“Put the word out that Darcy is my best friend. Dallas Moneylender has to go through me if they want to have a say in the city.” Miru called her subordinate in front of everybody. She wanted to send a message across the board. The tone of the communication was cocky and aggressive. Since taking over Melrose, Miru had been on a different level. She carried weight when issuing an order. Her behavior was much like an underground kingpin. Darcy’s family would fear Miru if the latter were not close to Darcy. Soon, Lefteria Group spread Miru’s message to the underworld. All eyes were on Dallas Moneylender for a response. Lefteria Group was the Lilyrose and Melrose underworld kingpin.On the other hand, Dallas Moneylender’s roots ran deep in organized crime. Sparks were bound to fly between both parties. Despite the long wait, Dallas Moneylender made no comment.Members of Dallas Moneylender kept to themselves throughout. Their passive reaction raised many eyebrows.
“The injuries are recent, so you have a choice whether to get surgery or try a more conventional treatment,” Sam said in a serious tone. Albert replied, “They are Mr. Vinlands’ most trusted bodyguards, so things can get heated very fast.“We hope you’ll be the attending surgeon to ensure they will meet full recovery, Professor Whiteman. The surgery fee is not a problem for us.” Sam shook his head peevishly. “No one can guarantee if patients will bounce back 100%.” Nevertheless, Sam expressed that he would try his best. The surgery fee was not even mentioned in the conversation. “We have confidence in you, Professor Whiteman.” Albert praised Sam with a smile before asking, “I heard that you are staying in Lilyrose for a while to treat a patient by the name of Hector Quint.” “Wow. I didn’t think the news would travel so far and wide.” Sam was briefly surprised, but he responded with a nod. “You’re right.” “Mr. Vinland has a message for you.” Albert added with a smile
“Uh, Professor Whiteman, what’s the meaning of this?” The expression on Albert’s face froze. Albert was confused as his heartfelt speech did not sway Sam. Sam scoffed. “Don’t you know that Kaze invited me to Lilyrose? I know him better than you.” Albert wanted to sink into the floor at that very moment. His face was flushed as if someone had struck him. He had put a lot of effort into the act. Yet, he was made a clown instead. Sam said that Kaze invited him to Lilyrose. Albert was shocked. It was hard to believe that a loser son-in-law could convince Sam to make a trip to Lilyrose. “Just leave. I won’t treat these patients. Kaze made them break their legs for a reason. I’m sure they deserved it.” Sam waved his arm in annoyance. He did not want any more interactions with Albert. “Just because you know Kaze, it doesn’t give you the right to twist the facts and refuse treatment.” Albert scoffed with a grimace. “National hero and orthopedic authority, my ass. You a
“Kaze?” Albert scowled at the sight of Kaze. “You whipped Ms. Vinland, seriously injuring her. How dare you show your face.” He waved his arm. Several fighters ditched Sam and the students to encircle Kaze. Without looking at these people, Kaze lamented, “It’s a shame that Yume isn’t dead yet.” Kaze held back when striking Yume. His blows were not fatal. He only said what he said to get on Albert’s nerves. He had met Albert at the Vinlands’ party. Albert stood behind Hudson, carrying himself with kindness and courtesy. Albert finally revealed his true colors. He was a reflection of Hudson’s nature. Sure enough, Albert went ballistic. He practically raised Yume. He was devoted to the young lady. He could not believe Kaze humiliated Yume in public repeatedly. Albert wanted to bury Kaze alive. He pointed at Kaze angrily and said viciously, “So you did intend to kill Ms. Vinland, Kaze. You have angered Mr. Vinland. No one can save you now.“Take him down. He will
After hurling Albert to the side, Kaze whisked Sam away. The medical students also went to Horizon Mirror Mansion. The director of the orthopedic hospital was also a student of Sam’s. He added a few hospital beds after a call from his mentor. When Albert and his group arrived at the hospital, they occupied four gurneys. Now, the number had gone up to nine. Hudson was still unaware of what transpired at the hospital. He was on the phone with Dane from Dallas Moneylender. “You did not respond to Lefteria Group’s statement, Mr. Rich. That’s unlike you.” Hudson pressed unhappy, the phone in hand. Hudson sent Dallas Moneylender on Darcy’s family’s tail. He hid behind Dallas Moneylender to ensure Darcy’s family faced consequences. Hudson could just stay behind the scenes without lifting a finger. That was Hudson’s favorite approach. Besides, he knew that Dallas Moneylender was happy to do his bidding. Dane could not resist the temptation of getting two billion dol
Miru pulled a long face. Her presence was needed at Lefteria Group. She had to take precautions for any possible dynamic shifts in the underworld. It was then Miru received another call from her men. “What? Dallas Moneylender is the arsonist?” She turned ashen. Dallas Moneylender kept their head down and made no response to her bold statement. Here she thought Dallas Moneylender had backed down, and that was the end of the matter. To her dismay, Dallas Moneylender burned several of Lefteria Group’s executives alive. It appeared they responded with a vengeance. “Miru, Dallas Moneylender openly admitted that they caused the fire. They demand three billion dollars by tomorrow morning. The additional one billion dollars is the punishment for Lefteria Group. “If they don’t see the money, they will make sure Darcy’s family gets it. “One more thing. Dallas Moneylender knows that Darcy’s family is neighbors with the chief commander. “It will not deter Dallas Moneylender
