No one expected Flint, Edward, and Belarus to reject Hudson. Hudson’s expression turned grim. The rejection ruined the great atmosphere that he created. “Hmph! Are you three still the family heads that everyone used to fear? Though I think you look more like losers now. Are you afraid of Kaze Lee?” Blake, the head of the Bowman family, sneered at them. The other heads joined him and mocked the trio, who kept quiet. Those who sneered at them had a good gloat when they were stripped of their powers. If not for Kaze who told Lefteria Group to issue the warning, the others might still be oppressing them. “Blake Bowman, I’d watch my mouth if I were you. Don’t go looking for trouble that will destroy your family, or you might end up worse than the three of them,” Bernard Vikrom, head of a first-tier family, stepped up and warned Blake. “Bernard Vikrom, what is the meaning of this? What good will it do you from cursing my family? I called Kaze Lee a piece of garbage and my f
Everyone was shocked. Not only did the Vikrom, Logman, and Joestar families ask Hudson to leave Lilyrose, but even Mayor Johnson stepped up and expressed his opinion openly. Regardless of the blood and storm that the Vinland family had or would cause, they were a huge investor in the city, and having them would only develop the city further. Yet as mayor, Johnson asked the major investor to leave the city. What would people think of him if the news got out? Hudson’s expression turned grim. He scoffed, “Mayor Brooks, you don’t welcome the Vinland family as well?” The Brookses were also a first-tier family in Lilyrose yet Hudson spoke to the mayor with absolute disdain. He showed no respect to anyone who dared to turn on him, even if it was the mayor. His reputation and power were the source of his confidence. Back in Chrysant, the Vinland family had the power to determine who would be mayor. The new mayor would have to visit the Vinland family and pay respect to Huds
“Grey, Johnson isn’t with us. If we are to enter Lilyrose’s market, we won’t be able to get clearance on the policy and stuff. He will stand against us,” Hudson said. Gregory looked at him. “What do you have in mind?” “It’s time for Lilyrose to have a new mayor,” Hudson said grimly. “That’s workable.” Gregory nodded in agreement. “We’ll start working on it and find someone we can trust. Once Brooks is taken away, Kaze will lose one of his supporters. From there, we will move on to the five companies.” “You speak my mind, Greg. We will have to go after the Vikrom, Logman, and Joestar families as well,” Hudson said. The two of them grinned and nodded, feeling like they could change the mayor of the city with just a few words. After Alan retired from his business, he resided at Streamwise Estate. Miru was also there, hiding. She went to the estate right after she came back to the city, and dared not even go back to Lefteria Group. Death brushed her very closely this time
“Boss, how’s Miru?” Albert was fuming, though he saluted Kaze nevertheless. He was furious when he found out that someone tried to kill Miru. He came all the way from Sunrise City as soon as possible. “Go check on her first. We’ll talk about the Twin Ghosts later,” Kaze said as he pointed Albert the way. Bernard and the others were surprised that Miru and Albert were close, which explained Albert’s anger. Albert nodded and went into the room. “Mr. Lee, the Lees and Vinlands are working together now…” Johnson then brought Kaze up to speed with the situation. “They are quite ambitious.” Kaze’s eyes turned cold. He originally thought Hudson was after Darcy’s Quartet Group and Sky Ocean Corporation, but now it seemed like the man was after the other companies as well. Even the Lee family got involved. The two wealthy families were powerful and resourceful but greedy; they were trying to seize the market share of Lilyrose City. “But Mr. Lee is here. Those two famil
Relieved of duty? Blake Bowman as the new mayor? Johnson was stunned. “Hahaha, Johnson Brooks, I bet you never would have thought that I would come back to the city council and take your place.” Blake walked up to Johnson with loud cackles and peered down at him. He once competed with Johnson for the mayor's position, but lost, which left a bitter taste in his mouth. “Johnson, Master Hudson and Master Gregory saw potential in you but you embarrassed them because of that idiot Kaze. Now you know what mistake you have made. This is what happens when you disrespect the Lee and Vinland families!” His old rival finally lost and it fueled Blake’s delight. He sneered at Johnson in front of everyone in the city council. Johnson’s expression turned bitter. He knew the Lee and Vinland families had made their moves. “Congratulations, Blake. Your wish finally came true. It’s exhausting to be the mayor. Now that I am relieved of my duty, I can relax at home, maybe read a book or
“Mr. Lee, we also faced the same problem and we got a twenty million fine!” “The Joestar family had it the worst! Multiple hotels of ours are flagged with hygiene problems and are forced to suspend operations for a month! The losses are immeasurable! Someone is trying to shut down our hotels!” The three of them voiced their complaints to Kaze. Their families were not as sizable as the top three families, so no one would target them on purpose. However, once the new mayor was sworn into office, the three families were fined and ordered to suspend operations. They believed it was Blake who targeted them. “Mr. Lee, please help us. Blake Bowman is after us for revenge! Please swap him out for someone else, we cannot afford to have him messing around,” Bernard said with a bitter look. The other two nodded as well. “If Blake Bowman ordered an investigation on your companies, that means something is wrong with your operations as well. Am I right?” Kaze asked with furrowed brow
