The man’s words silenced the entire hall. Darcy was beautiful, seductive, and extremely rich and powerful for owning two companies. She was the perfect woman for any man. Everyone believed Kaze was not worthy of Darcy, but such thoughts remained as thoughts, yet the young man made his thoughts verbal. In fact, the young man voiced his thoughts in front of a crowd and challenged Kaze in front of Darcy. Everyone looked at Kaze with interest and disdain. They wondered how the infamous trash of Lilyrose would react. Kaze was surprisingly calm. “Who are you?” he asked after shooting a glance at the man. His frivolous manner surprised the young man. The young man thought Kaze would be infuriated by his provocation. The angrier Kaze got, the more incompetent it would make him look. The man would then have a chance to stomp over him, metaphorically. Despite the strange reaction, the man believed Kaze was just acting. Darcy came over to have a look after ending her con
Those who spoke were the younger ones, who also had ulterior motives toward Darcy’s beauty and status. However, they hid their thoughts well and it sounded like they were concerned about her. Before they even knew it, they already formed a tacit union to target Kaze, trying to remove the obstacle from their goal. As for who had the chance to go for the shoot, it would depend on their respective capabilities. “Ms. Quint, you heard them. That’s what everyone thought. I am just making it verbal.” Tao believed he would be the one who got Darcy. His confidence remained sky-high. Before they even came into the banquet hall, Darcy was already annoyed and irritated. Now that Kaze was being insulted, it put a gloomy look on her face. “You people are so free that you have the time to poke your nose into someone else’s business,” Darcy said coldly. “My marriage is a private affair, my own business. It has nothing to do with you people, and I don't care about my public image or m
With Adam on his side, Tao was no longer afraid of Darcy being angry with him. He apologized and re-emphasized his words from earlier. Darcy’s expression turned grim. She said coldly, “Mr. Segore, this is my private affair. It’s none of your business!” Tao did not expect Darcy to voice her anger out in front of Adam. His expression turned gloomy as well. “Darcy, where are your manners?!” Adam was unhappy with Darcy’s response either. He said coldly, “Tao’s grandfather and your grandfather are like brothers and our families have been close for generations! Tao spoke the truth because he is concerned with you and you show him your temper?!” Kaze heard Adam and his eyes turned cold. Adam was obviously biased toward Tao, and Kaze did not mind. However, he berated Darcy in public because he was full of himself. Kaze got up and wanted to speak but Darcy quickly stopped him by shooting him a warning glance because she had promised her mother to get along with Adam. She too
Kaze spoke with utmost contempt and disdain, which surprised everyone. Where did the useless trash gain his confidence to speak up against Tao? Soon, the people realized that his source of confidence was Darcy. Darcy owned two companies that were worth billions. Only less than a handful of men were worthy of her. “Hahaha, and here I thought how capable is this useless trash to look down on Mr. Segore. It was his wife…” Everyone burst into laughter. Kaze ignored the people’s laughter and looked at Tao. With a serious look, he asked, “Tell me, what gave you the confidence that made you believe you are worthy of Darcy?” Tao was infuriated by Kaze’s disdain. He grunted coldly and said proudly, “I have to admit that Ms. Quint is indeed an amazing woman but I’m not half bad either. Do you know why I am here in Lilyrose? That’s because I am getting a billion worth of investment from Hudson Investment Firm.” Tao looked at Darcy and said confidently, “With this investment, m
Kaze’s words sparked commotion across the banquet hall. The guests were amazed not because they took him seriously but because of how ridiculous he sounded. “What is he talking about? Does he really think he can stop a billion worth of investment?” “He’s a patient in the psych ward. I bet he’s going crazy again.” “Ms. Quint, why don’t you bring your husband to the hospital, or have one of the doctors here to check on him? I’m sure there are brain specialists here…” Everyone mocked Kaze and looked at him and Darcy as if they were the biggest joke. Darcy felt embarrassed. “Kaze, stop fooling around!” Darcy tugged Kaze and angrily whispered, “You are on your first day! No one would listen to you!” She knew the call Kaze made was real because Kaze was the CEO of Hudson Investment Firm. However, Miru clearly told her that Kaze was just the nominal CEO with no authority whatsoever. A billion worth of investment was huge and it was not something Kaze could cancel with ju
The news from the secretary not only shocked Tao, but it also surprised and confused the other guests in the hall, especially those who gave Kaze a hard time by insulting him. They wished they could bury their embarrassment in the ground. A moment ago, they were humiliating Kaze. Now, Segore Pharmaceutical had just lost a billion worth of investment. They felt like they were slapped in the face for what they said. Even Darcy looked at Kaze with surprise. Kaze had just been the CEO for one day, a nominal one, yet he was able to stop such a huge deal with just a phone call? Hudson Investment Firm was filled with investment elites in the business field, so why would they listen to him? “Out of my way!” Tao pushed his secretary away and darted over to Kaze. He glared at Kaze with fierce eyes. “Is it you? You useless trash! It was you!? Don’t tell me you have anything to do with this! It’s all a coincidence, is it?!” His heart was bleeding as he had just lost a billion w
