“I have already eaten. Why should I have more?” Bobby snapped back. Bobby would not fear Kaze when his uncle was to arrive later. “Oh, you ate, but the emergency responders who did all the hard work hadn’t had anything to eat yet. “You starved them for an hour and fed them stale food. Aren’t you ashamed to call yourself a charity organization?” Kaze dragged Bobby over by the collar and said chillingly, “I don’t care if we have to force-feed you, but you are going to finish every bit of the boxed lunches.” He threw Bobby aside and pulled out his phone to call Jack. “Get the nearest hotel to the rescue tents to deliver packed food to the rescue workers here as soon as possible, Jack.” It was not the end of the stale food incident, but the emergency responders needed immediate sustenance to go on. The Joestars owned hotels across the city, so Kaze could count on him to deliver quickly. “Got it. I’ll inform my people.” Jack was on board right away. Kaze put away his
“Uncle Chris!” Overjoyed, Bobby went up to Chris and whispered something while pointing at Kaze. Chris’ expression gradually turned glum. He looked up at Kaze and approached him. “Mr. Lee, Ms. Kosky dismissed you as a volunteer after you attacked Lil Dee and ruined our organization’s reputation.“It’s inappropriate of you to disrupt our relief efforts now.” Chris pinned an accusation on Kaze the moment he arrived. After leaving the commerce guild with Yuri, Yelena went to get treatment for her face and did not have time to notify her people. Chris had been out and about, unaware that Kaze had booted Yelena and Yuri out. “No need to point fingers at me, Mr. Hoot.” Kaze said with intrigue, “It’s undetermined who’s ruining Red Star Charity’s reputation.”Chris grimaced. The way he saw it, Kaze held a grudge and caused a scene because he was sacked as a volunteer.Unfortunately, Kaze also happened to witness Red Star Charity’s shady business. Although Yelena fired
Chris was visibly upset. The rescue workers all around grew angry. It was bad enough that Red Star Charity fed them spoiled food, but the organization tried to threaten Kaze and silence the rest of them. The stale food could be interpreted as negligence from either the delay on the road or the handling in sweltering weather. However, instead of resolving the matter, Red Star Charity opted to shush them. In other words, the stale food was no accident. “Do you even have a conscience, bastards?” “What’s the point of joining the relief efforts? Don’t you have any sense of right and wrong?” “We expect an explanation!” Hot with emotions, the rescue workers tore the Red Star Charity committee a new one. They could not put up with the committee’s exploits. Chris pulled a dirty face at Kaze and said grimacingly, “Do you think you can ruin Red Star Charity by rocking the boat? “You’re naïve to think you have public support. They can’t help you. “It only proves you’re guil
“You sure think highly of yourself, Kaze.” Chris smirked in disdain. “I told you right from the start that Red Star Charity is supported by Lilyrose Commerce Guild. The charity represents over a hundred businesspeople.“We are also the face of the local council. “Do you think you and your wife can stand up against the political and business figures of Lilyrose? Kaze smiled. “Red Star Charity represents both the political and business scene in Lilyrose? Wow. You sure think highly of yourself, Chris.” If there was anyone who could represent the city’s business and politics, it would be Kaze. Kaze was the acting mayor of the city. He appointed Darcy as president of Lilyrose Commerce Guild. However, Kaze had no intention of telling Chris that. The capture of one criminal should lead to more arrests. It was time to root out Chris and those who he worked for. “Are you still arguing with me?” Chris smirked and pulled out his phone in front of Kaze. “I’m going to call an e
“Who is the troublemaker?” Lawson asked with a grimace. Without exchanging pleasantries with Chris, Lawson headed toward the crowd. Chris chuckled and pointed at Kaze. “That’s him.” “I heard you want to ruin Red Star Charity, boy.” Lawson turned his head to look at Kaze. Once he got a good look at Kaze’s face, he froze. Lawson was stunned. The executives were summoned when Darcy became president. Lawson witnessed the members, including the leaders of the Vikrams, Logmans, and Joestars, taking orders from Kaze. Yuri, the former president, even groveled at Kaze’s feet and begged for mercy. Kaze’s face was hard to forget. “L-Le…” Lawson shuddered and stumbled for words. The Red Star Charity committee was excited upon the arrival of Lawson. As Lawson spoke with such conviction, Chris knew the matter would go in his favor. Kaze was no threat. To everybody’s surprise, Lawson looked like he had a ghost. “Are you alright, Lawson? Do you know him?” Chris nudg
“What do you know? Shut up!” Lawson cried with a menacing look, wishing he could rip Chris with his bare hands. Lawson was just a small businessman. Judging by the other entrepreneurs’ attitude toward Kaze, Lawson probably would lose his foothold in the city if word got out that Kaze kicked him out of the guild. “Please, Mr. Lee. All I’m asking is a chance. I didn’t do anything wrong.” Desperate, Lawson hoped his pleas could change Kaze’s mind. “Didn’t do anything wrong?” Kaze picked up the packed food he was given and passed it to him. “Eat this.” “Alright. I’ll eat it.” Lawson opened the lid without hesitation and grabbed a handful to shove into his mouth. He was willing to do anything Kaze told him to. “Yuck! Blegh!” However, Lawson soon threw up. Used to delicacies, he could not handle the rancid taste of stale food. “Why aren’t you eating? Go on.” Kaze narrowed his eyes as Lawson looked up in fear. “The food has gone bad, Mr. Lee.” “Oh, so you are awa
