Seeing that Machi was panicking, the inspector hurriedly said, “Please recall carefully whether you have offended anyone recently. Who would do this to you unless there is deep hatred?”Then, he reminded him, “Please think... is there anyone trying to kill you? Or are you trying to kill anyone?”The first person that came to Machi’s mind was Charlie, but he quickly dismissed the thought.After Aota’s mysterious disappearance, Masatetsu had received a message when he was eavesdropping on Charlie that the person who killed Aota was not Charlie, but another group of ninjas.At that time, Masatetsu presumed that it was the Koga ninjas loyal to the Ito family. However, he didn’t tell anyone in the police department about it because he thought that it was pointless. There was no direct evidence whatsoever, and it was a mere assumption from Masatetsu before he died.In his opinion, the Ito family was behind this, but in the police’s opinion, it could be the Koga ninjas. Nevertheless, it
Charlie raised his hand to dismiss the concern. “It’s fine. Don’t worry. I have some personal affairs to take care of, and I’ll be back when I’m done.”Isaac asked, “Is it in Osaka? Do you want me to arrange a convoy for you?”“It’s not necessary.” Charlie didn’t say exactly where he was going, and he didn’t intend to.For some unknown reason, he kept thinking about Nanako. It was perhaps out of sympathy, or admiration, or other indescribable emotions. He couldn’t figure it out, nor did he want to think about it.Right now, all he wanted to do was to go to Kyoto to visit Nanako personally and look at her injuries.No matter what, he could only return in peace after healing her.Seeing that Charlie did not want to share his whereabouts, Isaac did not insist but advised him to drive carefully. And if the snow got too heavy, to wait until it stopped before continuing to drive.Charlie agreed and then set off on his own.Osaka was very close to Kyoto; it was only about an hour’s dr
Just as Nanako looked up into the sky and thought about Charlie in her heart, Charlie, who was hiding on top of a wall, saw the beautiful silhouette in the courtyard below.He bypassed the Ito residence’s security and circled the residence halfway around its perimeter before seeing Nanako, whom he had been missing in his heart.Seeing Nanako wearing a kimono with a classic bun, he couldn’t help but sigh. “No wonder Nanako is the perfect role model of Yamato Nadeshiko. It is not an exaggeration at all. She is definitely the most beautiful and perfect Japanese woman I have ever seen.”However, the sight of Nanako sitting in a wheelchair was such an eye-sore that made him feel somewhat sorrowful.She could have sat out of the final match with Aurora, or admitted defeat early in the match, and withdraw herself from the competition, but she persevered to the end, which caused her to suffer great trauma.At this moment, Charlie wished he could just leap from the wall to meet her, but th
Eikichi had a luxurious private suite that was explicitly reserved for him in the lavish nightclub that he frequented. It was lavishly furnished with the highest standard of privacy and seclusion. This was where he slept with many actresses.A convoy of three Rolls-Royces escorted Eikichi to Shibuya. Inside the car, Eikichi was extremely excited and looking forward to an erotic lovemaking evening with his current lover.As the convoy crossed an underpass, a truck that was traveling at a constant speed suddenly braked and swerved, blocking the entire road. Several black commercial vehicles immediately came from behind them and blocked Eikichi’s convoy.Realizing the dangerous situation, the bodyguards in the first and last cars pulled out their guns, ready to protect Eikichi.Suddenly, a large group of men in black with automatic weapons emerged from the black vehicles in the back! Their firearms consisted of automatic rifles and mini submachine guns, which were much more powerful t
The next five minutes were the most painful, torturous, and devastating five minutes of Machi’s life.He didn’t dare to end the call because he knew that this might be the last chance he could hear his son’s voice ever again.It was also clear to him that the killers wanted to torture his son to death and make him suffer great pain before his life came to an end.Even as his father, he could only listen to his son’s agonizing screams but could not do anything about it.Immediately afterward, the attackers poured gasoline into the Rolls Royce in which Eikichi was riding and let him scream hysterically in the car.After the gasoline was poured in, the leader took out a pack of cigarettes and a box of matches, coolly lit a cigarette, took a puff, and threw the burning matchstick through the broken window!The luxurious Rolls Royce was instantly turned into an incinerator, with the blast even spewing wildly outward.The screams of Eikichi, his assistant, and the driver resonated dev
