“I have seen your picture and goddamn you are pretty. Hehe…” Lil Dee’s perverted chuckles sounded creepy on the loudspeaker. “Desmond Litman, stop dreaming! It’s not happening!” Darcy shouted. She really wanted to hang up the phone. Lil Dee scoffed. “If you don’t want to, then there’s nothing left for us to talk about. I’d like to see without me, who can bring Mountain Dew Estate back to life? I hope you won’t come begging me later.” Darcy clenched her teeth tightly. She no longer had hopes to revive Mountain Dew Estate. Kaze then went over to Darcy’s desk and said to the phone, “Desmond Litman, don’t think too much of yourself. I can simply find someone else to replace you and revive Mountain Dew Estate. I hope you won’t come begging me later as well.” Kaze was furious that Lil Dee insulted Darcy over the phone. The office was quiet. No one expected Kaze to continue arguing with Lil Dee after what had happened. “Kaze Lee?” Lil Dee clenched his teeth and said angril
“When Professor Whiteman and his team came back from the foreign battlefield, they were welcomed like heroes. Many big companies tried to invite him to endorse their products or services but he rejected all the offers.” Ash hoped that Professor Whiteman could be their ambassador but she knew it was impossible. Professor Whiteman was a scholar and a doctor, nothing else. He did not need the extra money from endorsements and he disliked being distracted by not his profession. Darcy shook her head as well. “Kaze, stop dreaming. Professor Whiteman might be a friend of the family but this is the company’s matter. Now that the company is in a tough situation, I am too embarrassed to ask Professor Whiteman.” Ash and the others did not know that Darcy’s family was friends with the professor. They revered and respected her even more knowing her background. However, as Darcy said, this was a company matter, not a private affair. Professor Whiteman would never say yes. “Don’t worry.
Professor Whiteman said, “I’m friends with the chairwoman’s husband. He came to me, asking for help, so I figured why not? I have to talk to you later. A patient is waiting for my consultation.” Vayne was rather jealous. He tried to ask the professor to promote his company before but was scolded instead. Yet Kaze was able to convince the professor to endorse his project? Who exactly was Kaze Lee? Vayne told his assistant to find out more about Kaze. “Kaze Lee, the son-in-law of the Quints is a well-known garbage in Lilyrose. His wife is the chairwoman of two companies operating in Lilyrose. “The professor is a prestigious doctor and scholar. He didn’t even care about the invites from famed politicians yet he agreed to help a useless garbage?” Vayne was annoyed and could not figure out why the professor would agree. “Sir, I found out that the professor treated Kaze Lee’s father-in-law’s legs before. Sky Ocean Corporation is facing a major PR disaster because Kaze Lee h
“Is it legit news?” Samson asked his assistant eagerly. It was no secret that Professor Whiteman never accepted endorsements. Samson might be thrilled but he remained skeptical. “It’s legit. Vayne Tucker leaked the news himself,” the assistant said. Samson nodded in excitement. “Vayne always boasts himself as the professor’s student. When he started his company and wanted marketing solutions, he came to me for help. If it was he who leaked the news, then it must be real.” He knew Vayne well enough to understand the man’s character. Vayne boasted himself as the professor’s student and used the professor’s fame and reputation to quickly cement himself in Sunrise City’s business world in just a few short years. “Sir, our hospitals needed an ambassador. If we can get the professor to endorse us, the hospitals will flourish, not just come back from the dead,” the assistant said. Samson was intrigued. “Yeah. The professor is a master in orthopedics. Why don’t we change all ou
“Why is Vayne meeting with him?” Darcy wondered. Samson was with the Sunrise Lees, who teamed up with the Vinlands to annex Darcy’s companies. When Darcy saw Selene inviting Samson and his men upstairs with a polite smile, she had a bad feeling. “Ms. Quint, I heard that Samson Hobbs is trying to revive the dying hospitals that they acquired in Lilyrose. Are they here to ask the professor to endorse them as well?” Ash said with a heavy look. As an experienced manager in the business world, she knew Samson would only make a move when there was something important involved, or else he would not even be here. Darcy furrowed her brows. “Unlikely. The hospitals that Lee Solutions acquired had a bad reputation for insurance fraud and false advertising.” She knew the professor would never agree to endorse the hospitals. Ash did not care if the professor would endorse the hospitals or not. She was worried about Sky Ocean Corporation’s deal with the professor. With Samson involve