Everyone in the lobby was shocked when they heard the man. Shangrila Group had just gotten back on track and was developing rapidly. They were at a crucial period before launching a new product into the market. If they were forced to suspend operation for a month, the financial loss would be immeasurable. “Mr. Bowman, our company just went through a series of checks last month and we ticked all the boxes. Why are you saying that we do not meet the requirements now?” Winnie asked with a slightly anxious tone. “Ms. Souffle, please mind your words. What do you mean by that? Are you questioning our professionalism?” The man was Reedus Bowman, who was also the leader of the group. He was Blake’s cousin and had just gotten the position yesterday. Winnie said, “No, I didn’t mean that. It’s just that it is difficult for us to accept that. Mr. Bowman, we’ll cooperate and make every necessary change to remove potential harm…” “Hold it right there!” Reedus stopped her and said
“So the lab is a collaborative project with the strategic department? Then we have to inspect it carefully. We’ll take your documents back to study and we will waive your fines, for now.” Reedus quickly planned an escape route for himself after learning the truth. He then signaled his men to leave the place. A few steps later, he turned around and said, “Kaze Lee, don’t you dare disrespect me just because you are related to Lilyrose Strategic Department. “My cousin is the new mayor and he can crush you like an ant. I will spare Shangrila Group for now but I can still go after the other companies!” Reedus challenged Kaze openly and stated clearly that Blake would go after him. Kaze was not afraid at all. He said coldly, “The mayor? You tell your cousin to stay put. If he continues to mess around, I’ll make him lose his position.” If Blake crossed the line, Kaze would no longer follow the law. Reedus’ expression turned grim as he stared at Kaze. “Hmph. Who do you think
However, Darcy did not fully believe Daniela’s words. Even if Daniela was telling the truth, she was not deterred. She had heard about Kaze being targeted by Casius. Casius even sent hitmen after Kaze’s life. After all that had happened, Kaze should claim some interest for compensation. Darcy was no longer the naïve and innocent girl as she, too, had grown up after experiencing many incidents. Showing mercy to the enemy was being cruel to oneself. She experienced the saying first-hand multiple times. “So, you are trying to coax me into signing this and if I don’t agree, you’ll choose to be rough?” Darcy asked calmly. “I’m glad that you are a smart person.” Daniela smiled. “I liked people who could read the air, and I am low on patience, hence I don’t like wasting time. “Ms. Quint, you are famous for your beauty and for your achievements in the business world. You are so beautiful that even I am jealous of you.” As she spoke, she stepped forward and teasingly tap
Daniela curled her lips as she looked at Darcy, waiting for an answer. Darcy never had thoughts about the two billion shares but the Weathers called her multiple times, hinting at retaliation and threatening her, which aroused her intention to fight back. She had been through a fair share of dangerous situations and was no longer afraid of a few words from Daniela. She said, “Ms. Weather, the shares that we got from Casius Weather are through legitimate procedures. It’s part of our business plan and it’s only natural for us to possess it. “If you are here to take back the shares, then please buy them back at the market price. Of course, since the Weathers called me many times to show their ‘sincerity’ and Ms. Weather showing up here to welcome me, I’ll try to provide a more lenient purchasing option.” Her words held a hidden meaning and it allowed her to talk back without losing her stance. The Weathers wanted the shares back, and they could have them—as long as they were w
Conan escorted Kaze into the car as he updated him on Darcy’s schedule. Darcy was coming back to Riverbank from Lilyrose today, but since she had to meet up with the person in charge from the Seven Stars District regarding the site inspection, she took the train. When Kaze entered the car, he saw a big bouquet of roses beside him. “What’s this for?” “A little welcome gift for Darcy. It’s been a while since you saw her, right? I believe she will be happy if you give them to her,” Conan said with a smile. “You little brat. You might not be good at everything else but when it comes to a woman, you’re an expert.” Kaze playfully mocked him but nodded with approval. He, too, believed a little gift from time to time could maintain a good relationship between husband and wife. The two cars then left the villa. Kaze then asked, “How’s Patrick?” “He was discharged.” In the passenger seat, Conan said, “He’s fired up and determined to take revenge on the Weathers. I lend him so