Shane was efficient at his work. He had located Dallas Moneylender’s base when Kaze got into the car. “Mr. Lee, the location of Dallas Moneylender’s offices is no secret because no one dares to cross them. Their offices all across the country are semi-open to the public.” An illegal money-lending organization was detrimental to financial institutions. Despite its illicit nature of business, Dallas Moneylender had some public presence. Their arrogance showed. After the call, Shane sent Kaze detailed information on the members working in the Lilyrose office of Dallas Moneylender. As the business operation was semi-open, Shane could get ahold of the data rather easily. “This is good. They all deserve the death penalty,” Kaze went through the findings and said with a smile. The smile did not reach his eyes, though. Sitting beside Kaze, Draco knew that he was out for blood tonight. Soon, they arrived at Dallas Moneylender’s Lilyrose office. The business name was hung
Dane was not in a hurry to make Kaze return the money. He wanted to see Kaze on his knees first. He believed after Miru’s men were burnt to death, the Quints were frightened and they quickly gathered the money for Kaze to pay him back. “Hudson Vinland sent you?” Kaze did not kneel. He looked around to see if Hudson was around. If the man was around, he would deal with him altogether. “You can stop looking. Mr. Vinland isn’t here.” Dane smiled and added, “And, mind your words. Mr. Vinland isn’t powerful enough to order me around. We are just working together. He pointed out a bright idea for Dallas Moneylender, so I simply returned the favor by standing up for his daughter. That’s it.” Kaze was slightly disappointed that Hudson was not around. He asked, “A bright idea? So, Hudson gave you the idea of extorting money from the companies who got the funding?” It now seemed like Hudson was the mastermind. He was the one who instigated Dallas Moneylender to go after the Qui
With a darkened expression, Ruby commanded Lance, “Don’t you have a lot of wealthy friends? Just get two hundred thousand from them. Call them and ask them for help!” Lance gradually lost his patience. “They are not the friends who would lend me money. I should be grateful that they don’t come to me for money, and you are asking me to go to them for help? “It’s just a dress. Why are we buying it today? Let’s just do a rain check. When my father unfreezes my credit card, I’ll buy you something more expensive!” He wanted to take Ruby away but the woman was being stubborn. Anger rushed to her head as she shook Lance’s hand off. She shouted, “You useless piece of shit, you can’t even afford a two-hundred-grand dress? Don’t touch me! Get out of my face!” Lance got mad too. “If you have the fucking money, buy it yourself! I’m not your husband! You are begging me to buy it but you’re raising your voice?!” “You?!” Ruby wanted to slap some sense into Lance but the other customers
Ruby was confident in her body. Her physique allowed her to wear all kinds of beautiful dresses flawlessly, so she knew she would fit in the gown without even trying. However, the gown had a pure and innocent vibe, which did not fit her demeanor and temperament. The different style did not bother her because she was carried away by the price tag; the more expensive it was, the more it satisfied her vanity. “Miss, this is the most expensive gown in our store. It was created by a famous designer overseas. It cost two hundred thousand,” said the storekeeper. “Two hundred thousand for a gown?! Even the celebrities aren’t wearing something this expensive!” “Yeah. Maybe the top celebrities can afford it but a small one could never!” “Forget about it. We won’t be able to afford it, but it’s nice to have a look.” “I can’t afford it either. Different people, different lives.” When the price was revealed, the other customers gasped in astonishment, followed by regret and jealousy
Ruby thought that after mocking Sasha and Kaze, they would leave the store with a sour look, yet the two of them went to another section to continue shopping. Sasha’s timid figure was a pain in her eyes. In the other section, Kaze asked the storekeeper to do the same as the previous store. “Pick a gown for my sister here. She’s going to wear it to emcee at a party.” To their surprise, Ruby and Lance came after them. “You two poor bastards, get out of the way! Can you even afford the clothes here? Hmph! “You, I want you to pick something for me that is fitting!” The female storekeeper looked troubled. “Miss, this…” “Cut the crap and get on with it!” The storekeeper was instantly defeated by Ruby’s aggressive demeanor. She quickly sized up Ruby’s body and physique and selected a red gown with a deep frontal cutting for her. “Miss, this one might look nice on you.” “Let me have a look.” Ruby took the gown and looked at the price tag. She then tossed it on the floor