“You fuck! You ruined my investment!” Tao was devastated. He gripped his phone tightly and glared at Kaze angrily, hoping that he could skin him alive. “You are the one who ruined your own investment. You have just submitted the paper application and you made it sound like you have already gotten one billion. “The funniest thing is that you used it to boost your confidence and thought you were worthy of my wife.” As he spoke, Kaze bent over and picked up the bank card that Tao tossed at him earlier. He flicked off the dust on it and tossed it back at Tao’s face. “Now, you are not worthy.” Spat! The card fell off his face and hit the floor. It was not even painful but the insult was heart-wrenching. “You fuck! I’ll kill you!” Tao shouted like a frenzied animal. He raised his fists and wanted to hurt Kaze. “Enough!” Adam bellowed loudly, pulling Tao back from his frenzied trance. “Tao, leave at once and stop embarrassing yourself!” When he saw the angry lo
“Woah!” Many of the guests were surprised by Adam’s revelation. A VIP from the royal family, backed by one of the top ten multinational companies in Paladia? Such a background was revered and respected regardless of location. Many of the guests were eager to meet the VIP, but not Kaze. He reacted with a strange look because the first person that came into his mind was Danny. Adam could not see through Kaze’s mind, so with his boastful manner, he continued, “The VIP is here with a great project. Many companies in our country wish to be a part of it or even invest in it. Coincidentally, he is my good friend. “Kaze, you are the new CEO of Hudson Investment Firm. I believe you also want a good project to invest in so that you have something to show to the company. Why don’t I introduce you to him later?” Adam then stood confidently in front of Kaze, waiting for him to speak. Kaze being the CEO of Hudson Investment Firm somehow pressured Adam and this was the only way he c
“Kaze, you bastard! How dare you ask Patrick to break up with Maxine? Who the hell are you to say that?!” “Patrick introduced you to a job, yet you ignored him and tried to convince him to break up with Maxine. How could you be so narrow-minded?!” “You’re living a terrible life but that doesn’t mean others should live the same!” Alex, Adam, and the others criticized Kaze for what he said as it was frustrating. How could he instigate Patrick to break up with Maxine in front of them? It was like pulling a treasure box away from their hands! It was disrespectful to the family! Patrick’s expression darkened. He hugged Maxine tightly and said coldly, “Maxine and I are tight. You don’t need to worry about that. Whatever problem that comes my way, I’ll just deal with it. “The more problems she gets me into, and I solve it, means I am more capable than other men. Only an incompetent man would dislike the woman causing problems for himself.” Maxine hugged Patrick even tighter.
Patrick looked shocked. “Huh? He’s a live-in husband? So he has been unemployed?” Kaze looked at Maxine and Patrick, who were obviously asking for trouble. He smirked and nodded. “I guess you can say so.” Everyone heard his answer. Those who were simply watching from the side were surprised that he admitted it so quickly. Their gazes at him showed a strong sense of contempt. How could a man like him deserve a woman like Darcy? Even if he did not manage to marry himself into Darcy’s family, he still should not be qualified to even be her follower. Patrick did not expect Kaze to be so witty. It caught him by surprise and it left him speechless for a moment. It was until Maxine nudged him, he regained his composure and scoffed. “Is it because you didn’t get any suitable jobs? “Why don’t you tell me what you are interested in, I can recommend you. My company has been recruiting lately, like security guards or janitors. “For Maxine’s sake, you can simply pick a job under ten
“I just got it!” The man was Maxine’s new boyfriend, Patrick Weather. The smile on his face was bright. “I have been working for my cousin, Casius, and I have been performing well, so he rewarded me with this Cullinan. “I literally just got it just now and I wanted to surprise you.” Knowing that the young man was Casius’ cousin, Kaze raised his brows and spared an extra glance at him. Everyone at the scene knew who Casius was, so their eyes on Patrick showed respect. Casius Weather, one of the Riverbank Seven. His status and power could easily pressure everyone at the scene, combined. “You’re always full of surprises! It’s just a Cullinan, you don’t have to keep it from me!” Maxine playfully punched Patrick in the arm but her eyes widened with affection. Her boyfriend’s arrival made her proud and happy. She even felt proud in front of Darcy, who had been overshadowing her. “Uncle Alex, hi…” Patrick then went up to the seniors of the family and greeted them. He the
Many guests went up to Darcy to make acquaintances, especially the younger ones. They were not just attracted by Darcy’s status but also her beauty. If they could win her affection, then it would be a harvest of beauty and wealth. No man could resist the temptation. Darcy knew exactly what the people were thinking. Just as she was surrounded by people, as annoying as flies, she dragged Kaze over and said, “Let me introduce you, this is my husband, Kaze Lee.” Kaze looked at the “flies” who looked at him in shock and smiled. “I’m Kaze Lee. Nice to meet you.” “Oh? Ms. Quint is married…” The young men glanced between Kaze and Darcy, unsure of how to react. As the atmosphere grew awkward, they could only chuckle uncomfortably. Adam knew Darcy was using Kaze as a shield and it displeased him. He said, “Darcy, Kaze does not share a common language with them. “They know you are a businesswoman and want to talk business with you. Their fathers are our family’s close friends and
“You’re going to give your brandless cigarettes and wine to my mother? Hmph! It certainly is an idea only you can come up with.” Agnes waved at Kaze in disgust. “Go, go to the side and don’t disturb us.” Darcy disagreed with the suggestion. After a quick thought, she said, “I think we should just go with some jade or something elegant for Grandmother. It’s more acceptable.” “Sounds fine to me. It’s settled then.” Agnes agreed with Darcy’s suggestion. Almost 11:00 AM. After choosing the present, Darcy and her family went off, together with Rose, who had been freeloading at their house since yesterday. Kaze glanced at the jade bracelet that Darcy picked and it was not particularly impressive. He quickly packed two boxes of cigarettes and two bottles of wine into a black plastic bag and then stored it in the trunk of the car as a backup gift option, just in case. If Madam Otter was displeased with the gift Darcy picked, he might be able to give the special cigarettes and w
“Tsk. Tobacco and wine? Kaze, what friends do you have? Why are they giving you these?” Agnes looked disappointed and upset. She rolled her eyes at Kaze and said, “Be mindful of what friends you made. Can’t they give you something better? “Look at the boxes! It’s like they picked it up from the streets. Putting them in front of our house makes us look bad. Just throw them away.” “This is my house. I can put whatever I want in it.” Kaze took one of the boxes, opened it up, and gave the person in charge and his team a few cigarettes. “Thank you, guys. Here. Can you help me move the boxes inside?” The person in charge and his team nodded and smiled and then moved the boxes of tobacco and wine inside. Kaze’s offhand response left Agnes annoyed but recalling the sharp sting of his slap, she chose to be quiet. She grunted coldly and then went back into the house, bumping into Darcy who was coming downstairs. She said, “Darcy, your Uncle Alex called earlier and told me the O
Kaze saw it as a mere errand, so he nodded and said, “I’ll drop by tomorrow.” “Haha, with Boss showing up, this is in the bag already. I’ll tell Ryken that you will be going there.” After the call, Kaze headed to the bedroom and tried to go in but the door was locked from the inside. “Why don’t you sleep in the other room? I have to work late and I don’t want to keep you up.” Darcy’s voice came from inside. It seemed like she was still jealous of Buffy. Kaze chuckled helplessly and then headed to the guest room. On the second morning, after his morning jog, Kaze came back to the villa and saw people delivering boxes to his door. “What are these? Who sent them?” Agnes asked. Her eyes lit up when she saw the boxes. She always had the bad habit of taking advantage of things whenever she could. The person from management said politely, “I’m sorry, we don’t know. A car came by earlier and left the boxes with us. The driver said they are tobacco and wine, specially prepared
Darcy sounded calm but Kaze felt troubled. It was obvious that she was jealous. Kaze awkwardly chuckled and said, “Darcy, why would I stay outside while you are at home? Besides, Buffy has Dayton and his friends at her place.” As he spoke, he walked over to hug Darcy by the waist. Hearing him, Darcy’s jealous expression softened but she still tapped his hands away and said coldly, “Go take a shower.” Kaze breathed a sigh of relief and quickly went to the bathroom. After his shower, he received a phone call from Draco. He answered it and asked, “What is it?” “Boss, the Battle Dragon Troops’ battalion, the Flying Dragon, just came back from the battlefield and was ordered to join the South River Strategic Department. “But you know how those fellas behave, arrogant and feisty. Other than the boys from the God of War Palace, they looked down on everyone. “They got into a little argument with Aaron Krad, the new guy in the South River Strategic Department. “I thought o
Buffy sighed. She knew Kaze was right. Even if Jude was ready to let go, Faith’s birth family, the Krads, would not allow it either. Unless Jude had the resolve to break away from the Krads but it was impossible. No matter how many connections Jude had, the strongest and the only reliable support was the Krads. Like Kaze said, desperate times require desperate measures. Whether Jude and Faith wanted it or not, they would eventually bow before Kaze and accept his terms. “Kaze, if my father holds his promise, will you really cure Faith?” Buffy asked out of curiosity. Kaze smiled. “Of course. I am not like your father. If I said I will do it, I intend to deliver, since curing Faith doesn’t cost me anything. If she comes after me, I’ll just swat her like a fly.” He sounded casual and calm as if it was a casual chat. Buffy was curious. She never understood how Kaze got the confidence to do everything as if there was no obstacle big enough in his life to stop him. “It’s mid