“Okay, okay. I’ll be careful next time.” Kaze nodded repeatedly to conceal his awkwardness. “Speaking of which, what’s wrong with the management here in Rivername? Why are they letting people in without permission? “I mentioned your name just now and they let me in as well. I was wondering why a high-end residential area allows strangers to enter without verifying their identities. It’s so unprofessional.” Snow said with resentment, “So the management sees me as someone similar to Mika. I believe people see us this way because of how they see you. They believed women like us are brought here by you and can be simply thrown away after use.” Kaze felt helpless. “Let’s just leave that behind.” He thought of switching the topic but Snow pulled him back right away. He did not know how to answer her anymore, especially when she shot a resentful gaze at him. Back at Lilyrose, Snow would never be like this because she admired Kaze. She was a person who could differentiate priva
The call got through immediately. Snow said strongly, “Mr. Alonso Anderson of Mega Dance? I am Snow Frost, the chairwoman of Perfect World Group. I used to be Mr. Lee’s secretary. “I am calling regarding a user on TikTok, Mika Suka. She’s giving Mr. Lee a hard time and is causing trouble by seducing him. Mr. Lee is not happy with it. You know what you should do.” Kaze was shocked when Snow used his name as a tool of power. Was she still the same Snow who used to be compliant and accommodating toward him? She lied in front of his face and used his name to act. “Bitch, are you done faking?” Mika scoffed. “Alonso Anderson? That’s the boss of Mega Dance, TikTok’s parent company! How dare you talk to him like that? You’re bluffing!” Snow looked askance at her and said, “If you don’t want to get slapped again, shut your mouth.” Right after that, Mika’s phone rang. “You dumb bitch, what have you done? Mr. Anderson from Mega Dance just announced to cancel you! You stupid id
“Please, Kaze… Mr. Lee, please forgive me. Don’t cancel me. I believe you have the power to cancel me entirely.” Kaze helplessly said, “I have already forgiven you. I’m not the kind of person who would take revenge just because of what you say.” “Yes! Yes! I totally understand. Thank you, Kaze! Mr. Lee! Lord Lee!” Mika crossed her arms coquettishly and approached Kaze. Her eyes slightly narrowed as she said, “But if I don’t offer anything as a token of apology, I don’t feel good. “Kaze, I am yours for the night. No matter what you want to do with me, I’m okay with it. Even my top donor doesn’t get the chance to meet me in person…” She pressed her slender body against Kaze’s. Even though he had to admit that it was a pleasure, he quickly took a step back and said, “I said I forgive you.” “Kaze, are you still green?” Mika continued to approach Kaze even though he stepped back. She chuckled and said, “It’s just a little game between a man and a woman. The man always gets t
The manager was a man older than Kaze, but a humble one. After all, Kaze was the owner of a mansion that was valued in the hundreds of billions. Whether Kaze spent his own money on it or received it as a gift, it guaranteed he would never face the humiliation of being stopped at the door or looked down upon. “I heard from the person who gave this to me that it’s fully furnished and I can just move in?” The estate manager nodded respectfully and said, “Yes, sir. We have servants and maids to clean the place every day. It’s squeaky clean at all times. If Mr. Lee hasn't eaten, we can also arrange for the kitchen to come up with a quick meal.” “That’s okay. I want to have a tour inside.” Kaze casually dismissed the estate manager and then walked inside. He did not notice that the others behind the manager were looking at him with envy and jealousy. Kaze started from the living room and practically scanned the entire floor. He would open the drawers and check the furniture o
Kaze said with a smile, “The invitation is no big deal. I can get as many as you want.” Cyan and Ryna had no confidence in Kaze. Not wanting to put Kaze down, Lock said, “Just try your best, Kaze. Don’t bother Mayor Synder about it. You don’t want to owe too many favors.” Lock assumed that Kaze would acquire the invitation through Kent. Kaze smiled without a word. All he needed to do was say the word to get Lock’s family on the guest list. The party went on until eleven at night, and it was a blast. As the guests departed, Lock insisted that Kaze should stay for the night. Ryna and Cyan made no comments. Kaze did not mind either way, but he then received a call from Albert. “I’m at Bronze Sparrow, sir. I’ve met with Ms. Frost, and I will be responsible for her safety,” Albert said gleefully on the phone.The Harrowdale Hidens had grounded him. Bored out of his life, Albert snuck to Riverbank for some fun. It was thrilling for Albert to participate in the fighting b
“What’s the matter? Are you angry, Kaze?” Cyan furrowed her brows as Kaze made a face. She assumed that Kaze was lost for words, feeling disappointed in her. Ryna was blunt. “Kaze, you should know when to move on. Cyan is the branch leader’s woman now. She’s on her way to becoming the branch leader’s wife.“I think you’re amazing among your peers. Without the branch leader in the picture, I might even encourage you to pursue Cyan. “But as you can see, you can’t compete with the branch leader. “Don’t you think so?” Ryna smiled and said, “You’re Lock’s student. When Cyan becomes the branch leader’s wife, I’m sure she’ll extend the same kindness to you since you’re like a brother to her. “You should be helping one another. The branch leader is young and talented. I’m sure there will be other women throwing themselves at him.“Cyan will need connections and help to get rid of these women.” Ryna sure had gotten ahead of herself, already imagining the drama that would come.