Billy got a rise out of Taz passing out from the pain. It was a reminder to himself not to act cocky again. He might not be as lucky to escape Taz’s fate if he ran into a competent and discreet man like Kaze again. “Carry him out. Call the emergency line to pick him up and contact Lee Investment.” With the wave of Billy’s arm, the martial arts students held Taz up. Taz whimpered in pain from the bumpy ride of being carried out. Kaze had washed his hands clean and walked out of Bay Club. A crowd blocked the entrance. Close to a hundred martial arts students entered the club. Worried about a potential fight breaking out, the patrons ran out in fright so as not to be caught in the crossfire. They curiously looked inside and chatted among themselves. The incident happened on the second floor, so Kaze’s presence did not attract anybody’s attention. The crowd had no idea the ordinary man was the cause of the bloodshed tonight. Kaze’s keen senses picked up on Rose and
The young man got up from the ground and glared at Kaze. “You must be the loser son-in-law of the Quints Mr. Hobbs was talking about.” “Talk about an ambush. How dare you slap me.“Kneel before me and apologize, or Mr. Hobbs will kill you when he gets out,” the young man shouted at Kaze menacingly. Furrowing his brows, Kaze struck him again without another word. “Smack!” The young man was sent flying, coughing out blood. “Whack! Bam!” Wasting no time, Kaze slapped anybody, be it a man or woman, out of the way. The crowd wailed in pain. “You won't get just one hit if you block the way again,” Kaze said coldly and led Rose away. Landon followed them and asked in horror, “Where’s Taz, Kaze?” Before leaving the club, he saw Kaze instructing Billy to punch Taz. In Landon’s opinion, Kaze was done for. Taz’s father was the president of Lee Investment. Samson would surely make Kaze pay for hurting his son. However, Kaze exited the premises unscathed while Taz was now
Even though Kaze was clueless as to what happened, he took Rose and Landon home right away. The tension was thick at home. Agatha was chatting away with Agnes with a gloating smile. When she cocked her head back, she had no more reason to smile. “Jesus, Landon. What happened to you? Did you fall, or did someone hit you?” Agatha rushed over to hold her son. At closer inspection, Agatha noticed the handprints on both sides of his cheeks and his bloodied lips. Judging by the footprints all over his body, Landon must have taken a severe beating. “Oh, my poor Landon.” Agatha hugged Landon and cried. After the tear shed, she yelled at Kaze, “Landon went out with you, Kaze! How did he get injured on your watch?“You’re such a loser. You can’t do anything right. “I’ll make you pay if anything happens to Landon!” Kaze went to pour himself a drink, not wanting to waste his breath with her. He was blamed for not watching out for Landon. Yet, Agatha never taught Landon to re
“Uncle Adam is in Lilyrose, and he wants to see Kaze?” Darcy frowned and looked at Kaze in shock. She never got good vibes from her mother’s side of the family. The Otters disapproved of Agnes’ marriage to Hector. Hence, both families were in low contact. Darcy had only met her mother’s side of the family a handful of times. Only when Darcy got together with Kaze, the Otters suddenly wanted to be in the Quints’ lives. Following Kaze’s accident and Agnes’ subsequent firing due to a medical mishap, Caster, the head of the household, forbade Agnes from ever returning home, believing she had brought shame to the family name. In other words, Agnes was disowned by her family. The incident haunted Agnes for life. Both families had cut ties since then. Only Agatha’s family kept in touch with the Quints secretly. Darcy recalled that her uncle, Adam Otter, was the head of a healthcare system, and that was all she knew. “Don’t look at me, babe. I don’t know what’s going on.”