“What might this be?” Vayne looked at the documents. Samson smiled and said, “Vayne, if we get this done, other than the professor’s endorsement fee, we will also invest fifty million into your company. Sign it and the money will be transferred into your account.” Vanye was moved but he was not satisfied just yet. The investment might be good but it was still a business deal. Besides, Samson would also acquire a part of his company shares with the investment. He believed the professor’s reputation could bring him much more than just fifty million. “Samson, you are being too kind. Investment or not, you helped me before…” Samson's eyes glared coldly at Vayne's pretentious character. He forced a smile and said, “Vayne, you might not know but the Lees are also hoping for this deal to go through. “You know that Narian’s legs were broken right? His father had been asking the professor to look at his injuries but due to a certain misunderstanding, the professor did not an
Ash’s heart skipped a beat. As Vayne’s assistant, Selene was the closest person to him. Her answer must reflect Vayne’s opinion on the matter. Could it be that Vayne did not want the professor to work with Sky Ocean Corporation? Even Darcy had a bad feeling about this. “Ms. Blanks, mind your attitude. My husband did not curry favor with anyone. He is friends with Professor Whiteman.” Darcy went up to Selene and said coldly, “And please explain why Sky Ocean Corporation isn’t worthy of inviting the professor as its ambassador?” “Who do you think you are? Why must I explain myself to you? You think you are the chairwoman of the world? No, you are just the chairwoman of a company in this lousy city!” Selene argued with Darcy, showing off envy in her eyes. “Darcy Quint, is it? Let me tell you something; don’t even hope to get the professor’s endorsement. Lee Solutions have already signed an exclusive right for the professor to endorse their hospitals!” Selene laughed as s
Vayne smiled and invited Darcy to have a seat. His perverted gaze scrutinized Darcy’s voluptuous body. Darcy did not sit down. She said, “I’m not drinking. I heard from your assistant that Lee Solutions have gotten exclusive rights to Professor Whiteman’s endorsement. “Is it true? If it is, then we have no reason to waste our time here.” Vayne shot a warning gaze at Selene, blaming her for having a loose mouth. He was infatuated with Darcy’s beauty and body. He wanted to sit her down, try his chances on her, and then reveal to her that he had sold the exclusive rights to Samson. Now his plans were foiled. “Ms. Quint, what is the meaning of that? Are you questioning me?” Vayne’s smile faded and said with a stern look, “Yes, it is true.” Darcy’s heart skipped a beat. It was true. Samson then asked, “Vayne, does it mean Ms. Quint’s Sky Ocean Corporation is also interested in the professor’s endorsement?” He had no idea that it was Sky Ocean Corporation who started al
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
“It’s quite a bustle even when it’s late at night.” Kaze looked down from above and saw the bright lights. A street in the distance was brightly lit with many people working into the night. “The majority of people would do many things to make a living.” Arthur rarely observed these sights. “Thank you. Keep me in the loop of any progress. I’m curious as to what you’d do.” Kaze did not see a need to get involved with the minor stuff. He delegated the tasks to his people. “If you have time, why don’t you go out and have a bit of fun, Mr. Lee?” Arthur asked. The reason for Kaze’s trip was to deal with Jet. Kaze would get some satisfaction from upsetting Jet. “I don’t want to attract attention.” The last thing Kaze wanted was to blow his cover. From Kaze’s question, Arthur knew that Kaze was interested. “No. We can give you a whole new identity.” Arthur knew what to do. “I’ll leave you to it, but don’t take it too far,” Kaze replied. Still, Kaze was intrigued a