As Kaze kept a straight face throughout, Chris took it that his hands were tied. Chris looked up with a smirk and said, “Without us, Red Star Charity will become an empty shell, Lee.“We are in the middle of disaster relief. The situation will get out of hand without us taking control. “You caused this. I doubt your wife will be president for long when that happens. “We will wait for Yuri to return to Lilyrose Commerce Guild and Yelena to come back to Red Star Charity.“You can keep the stale food we bought for yourselves. “Hahahaha!” Chris and the other administrators laughed maniacally. They could not care less anymore. “Idiots!” Kaze yelled and said curtly, “Since you admitted to acquiring the stale food, we can skip the investigation and get right to it.” “What are you trying to say, Lee?”Chris grimaced. Several cars drove over from not too far away. A group with work badges got out of the cars. “The trade commission, the sanitation department, the comme
“I have no intention of letting you off the hook just because you ate the stale food.“I wanted you to recognize your mistake and experience what you put others through in hopes you would reflect and repent.” Kaze said his piece and waved his arm. “Come on.” Lawson, Chris, and a few more were cuffed and taken away amid a thundering applause. Once their bellies were filled, the rescue workers continued their rescue mission. Kaze got a call from Caleb at the mayor’s office. “Mr. Lee, the management team of Red Star Charity has been detained, but the organization coordinates the relief work in the city. We need a new management team to take over right away. “If I could pick your brain on your plans.” Certain matters were better off left in the hands of experts. Red Star Charity was closely tied to emergency rescue and disaster relief. “Don’t worry. I have an idea who would take over Red Star Charity.” Kaze glanced at Daphne, who was delegating tasks to the rescue worke
Dwight gave some suggestions. “But I’m worried about being a nuisance to your family.” Kaze remained hesitant, torn between decisions. “No, you won’t. I usually live alone. They stay somewhere else. They barely visit. I’ll just let them know not to visit for now,” Dwight replied. Dwight figured out what was in it for him. He could not let Kaze leave. “I don’t want to put your family in an awkward position.”Kaze was still considering the matter. “Relax. They don’t live with me anyway. The room I have for you is tidy. No one has stayed there before.“I’ll hire some help to freshen up the place. I can guarantee you an experience no less than at the hotel.” Dwight spoke with great confidence. “We should finish our food and doggie-bag the rest. I’ll take you to my place.” Dwight was ready to get things going. Kaze took the offer and nodded. “I’ll be in your care then.” Kaze was glad that his plan went through. Dwight had no idea that he got played. Nevertheless,
“I’m new to the place, so I don’t know much. Can you show me around when you’re available?” “No problem, but I usually have some stuff to take care of. I can’t be there 24/7. “Why don’t you propose to the branch that you want me to be your guide and attendant?” Dwight suggested. There was no telling whether Kaze would accept his proposal, but it was an opportunity to prove himself. He was never involved in the core operation. Often enough, he was the branch members’ punching bag. Though Dwight was aware that he was not good enough for the big stuff, he still wanted to succeed. Kaze was the trusted aide of the Butterworth Branch chief. He was in Westeros for a reason. By joining Kaze, Dwight would come across the major players. Kaze saw through Dwight’s plans. “Sure. I’ll do that.” Kaze did not mind the request. “Great. I’ll let them know on your behalf. I’ll be responsible for your needs while in the city.” Dwight was overjoyed at the opportunity. “So you live
“You must be rich. I often see rich people picking tabs for everybody. Talk about extravagance.” The tension in the air was lifted when Kaze offered to pay for everything. “I’m not. Consider it an apology,” Kaze explained, not wanting to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. He did not see the point of continuing the conversation. Dwight’s angry screams came from outside. “What the hell is this? I only ordered a bunch of stuff. Why am I being charged an exorbitant amount?“What do you mean my friend is paying for everybody? That’s throwing money away,” Dwight said while storming his way over. “I know you have money, but you shouldn’t do this, Mr. Lee.” Dwight did not approve of this type of generosity. “You rubbed them the wrong way. It was only right to apologize. Besides, it’s not a lot of money.” Kaze looked at the bill and handed a bank card to Dwight. “It’s my treat.” The consumption was barely a dent in Kaze’s savings. The meal did not cost more than his us
