
“Argh!” Frank screamed in agony. Moments later, Frank passed out from the pain. “I break your legs to return the favor of what you did to Ryan. I’ll make you pay for James’ death tomorrow.” Kaze glanced at the stunned bodyguards. “Send him back to his family and tell the top three families that they have one day left.” The hired guns carried Frank away without a word. Don saluted Kaze before leaving with his men. The café became empty with Kaze and Ryan still standing. Ryan turned around and nodded at Kaze sincerely. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Mr. White can finally rest in peace.” He finally believed that Kaze had the ability to punish the top three families and clear James’ name. That was not the only thing. Ryan was given the chance to get even with the cheating couple. When they returned upstairs, Winnie broke out in tears of joy upon learning the whole story from Ryan. Winnie was pleased to hear that karma hit Frank, and he was now crippled. It
“We have testament from the bodyguards that Ryan became a senior researcher at the defense technology laboratory, so it must be true.“Jesse’s connections to the military run deeper than we thought.“He seems to have access to the laboratory functioning directly under Lilyrose Strategic Department.” The three family heads expressed their horror. They regretted their actions more than ever. The family heads knew a long time ago that Jesse had influence in the military. Had they known, they would not have given instructions to Lilyrose Logistics to steal the equipment. With Howard arrested, the top three families’ businesses in freight and shipping would experience a major shakeout. They would suffer massive losses and have reduced control over the city. “It’s too late to turn back time. It’s not like Jesse will go easy on us if we choose not to go against Shangrila Group,” Belarus remarked. The other two nodded in agreement. Jesse re-established Shangrila Group to get
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