Katie was narrow-minded to spit out the unpleasant things. Her words would never harm Kaze. Kaze took the private elevator back to the penthouse for a rest. He had more important things to do. He needed to keep tabs on the Frosts. Leah’s business was none of Kaze’s concern. Sure, Leah was in a state, being manipulated by her mother and all. However, it was a family matter at the end of the day. Kaze had no rhyme or reason to get involved. Kaze soon put the whole thing behind him. Arthur was already there at the penthouse. As Kaze entered the room, Arthur jolted up from the couch. “Mr. Lee, this is the document you requested. It should have detailed information to give you a clearer idea of the situation.” Arthur put the papers in front of Kaze and grabbed him a bottle of water. Feeling hot from his walk back, Kaze took a sip and held the document up for a look. “I got to give it to the Frosts. They sure work in the shadows.” Kaze grinned. A strong opponent p
“Despite everything I’ve said, you still won’t listen! Kaze is a liar! He befriended you with a motive. Yet, you trust him. He’s a good friend to you? What do you take me for?” Katie could not put up with her daughter’s defiance. Leah must obey her because that was what a good daughter would do. “I see you as my mother. What about you? Am I a daughter to you?” Leah did not want to ask such a distressing question. However, there was no way around it. She was escaping reality. Still, she had to swallow the truth, however cruel. “What are you talking about? I wouldn’t raise you if I didn’t consider you my daughter.” Katie worked hard to keep a level head. The last thing she wanted was the whole thing to blow up into a bigger fight. She had a lot to do for the upcoming party. There was no time to lose in keeping her daughter happy. Besides, Leah was no longer a child. Yet, she was so defiant and rebellious. “Why do you plan on giving me away if I’m supposed to be your d
Katie proudly made the statement, convinced that she had done a lot for her daughter. It was only right for Leah to be grateful and understand her sacrifice. To Katie’s surprise, Leah chuckled. “What else have you done for me? You never showed me any attention. You don’t know what I like. You have no idea what I want.” Leah finally saw her mother as the person she was. This side of Katie was terrifying. “What more do you want? Am I not supposed to work? Should I be spending every waking minute of the day with you?” Katie understood Leah’s needs. However, there was no way she could make it happen. It was not easy for a woman to take hold in the Northborn Group, much less secure a high position there. Katie went through great pains to get where she was today. Alas, Leah could not understand where she was coming from. “I’m not asking you to be with me every day. I’ve tried my best to do everything you asked of me, but you can’t even be there for me during my birthdays.
“Everything I do, I do for you. Get this straight. The guy approached you because of what I could bring to the table.” Katie was pissed by her daughter’s defiance which was becoming worse with age. “I know the kind of person he is. Without Kaze’s help, I wouldn’t have escaped. Where were you then? You’re in no position to say that. “Even if there’s something he’s after, what would he want from me? I have nothing to offer.” Leah did not believe a word Katie said. Clearly, Katie was out to get Kaze. “He’s nothing but a poor kid. Why are you blowing this out of proportion? I’ve clearly stated what needed to be done. Why are you still being stubborn?”Katie believed she had not raised her daughter right. Leah turned out pretty naïve. “I told you. He has no ulterior motive. He doesn’t know who I am. He doesn’t have any other intentions. I approached him, not the other way around.” Leah kicked herself for pulling a reckless stunt. All she did was give Kaze more problems. Kat
Leah hated her mother being unreasonable. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I fed you, I gave you clothes, I put a roof over your head, I gave you life! The least you could do is to listen to me!” Katie did not expect her daughter to go so far as to defy her. Kaze remained silent, knowing that no matter what he said, it would be meaningless to someone unwilling to listen. “Kaze, I’m sorry. It was my fault that you are in this mess. I’m a jinx…” Leah blamed herself for getting Kaze in trouble with her mother. If not because of her, he would never encounter her mother. “Shut it! Why are you apologizing!? He approached you with purpose and you can’t even see that? He’s not worthy of your time!” Katie was livid. She felt her daughter was blinded by emotions, incapable of making the right decision. And to make matters worse, the girl even apologized to Kaze—what nonsense! A poor man without any background was no match for her daughter and her status. He approached the girl becaus