“Darcy, your Uncle Adam is a proud man. You better choose some good words in front of him and make him look good,” Agatha said to Darcy and Kaze. She even revealed that even though she was the youngest, which supposedly was the beloved child, her status was nowhere near her brother. Their father loved the son more than the daughters. “Got it, Aunt Agatha. Mom, we are going out.” After assuring her mother and aunt, Darcy brought Kaze out. She and Kaze went to Sky Ocean Corporation to choose a gift for Adam. The office was filled with expensive presents, given to them by other companies who worked with them. Darcy accepted the less expensive but decent ones. In the end, Darcy picked a branded pen as a gift for her uncle. She and Kaze then headed to Noble Hotel. Adam came to Lilyrose for a business trip. Delivering the message from the Lees, demanding Kaze to release Cosmo was purely out of convenience. He was working as the vice chief of the Sunrise City’s Ministry
The people surrounding Adam recognized Darcy immediately as she caught their attention. “Isn’t that Darcy Quint of Sky Ocean Corporation? She’s here for the party as well?” “Ms. Quint, I have heard a lot about Sky Ocean Corporation lately. Even Professor Whiteman agreed to be your ambassador for Mountain Dew Estate…” Darcy’s status in the business world skyrocketed ever since she acquired both Quartet Group and Sky Ocean Corporation. Even the influential figures in the medical field dared not take her lightly, let alone the representatives from the hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. All of them wished to form a connection with Darcy, the rising star in the business field. “Thank you everyone…” Darcy smiled and nodded at everyone politely even though she did not know any of them. Bang! While the people were trying to flatter Darcy, there was a loud bang from the closing car door behind. Kaze, in a set of handsome suits, came down from the car. His presence sil
Adam’s condescending tone annoyed Darcy, but since Agatha and Agnes prepared her for this, she was ready for the worst. She said, “Uncle Adam, thank you for your advice.” Seeing how Adam talked to his junior in public, everyone revered him even more, which was what he wanted from them. He might be in his early 40s but in his field, he was considered young. The others were veterans in the field and no matter how much they tried to flatter him, they never truly respected him. Through acting like a senior to Darcy, Adam was able to erect a powerful image in their minds. Kaze then saw the glance Darcy shot him and he quickly went up to Adam. “Uncle Adam.” Adam’s smile disappeared instantly. He disregarded Kaze and then said to Darcy with a hint of annoyance, “Who let him in?” Kaze really wanted to walk away. Darcy knew his temper. She quickly tugged him and held him back. If Kaze walked, Adam would be infuriated. Even though she did not care either, she would have
Kaze’s nonchalance, however, became submission to them. “Ms. Quint, don’t sulk. Your husband isn’t all that useless either, at least he can take humiliation better than us.” “Yeah. If I were him, I would have freaked out.” “Ms. Quint, your husband is like a sponge to humiliation. He can absorb everything without showing any reaction. I admire that.” “Hahaha…” The group cackled. Darcy had a hint of anger on her face. Adam spotted it. He wanted to use Darcy to set him off and highlight his success at the party, so if she walked away due to the humiliation, he might lose the chance. “That’s enough. Kaze is still my niece’s husband. Don’t be too harsh on him. The party is starting, we shouldn’t be out here. “Darcy, you should bring Kaze inside as well. More VIPs are coming, and it’s a great chance to introduce him to them. It will do you more good than harm.” Adam spoke strictly, seemingly defending Kaze from the others. The others toned down their laughter but they s
“I reckon that the stone might be important to someone within the Krads.“Aiden volunteered to take care of the business in Riverbank and go up against your wife. He’s not just here to suck up to his chief commander brother but to prove to the Krads that he’s better than the rest of the competition.“If he can gain that somebody’s favor, this can be bigger than his achievements in business.” Everett adopted the requirement analysis. Though Everett had no idea why the Golden Toad was important to the Krads, he understood Aiden’s needs. By grasping an individual’s core requirement, he was able to deduce something that was closer to the truth. “Has Aiden lost his head?” Kaze uttered in confusion, “He could’ve just gotten the thing from you at a better rate. Why is he getting to buy it from an auction?” Everett mentioned that the Golden Toad was worth tens of millions of dollars, but no more than a hundred million dollars. Aiden could have made a private deal with Everett.