Charlie could sense that it was an invasion of sorts, and they certainly bore a bad intention. He immediately concealed his breath and observed them in secret. Sure enough, these people climbed over the wall at a breakneck speed and approached Nanako from many directions!Although Nanako was seriously injured, she was still a martial artist with high sensitivity and alertness, so she was already aware of the six people before they approached.She wanted to shout for help, but before she could do so, she abruptly shut her mouth and gave up the idea.From these people’s advancement toward her and their sheer speed, she could sense that they were none other than ninjas! The Ito family had their own team of ninjas too, but they were all in Tokyo, not Kyoto.These ninjas were exceptionally strong and had greater combat abilities than ordinary martial artists. Even if she was not injured, she was no match for even one ninja, let alone six! Besides, it looked as if they were at least mid-
In fact, just as the man raised his sword, the other five took two steps backward because they didn’t want the blood splattering on their bodies when it spurted out of Nanako’s body.Their gazes were locked on Nanako, waiting for the bloody scene to unfold, and Nanako herself was ready to meet her death.However, the mental image they had prepared for came to a screeching halt at this very moment!The ninja sword, raised high in the air, had been hovering there for a moment, and the others wondered why he was taking so long to behead her.When they marched forward to look, they realized that the executioner who had wielded the sword was now dead!A few centimeters of a short blade was stuck on his forehead, and because the cut wound was so clean, only a very small amount of blood seeped out of the wound and dripped onto the thick white snow, painting it red!While these people were dumbfounded and could not figure out what was going on, they realized that the shuriken that pierce
The smiling man who was standing right in front of Nanako was indeed Charlie, the man whom she had been missing and fallen in love with for a long time!At this moment, a lot of questions sprang up inside her mind at once.‘It’s him?!’‘How could it be?’‘Why is he here?’‘Am I dreaming?’‘Am I dead and this is just an illusion after all?’‘Just a moment ago, I thought that I would have no regrets if I could see Charlie even once more before I died, but never in my wildest dream did I expect that he would suddenly come to save me like an angel from heaven!’Numerous thoughts converged in her mind with mixed emotions of surprise, hesitation, anxiety, and excitement. She shuddered to the point of speechlessness.At this moment, it was Charlie who broke the silence. He looked at Nanako with a smile and asked, “Ito-san, it’s been a while. How have you been?”Hearing Charlie’s voice, Nanako was finally certain that it was not an illusion!Charlie, whom she had been infatuated wit
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
Jacob put a hand on his chest. "Don't worry—everything is going to be fine when my son-in-law takes the stage."As soon as he finished speaking, an unknown number called his phone.He answered, hearing a familiar voice he couldn't quite place, "Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Mr. Jacob Wilson?""Yes. May I ask who I am speaking to?""Albert Rhodes, owner of Heaven Springs at your service. Would you happen to remember me?"Hearing that, Jacob turned on the speaker excitedly as he continued, "Oh, yes, Don Albert! Of course I remember!"Mr. Bay's eyes lit up when he heard Albert announce himself, and he mouthed, "Is that really Don Albert?!"Jacob nodded repeatedly, his vanity burgeoning.Mr. Bay was naturally thrilled too, and he leaned closer to listen just as Albert spoke humbly, "If it's alright with you, Mr. Wilson, please don't address me as Don Albert. It's just a title some brats came up with—you are Master Wade's father-in-law, which means you have seniority over me. So,