“Your little sister? I have not heard of Sasha having a brother. Are you the sugar daddy who’s been feeding her?” Ruby scrutinized Kaze and noticed nothing branded on him, which fueled her contempt for him. “But you don’t look like a rich one, more like a poor loser! What are you two doing here in a luxury store?” Kaze coldly said, “We don’t have to inform you where we are going.” “You don’t have to, but if you are just here window shopping, I would suggest you leave right away. People just don’t seem to know their limits.” Ruby then looked at Sasha, who was afraid, and mocked her, “Some people are just an ugly duckling, not a swan. You can’t just change who you naturally are, not like you can put on a dress and look great. Am I right, Lance?” She curled her arms around Lance’s and spoke in a sweet and flattering tone. Lance was one of the wealthy young men on campus who had been asking her out. Initially, she saw Lance as just another one of her test subjects she could
“Lance,” Sasha said with a nod. She instinctively took another step back, which made the man named Lance frown. Ruby was displeased by how Lance reacted to Sasha, her face ashened. She scrutinized Sasha and said sarcastically, “Sasha, look at you. You’re Cinderella today. I thought you were still that Ugly Duckling back at school. Don’t tell me you’ve found a sugar daddy.”Misunderstood as someone clinging onto a rich man, Sasha’s face instantly blushed. She waved her hands anxiously and said, “No, it’s not like that! It’s nothing like that! My boss from Herbal Spring wants me to get some new clothes for work, so that I’d look better.” Ruby scoffed, “Are you kidding me? The brand that you are wearing might not be to my taste but it costs thousands. There’s no boss who is this kind, spending money on the employee’s outfit. Besides, you are just a part-timer, not a full-time employee. And you are telling me you don’t have a sugar daddy?” Her words fueled Sasha’s anxiety, making
“Kaze, I really don’t need it…” Buying ten thousand bucks worth of clothes was already overwhelming for Sasha. She dared not even spare a glance at the expensive gowns and dresses. “The boss is paying. Come on, let’s go get you something nice.” Kaze already spotted another store specializing in gowns and dresses. He dragged the girl inside without giving her the chance to escape. The store was filled with various designs of dresses and gowns, so fancy that it made the girl’s jaw drop. Even though she looked reluctant due to the price, her eyes showed a hint of delight. Kaze saw the delight in her and simply smiled. No woman could resist wearing beautiful dresses. He knew all women, including Sasha, would be instantly captivated by the beautiful dresses. He brought Sasha shopping for luxury dresses so that she could get used to the extravagant experience. He knew that a girl like Sasha could never conceal her charms under her shyness. Men would flock over to her like
Sasha’s lips moved once more, but Kaze’s gaze remained fierce, so she wisely zipped her mouth. “Not a problem, sir.” The storekeeper knew Kaze was a generous customer, so she nodded happily. Being a storekeeper for a luxurious brand required experience and taste. In less than ten minutes, the storekeeper selected three sets of outfits for Sasha, from top to bottom and outer to inner. “Miss, you try these.” Kaze swiped his card before Sasha had the time to regret or stop him. If the size did not fit, she could change it on the spot. Sasha looked at Kaze helplessly and then reluctantly followed the storekeeper to the changing room. A while later, Sasha came out in a new dress and with a blush on her face. Kaze was slightly surprised, looking at the brand new Sasha in a pure white dress. He had to praise the storekeeper for her sharp sense. The white dress emphasized the girl’s innocence and gentleness. “Miss, you are the first customer in our store to present su
Sasha looked troubled. She said, “The owner is paying? It’s okay! I’m wearing the clothes anyway; I should pay for them. The owner and the others took good care of me while at work, I don’t want to take advantage of them.” Kaze was left speechless. How could a little girl be as stubborn as a mule?“How are you taking advantage of them? I said, the owner wants you to wear beautiful clothes and get more business for them, so that they can earn more money. “You know the other employees actually have an allowance for shopping? Each of them has twenty thousand to buy clothes, but since you are just part-time, and you are new, you only have ten thousand.” Kaze continued to coax the girl. “Ten thousand?!” Sasha was shocked by the number. She shook her head and hands, “No! I don’t need that much! A few hundred is enough!” Ten thousand was enough for her to cover her daily expenses for two years or more. How could she spend all of them on clothes? Kaze chuckled. “Ten thousand i
Twenty minutes later, Sasha came out in fresh clothes. She wore a white T-shirt coupled with a pair of jeans, but the patches on them indicated that they were old clothes. She was holding her phone with a slight embarrassment on her face. “Sasha? What’s the matter?” Kaze asked. “Uh, it’s nothing. I-I have to call my school to inform my teacher.” Sasha then went to the corner to make the phone call. “Sasha, you should really try to be the emcee of the evening party. I always have high hopes for you but you are too shy. You blush whenever you talk to strangers. How are you going to adapt when you go out to work in the future? You should train yourself to speak up more. Try to go on stage.” The voice of a middle-aged woman came from the phone once it was connected. Sasha said shyly, “Ms. Cornell, thank you for your kindness, but I cannot afford to buy a gown. I won’t be joining the party.” “My dear, you should learn to be more open-minded. I said I would prepare the gown