“You can take a closer look at our mall’s prized possession.” Marilyn was adorned in a golden ray, giving off an almost saintly vibe. Kaze brought Darcy and Sasha forward for a good look. Encased within the vacuum-sealed glass display was an emerald gemstone the size of a fist.The gemstone was crafted in the shape of a toad, and it was remarkably lifelike. The jewel displayed no visible imperfection to the naked eye. Kaze, Darcy, and Sasha could not tell what was special about the gemstone other than its shape and purity. “What’s the story about this crown jewel?” Kaze asked. Marilyn shook her head. She was unsure why the gemstone was considered a prized possession. Darcy grabbed Sasha’s arm and asked with concern, “What’s the matter, Sasha? Are you unwell?” “I-I feel a burning sensation on my back.” Sasha looked at Kaze in agony. She knew that Kaze had a better understanding of her well-being. Kaze approached Sasha from behind and gently pulled down her back coll
“I’d like to hear from you, Kaze.” Everett was interested in knowing what Kaze was after. Kaze glanced around the mall, and a thought came to him. “You know what. You have quite a nice antique collection in Marlboro, Gem City. How about that in exchange for your son’s life?” Everett felt his heart sinking. Even with Duncan’s life at stake, he could not stop the fury from building. “You’re asking for too much, Lee!” Gem City? Gem City was worth ten billion dollars at the very least. Kaze had the audacity to ask for Marlboro. “Mr. Techman, please mind your attitude.” Kaze said indifferently, “You panicked when I talked about Marlboro. I guess your son’s life doesn’t compare to Gem City. “I didn’t think you’d choose assets over family, Mr. Techman.”Everett ignored Kaze’s taunting. Once his head cooled down, Everett figured that Kaze raised the stakes just to stay in the bargaining game. That was why Kaze rejected his first two proposals. Everett believed that Kaze w
Everett was skeptical that Kaze would kill Duncan in broad daylight. As an underworld kingpin, Everett understood that Kaze had ways to make Duncan pay. After much contemplation, Everett said, “Here’s the thing, Kaze. I’ll pay you 20 million dollars for the trouble today and yesterday.” “20 million dollars? Are you kidding me, Mr. Techman?” Kaze glanced at Darcy before walking a short distance away with the phone in hand. He said emotionlessly, “Since you’re helping Aiden to go against me, you should know that he wants my wife out of the competition. He established some billion-dollar barrier to stop her.“You might not be aware but Jiro Sakamoto, a Ryokanian of the Refined Blade, died yesterday, and Reiko of the same organization gave me a villa worth hundreds of millions of dollars right away. “If you think that your son’s life is worth 20 million dollars, I can pay you that money and kill him.” Everett was lost for words. He quickly picked up on the message Kaze had s
“What do you want?” The call quickly connected, and Everett’s annoyed voice came on. Everett never had the patience for his airhead of a son. Due to Duncan’s recent involvement with Kaze, Everett was humiliated, and he still had not let things go. Duncan looked at Kaze, and the latter took the phone and said indifferently, “How are you, Mr. Techman?” “Who are you? Wait, Kaze?” On the other end of the line, Everett was flustered. However, his experience dealing with challenges anchored him down, and he said curtly, “Why do you have Duncan’s phone, Kaze?” “You should ask your son what he did.” Kaze took the phone away from his ear and gestured for Duncan to talk. “Dad, this is on me…” Duncan sobbingly recounted the whole thing. “Bastard!” Everett blew up. “Why did you get involved? Didn’t you learn your lesson?” Everett came down hard on Duncan. However, Kaze frustratedly interrupted them. “That’s enough, Mr. Techman. Don’t play dumb.“I don’t care if you kne