Kaze observed as the jeep took off further off course, past the towering buildings to a run-down neighborhood. “This is where I usually reside. My home is not too far away, but I think you might have trouble adapting to this place.” Dwight did not forget to book Kaze a hotel. Kaze could not possibly stay with him. The hotel was around the area anyway. “Didn’t you say that you haven’t tried the local cuisine? I’ll take you out for a bite. “The barbecue ribs here are to die for. We’ve got the dry-rubbed and saucy kind.” Dwight parked the car and hopped out right away. Opposite the parking lot was not the cleanest food joint. Looking in from the outside, Kaze realized that the place was packed. Kaze understood that the restaurant must be known for some kind of dish. The customers were from all walks of life, so the food must be great. “There’s not much to see here, but the food is tasty. If you don’t mind, we can order something inside.” Kaze was not particularly con
Dwight was surprised and curious as to who Kaze really was. From what he gathered, Kaze was a confidante of the Butterworth Branch chief. The purpose of Kaze’s visit was to learn and share. Dwight worked on the fringes, so his access to information was limited. Nevertheless, he got the feeling that Kaze was just an ordinary guy just like him. The only difference was that Kaze was lucky to rub shoulders with important people. Dwight did not get chances like that. “Who are the most influential people in the Viper’s Den Westeros Branch?” Kaze asked in the car. Dwight was taken aback by the question. Still, he had an answer to that. “So you don’t know much about the situation?” Dwight suddenly felt important. “Well, I’m new to the city. I will be running into them soon, so I need to make sure I get my facts right,” Kaze said humbly. This was Dwight’s shot, and he needed to present his best. “Relax, Kaze. I’ll tell you everything I know.” Dwight would reveal some info
Kaze glanced at the flowers. There was a card for well-wishes too.Curious, Kaze reached out to read the card. It was written, “To my eternal lover and sweetheart.” Dwight grabbed Kaze’s bag. Since the sign in his hand was getting in the way, Dwight tossed the placard in the trash can. As Dwight turned his head back, he saw Kaze reading the card that came with the flowers. He tried to stop Kaze, but it was too late. Dwight had not attended to a guest of high importance before. The task was assigned to him at the last minute. In the past, Dwight was usually on the sidelines, never getting close to major matters. He would always get the small, insignificant jobs. Dwight often bought drinks for his superiors to build connections. However, he had always been kept out of the loop. Now that an opportunity had fallen onto his lap, Dwight was not about to let it slip. He wanted to show what he could do. When Dwight arrived at the airport for the pick-up, most people car
The incident did not sit well with Kaze, so he left them out to dry. After much searching, Kaze came across a café. Kaze bought a cup of coffee. Cupping the drink between his hands, Kaze sipped slowly. Many passengers swarmed the arrival hall in the airport, dragging along their luggage or pulling out their phones to get a pick-up. They all had a destination, a place they had to be in a rush. Intrigued, Kaze followed the crowd out. Kaze turned on his phone, and a text message from his airport pick-up came in. He glanced at the message, curious about who the person was. Nevertheless, Kaze trusted that the Westeros Branch members would not set him up out in the open. At most, they would pull little stunts to mess with him. Kaze was not the type to sweat the small stuff. However, he would not tolerate any extreme behavior. He had been keeping a low profile back in Butterworth, keeping the limelight off him. The purpose was to handle Jet without unnecessary complicati
“Alright. I will work hard to be the manager of the Northborn Group. You need to show me the ropes and teach me about management.” Leah looked at Katie with a smile. She believed Katie had not lost her mind. Katie simply had her memory mixed up. “You need to keep your people in line and reward those who deserve it. It all boils down to profits. “You need to work toward managing your people and working with rivals. You’ve got to keep the balance, and nobody loses out. “You need to build your own system when it comes to working together. Don’t be led around by the nose.” Hearing that Leah would start work soon, Katie imparted her knowledge. “Don’t worry too much about things. Joey is nice. You can go to her for help,” Katie said earnestly. Katie seemed to be herself at the moment. Leah wondered if Katie faked her insanity to escape the punishment. “What have become of you? Did they do something to you? “Did you really betray Kaze?” Leah whispered while leaning close
Leah kept working on her knowledge until late into the night. Just as she was about to hit the sack, she got a message from Snow. Learning was a hard enough process. The text message came out of the blue. Leah did not expect Snow to contact her at night. The message was strange as well. Leah could not understand why Snow would give her the address of a nursing home. Leah was determined to turn things around. She strived to become stronger instead of being a burden. She was grateful for Kaze’s help. At least, she had a job now. However, her gratitude was not extended to Snow. She believed Snow had gone too far. Snow left her feeling powerless. Leah did not think much about the message. She assumed that the text was not meant for her. Since Leah did not respond to the text, Snow put the matter aside and went to bed. Leah called Snow the next day. “Why did you send me an address?” Leah went straight to the question. She had been equipping herself with knowledge before