Mr. Bay was overjoyed, seeing how quickly Jacob agreed to it. "Thanks, Jacob! I owe you!" He exclaimed, but soon added, "It's past four now, and that bunch like to fraternize in the room before they eat. Could you get the room soon? I think they'll be arriving soon."Then, he moved closer to add quietly, "If you can get a Diamond Room like before, I will bring you along. I'm not going to lie, these are officials with decision-making authority. Being friends with them might propel us to new heights!"Jacob already knew that Mr. Bay was sucking up to his friend, otherwise, he wouldn't be so concerned when the dinner was organized by said friend. Understanding that the friend must be important too, Jacob was at once buoyed.After all, he had presumed that becoming vice president was the most he could achieve.Now, if he could attend that dinner with Mr. Bay and establish a good relationship with those bigwigs, he would have his turn when Mr. Bay got promoted too.With that in min
Reservations in Heaven Springs had always been unpredictable, and most rooms weren't open to the general public—even if said rooms were vacant for the night.It was not as if Albert Rhodes didn't want to make money when he built Heaven Springs. He simply didn't do it solely for profit, but only mostly for social events and posturing.Back when he was a humbler member of society, he realized that many bigwigs and even his fellows cared for pride a lot. Be it food, liquor, or even simply everyday consumption, they always strove for the best and the most expensive.That was why polite society valued their privacy and established their respective social circles, which was why Heaven Springs ensured that everything was first-rate: atmosphere, service, food, and clientele.Just like how bigwigs wouldn't dine at the same table as their goons, said goons wouldn't eat at the fancy places those bigwigs frequented even if they had money, as it may appear as if they were overstepping.That wa
As such, intent on keeping up his pretense, Jacob answered the phone, "Looking for me, Matilda?""Uh-huh," Matilda replied, and asked, "You didn't show up at Senior University, and your sub is saying you probably won't be coming for a while? Is that true?""Oh—right, that," Jacob quickly said. "Well, it's true—the gist of it is that the Association is getting busy with a project. As the vice president, I probably shouldn't be staying at Senior University all the time, right?""Heck, Mr. Bay called me last minute, telling me how busy we're going to be and that I was needed. That's why I had to go back, but I will head over to campus again when I have the time."Matilda knew right then that those were all excuses.However, she did not expose Jacob, instead asking, "Well, when are you free? So that I can send you my wedding invitation?""Oh, the invitation?" Jacob quickly chuckled. "You really didn't have to come to me—just pass it to Walker, my sub lecturer. He can pass it to me wh
The next afternoon, there was a sudden change of lecturers for the calligraphy class.Despite being the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, Jacob never showed up, instead getting a substitute instructor to replace him.Matilda had come with the invitation Yolden had written for Jacob, but seeing that Jacob wasn't at the lecture hall, she waited until the class was over to ask the sub, "Excuse me, can I ask why Mr. Wilson wasn't teaching this class?""He's busy at the association," the sub replied. "So, I'm taking over his class."Curious, Matilda pressed, "Then, would you happen to know when he will be coming?""Probably not for a while," the sub replied. "He delegated other classes to me as well, telling me that I could just stick to the PowerPoint slides."Then, he asked, "Do you have business with Mr. Wilson?"Matilda nodded. "Yes, but I can call him myself. Thank you."Leaving the lecture hall, Matilda called Jacob, who was goofing off in his office
On the other end, Matilda was left staring at Jacob's reply in confusion.She had presumed that Jacob would understand when she mentioned inviting his whole family that he should be coming up with an excuse to skip attending her wedding.That was the most ideal solution.As such, she was shocked that instead of playing along, Jacob's reply was short and blunt.[No problem. The four of us will be there!]Perplexed, Matilda was left wondering what Jacob meant. Was he really going to attend her wedding with Elaine?The thought left Matilda frowning as she absolutely didn't want to see Elaine—especially not at her own wedding.Yolden was writing an invitation when he saw the somber look on her face, and he couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem?""Jacob replied," Matilda admitted. "And he's saying that he will bring his whole family.""Really?" Yolden was confused too, as he was hardly as eccentric as Jacob. "But he's afraid of his wife and shouldn't be telling her at all…