“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
“Kaze is trapped now! The companies and the gangsters associated with him are in deep trouble. Even Mayor Brooks, who had been protecting him, was swapped out. If he can make a comeback, I’ll slap myself.” “Blake Bowman is going to run Kaze down. He wasn’t joking when he said he would crush Kaze and his family.” “Master Hudson and Master Gregory are smart. They needn’t lift a finger yet the city is in turmoil.” Those who sided with Hudson and Gregory gloated at Kaze and grew restless. When the five companies were taken down and the Lee and Vinland families were done with them, they would be able to seize more benefits for themselves. “Kaze Lee, what are you going to do now?” Hudson and Gregory were having tea at Wuthering Pavilion. They were delighted by the news they received and they believed victory was secured. “Hudson, let’s prepare for our great feast! Let’s have some tea before we feast on the main course!” Gregory proposed a toast to celebrate their victory.
“Ms. Quint, we at the Federal Trade Commission received a tip-off that Quartet Group is suspected of engaging in unfair competitive practices and market disruption. Please come with us for further investigation. “A report was filed with the Department of Public Works that there is a severe safety hazard with the unauthorized construction of a helipad on the roof of Clover Center. We will begin demolition now, and the building will be sealed off for one to three months while we carry out work.” Different authorities stepped out from behind Aaron, announcing the decision of their departments. Any of these decisions could spell doom for Quartet Group. Not to mention, these agencies were ganging up on the group. The authorities’ power abuse could threaten the survival of any company. In other words, Quartet Group was facing its biggest crisis ever. Click! Aaron lit another cigarette. He took a long drag and said nonchalantly, “Are you happy with that, Ms. Quint? If you’re
“The Federal Trade Commission mentioned our engagement in malicious competitive practices and market disruptions. Where is the proof? I can sue you for defamation without one.“As for the helipad on the roof, the Department of Public Works should know that the local military set it up for drills. Should I call Koga, the commander of the Garo Special Operation Team, over so you can question him?” Darcy had nothing to lose at that point. She challenged the agencies’ decisions. Most importantly, her reasoning was well justified, and the angry authorities had no leg to stand on. Lilyrose Bank was not due its repayment from Quartet Group yet, and the government-funded project had just begun. The claim of malicious competitive practices was unfounded. For her safety, Kaze instructed Lilyrose Strategic Department to construct the helipad on the roof for drill purposes. None of the allegations could be put on Quartet Group. Clap, clap, clap. Aaron clapped his hands and ros
“Enjoy, Mr. Bowman. We’ll wait for you outside.” The others snickered and headed out. “Let go of me, you animal!” With Aaron’s firm grip on Darcy’s wrist, she could not break free from him. She bit Aaron on the hand in a panic. “Argh!” Aaron screamed in pain and slapped Darcy in the face. Smack! Darcy tumbled back, her hair unkempt hanging loose from the blow. She bumped heavily onto the edge of the desk and hurt her waist. “Bitch! I own you!” Aaron approached her angrily. Filled with despair, Darcy grabbed the stationery on the desk and threw it in his face. While Aaron was busy dodging, Darcy sprinted to the window and cocked her head back to yell, “Don’t push me, Aaron, or I’ll jump off the window. You will go to jail for this.” “Go to jail. Why are you so naïve?” Aaron was calm. “I didn’t push you out of the window. Who can prove that I made you jump to your death? Besides, my dad is the mayor. No one will risk their lives to testify.” “You’re an animal
“You can’t do this, Kaze. You’ll go to jail!” Aaron screamed and cried. “Go to jail? Why are you so naïve?” Kaze said emotionlessly, “Don’t you know I have psychotic episodes? I’m having one now.” He looked down at the street from the window. It was hot outside, so no one was out and about on the street. “We’re on the third floor, not high in the building. It’s down to your luck whether you survive this fall, but I hope you will.” Scared stiff, Aaron wailed and shouted. He could barely string together a full sentence. The female secretary shrieked from the ground, “No! You can’t do this! His father is the ma—” Kaze released his grip without giving her the chance to finish. Thud! It sounded like something heavy hit the ground. “Psycho! You’re a psycho!” The secretary and the others screamed before getting to their feet to run downstairs. It was a mess on the ground floor. Soon, sirens were heard. The paramedics and police had arrived. Kaze watched the scene u
“I think it will be incredibly satisfying to see Kaze locked up helplessly behind bars as his wife loses the companies, and his family tears apart. It’s not like he can do anything to stop it.” Gregory laughed out loud. His bloodshot eyes looked manic. Gregory’s son was confined to the bed, and he hated Kaze for it. “Haha! I can’t wait!” Like Gregory, Hudson was eager to witness Kaze’s downfall. Meanwhile, the police had Kaze in custody for throwing Aaron out of the third floor’s window.The word traveled to Lilyrose’s upper crust. The sighting of the ambulance and police cars made it unlikely to cover up the truth. “Kaze is a loser. He knew Blake would have his head for hurting Aaron. Still, he did it anyway. He could be self-sabotaging.” “It is a pity that Aaron survived. He was taken to the ER. Blake will surely take out his anger on Kaze and his family. Some gloated, while others expressed sympathy. However, no one believed Kaze would be able to walk away a
“Kaze, I will show you and your wife’s family what it feels like to lose hope,” Blake pointed at Kaze and said menacingly right outside the mayor’s office. Kaze replied chillingly, “I could say the same to you too.” Blake’s words had gotten to him. Aaron was heartless to nearly leave Darcy with no choice but to take her own life. Still, Blake believed that Darcy deserved to die. Apparently, Kaze was not supposed to retaliate or throw Aaron out of the third-floor window. He could not make sense of the logic. “Hahaha! I own your ass now, Kaze, so you have the nerve to challenge me.” Blake guffawed and scoffed at Kaze’s statement. “I am the mayor. I have the support of the two most prominent families. What do you have? Soon, you will learn that I have the power to destroy you and your family.” The nerve of Kaze to talk back when he was in handcuffs. Resentful, Blake made up his mind to give Darcy’s family hell. He shouted, “Come here, Kevin.”“You summoned me, M
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.