“What are you doing?” Marilyn rose to her feet and shouted in a panic. “Are you trying to get yourself killed, boy?” Duncan’s security team charged ahead. They were newly hired, so they had not met Kaze before. Kaze had crippled the prior security team. “Stay away!” Duncan shouted to stop his bodyguards. Lying on the floor, he looked at Kaze and said with a sad face, “What are you doing, Kaze? I didn’t upset you today.” “Thud!” Kaze kicked him. “Did you not? Is that why you set Sasha up? “You have some nerve.” Darcy witnessed Kaze’s violence without a word. She believed Duncan deserved it after what he did. Duncan shivered. He knew that Kaze had seen through his plans, and there was nothing he could do or say to get himself out of the mess. Kaze drew close and put his foot on Duncan’s chest. He asked curtly, “Am I doubting your integrity?”“N-No.” Duncan stammered, “I have no integrity. I’m a scumbag. I’m a nobody in your presence.” “Can I call Marlboro
Despite Duncan’s sad state, no one dared to look down on him. Duncan’s family owned Marlboro after all. However, the crowd was curious as to how Duncan got himself all beat up. Who would lay a finger on Duncan in all of Riverbank anyway? “How are you feeling, Mr. Techman?” Marilyn greeted Duncan with a smile and sucked up to him. “Cut the crap!” Duncan waved his hand annoyedly. “Where’s Sasha?” “She’s there.” Following the direction of Marilyn’s pointed finger, Duncan quickly saw Darcy standing with Sasha. Darcy’s beauty took Duncan’s breath away. However, the only thing on his mind was revenge now. Duncan immediately turned to Sasha. “Do you still remember me, Ms. Spoon?” Sasha looked at Duncan in surprise. “Oh, it’s you, Mr. Techman.” “Heh. That’s right.”Sasha was all Duncan focused on. He laughed cryptically. “I’m only in this state because of you, Ms. Spoon. “Who’s the guy who has your back? Get his ass here!” Duncan was eager to ruin Sasha and get
“Mr. Techman’s family runs Marlboro. He’s only helping Ms. Spoon because he took pity on her. “Besides, it won’t reflect well on the business if we don’t sort things out. “Mr. Techman doesn’t mind the money, so Ms. Spoon can take her time in paying him back. “Ms. Spoon has the look and attitude to work in sales at Marlboro after she finishes school too. “Of course, we offer a good salary too.” Marilyn turned to Sasha. “Ms. Spoon, you can write the IOU now. You’re lucky that Mr. Techman took notice of the situation. “Mr. Techman doesn’t usually have time to care about these matters.” Sasha looked at Marilyn and said shyly, “I’ll only follow Kaze’s lead.” Marilyn grimaced, and her gaze fell on Kaze. “What do you want to do about this, Mr. Lee? “Normally, Mr. Techman won’t bother with these trivial matters.” Kaze looked hesitant. “Why don’t you call Mr. Techman here, so we can talk face-to-face?“I just don’t feel comfortable unless that happens.” Marilyn put on a s
“I’m sure a big man like Mr. Techman won’t expect us to cover our losses.” Marilyn took out her phone to make a call. She then said, “I’ve asked Mr. Techman. He said that though Ms. Spoon caused the vase to fall, you are partly responsible for not taking safety precautions. “The responsibility should be shared, and Ms. Spoon only has to pay a million and five hundred thousand dollars.“How does that sound?” Chloe looked reluctant. “Huh? Just a million and a half? We’re taking half the loss.” “What? Doesn’t Mr. Techman’s words mean anything to you?” Marilyn pulled a long face. Chloe shuddered and said with a nod, “Of course. A million and a half, it is. I expect cash.” Marilyn turned to Kaze. “You heard it, Mr. Lee. They have dropped the price to half because of Mr. Techman.” “Huh? It’s still a million and a half. I don’t think we can afford it.” Kaze looked distressed. “Can’t Mr. Techman be so kind and let us off the hook from paying? I’ll be eternally grateful.” D