After much thought, Kaze gave Draco a call. “How are Sven and Wolf doing?” Draco replied, “They have passed all physical tests. The lab reports their progress live.” “Alright. Send them back in the next few days to protect Darcy. Make sure they are equipped with the license to kill. “Tell them to kill anyone who tries to harm Darcy,” Kaze said curtly. He was not worried about himself, but Darcy could be a target. Conan’s henchmen were no match for an organization like the Viper’s Den. … The next day, Kaze went to the mayor’s office. Conan was waiting outside Skylar View District. Standing next to him was Astral whose head was bruised and patched up. Conan would give him annoyed looks from time to time. “Why are you here?” Kaze drew close and looked at Astral. Astral hunched over and said, “I heard Sirius had flown to Lilyrose. I thought I would come by in case he tries something with you. I am set to succeed the family. Even if he hates me, he should take my o
“Chief of Viper’s Den’s serious crime unit?” Kaze raised a brow. “If I remember correctly, Hannah is the chief.” Sirius smiled. “Thanks to you, Mr. Fuller stripped Chief Delmore of her title and promoted me. “Come to think of it, I wouldn’t get the promotion if it weren’t for you, Mr. Lee,” Sirius said earnestly. He looked at Kaze with gratitude. Kaze grinned nonchalantly, his gaze brushing past the members of the Viper’s Den. “So is this the gratitude you’re showing, Chief Glitter?” Kaze remarked sarcastically. “Don’t put it that way. Business is business.” Sirius said with a smile, “From a personal standpoint, I’m grateful to you, Mr. