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
It was as though the man did not expect Kaze to remain calm under the pressure of so many guns pointed at him. The man frowned and then raised his hand, saying, “Move the car and let them go.” “You guys go ahead,” Kaze said to Conan and Darcy. Conan nodded. He quickly turned the car away and left the encirclement. “Which car am I getting into?” Kaze asked as he scanned over the cars. He pointed at the one the middle-aged man was sitting and said, “Can I take this? It seems more comfortable.” The annoyance on the man’s face grew distinctive but he remained silent and nodded. Kaze went over to the shiny new car and got into the back. Armed officers got into the car as well, occupying the other side of the rear seat and the passenger’s seat. Kaze smiled and did not mind the extra security. “Whrrrrr.” The siren went blaring as the motorcade brought Kaze away. Back at Rivername’s residential area, both Villa No.11 and Villa No.9 were sealed by police lines and there
Kaze pretended to be unfazed. Despite his dislike and disgust for Mika, Kaze was sad about the loss of her life. That was all there was to it. He had no idea how Mika’s death was linked to him. Since the police were on his case, something must have been going on. Aiden’s revenge, despite the reckless elements, was carefully laid out. The middle-aged man scoffed and replied, “We have learned that Ms. Suka has been seen in Villa No. 9 on the night of the Yemens’ house party. “Ms. Suka left in tears and a handprint on her face. “Her social media account was canceled, and her talent agency dropped her. She had to pay an exorbitant price due to the breach of contract. “Ms. Suka had been under a lot of stress these few couple of days and attempted suicide several times. She must harbor a lot of resentment toward you. “You, on the other hand, are a shareholder of TikTok and the son-in-law of the Ridgesouth Quints. You command power in Riverbank. She’s just a girl without a
Conan nodded and started the car to head to Villa No. 9. Out of nowhere, three police cars sped over, their blaring sirens shattering the peace in the area. With one in the front and two in the back, the police cars surrounded Kaze’s ride. “Thud!” The doors opened, and armed police officers jumped out of their vehicles. The officers spread out and took their positions, aiming their weapons at Kaze’s car. Several officers in plain clothes emerged from the sedan in the back. The middle-aged leader looked inside Kaze’s car before gesturing to two armed officers. Two armed officers yanked the back door open and yelled at Kaze, “Get out now! “Keep your hands in the air.” Kaze got out of the car and looked at the middle-aged man. He asked in a daze, “Officer, we have a property in Rivername. We are law-abiding citizens. What’s the meaning of this?” Ignoring Kaze, the middle-aged man sized him up and asked without looking, “Is it him?” “Yes, he’s Kaze Lee,” another pol
“See those police cars?” Kaze looked at the police vehicles outside Villa No. 13. “These cars aren’t from the local police department. They are with the state police.“Who would send the state police after me since I’m connected to the local police department?” Darcy quickly realized that judging by the cars and uniforms, the police presence was sent by the state. “Is there no justice in the world?” Darcy furrowed her brows. “I didn’t think Aiden would have the power to mobilize the state police to set you up. “If word gets out, the police will get a bad name.” Kaze grinned and replied, “That’s the reason why I got on Aiden’s nerves. “He let his emotions do the thinking for him. “Aiden lost ten billion dollars because of us, and all he got were a useless gem and humiliation.“The Krads and the Ryokanians will give him hell after what happened today.“He must be eager to get rid of me. He won’t be able to sleep at night until he does.“So he picks on me. Everybody kn
Kaze only said to make Darcy believe and put her at ease. He knew that there was no going back between him and the Ryokanians. Reiko’s apology was only a temporary truce. “Oh, a villa?” Darcy furrowed her brows. “It explains why I’ve been hearing rumors about a villa where you keep your other women. I guess it’s true.” “Who said that?” Kaze said in resignation, “Where I keep other women? You know how things are between me and Snow. I let her stay there for her safety. I have assigned a bodyguard to her too. “Besides, Snow ran Perfect World Group back in Lilyrose. It’s only right that I give her a villa.” Darcy scoffed, but the tension along her facial features eased. Still, she said, “You’re off the hook for now, but you should give me a tour of the villa. I’m the boss’ wife. It makes sense for me to care about the employees.” Darcy’s penetrating gaze forced Kaze to nod along. “Alright. We can check the place out now.” Conan, behind the wheel, turned the car aroun
Coming from another city, Sky Ocean Corporation could finally establish its footing in Riverbank. Unbelievably, Sky Ocean Corporation did not spend a dime to make headway in Riverbank. Aiden footed the bill. Heaving a sigh, Darcy eased her emotions and said worriedly, “Kaze, Boris is right. You should’ve quit while you were ahead.“Why did you have to upset Aiden once we acquired the land? We have made an enemy out of him now.” Darcy might have trouble keeping the land. Aiden’s words had gotten to Darcy. Darcy understood that it was the last she had seen of him. Kaze’s aggression only made things worse. Sitting next to Darcy, Kaze said carefreely, “Well, you know that this is far from over. “I needed to defend my wife’s honor anyway.“He should be the one to pay because he played dirty and caused Sky Ocean Corporation some major loss.“Besides…” Kaze paused, his tone icy. “He's been on my hit list from the moment he colluded with the Ryokanians.“Since things ar
The crowd fell silent as Kaze’s criticism and blows echoed through the room. Kaze pummeled Aiden’s face at least a dozen times. He only stopped when Aiden’s face swelled up. Tension lingered in the air. Everybody stared in disbelief as Aiden struggled violently against Kaze’s attack. The crowd assumed the roles would have been reversed. By right, Aiden should be the aggressor while Kaze would suffer in silence. Come to think of it, logic did not exist when Kaze was around. Aiden narrowed his eyes at Kaze as humiliation and anger washed over him. He gritted his teeth, his lips quivering, but no words escaped his mouth. Aiden understood that adaptation was crucial for survival. He would only be getting slapped on the face by talking back. Kaze looked at his bloody palm and wiped his hand on Aiden’s suit. The insulting gesture saw the crowd shivering and Aiden shaking with rage. Aiden clenched his fists. Nevertheless, Aiden held himself together. He had come
Sensing no threat, Kaze said with a pretentious smile, “Didn’t you lecture me about being understanding? “You should lead by example. I wanted to see if you could become the bigger person. “As you can see, you want to kill me for hitting you.“You’re one to talk about grace.” Kaze’s sarcastic remark painted Boris’ face red. Boris uttered exasperatedly, “You’re not on my level, kid.” “Oh, I guess your grace and tolerance are only reserved for those higher in the social hierarchy.”Kaze put on a stern look. “I have no idea what level I’m on, but I know you’re just a lapdog to the Krads. “Do you think we were blind to your little setup with Aiden? “You’re one of Riverbank underworld kingpins. It’s embarrassing for someone your age to put on that silly show.” Kaze took a step forward, his eyes fixating on Boris. “Tell me. What level are you on?” “Woah!” The crowd broke out in an uproar. Many on scene were oblivious to Boris’ little show with Aiden. While the secret
Kaze waved his arm like a total badass. Aiden and the others wished they could rip Kaze apart. It was annoying. Kaze got under everybody’s skin. Darcy and Kaze acquired Crown Tower and its surrounding land without spending a dime. More accurately, Aiden paid the price. Darcy was speechless, to say the least. She had no idea that Kaze could be so manipulative. If she were in Aiden’s shoes, she would probably be livid. “Thank you, Mr. Krad. You’re one of the good guys.” Kaze burst out laughing while thanking Aiden. The smug look on Kaze’s face was infuriating, but Aiden could only stand there, seething. “That’s enough, young man.” An old but commanding voice boomed. The crowd was taken aback as Boris, one of the Riverbank underworld kingpins approached. “Don’t push it, young man. You have won, and I suggest you should leave it at that,” Boris said indifferently. Despite his flat tone, Boris was critical of Kaze. “Boris is right. Kaze, you got lucky this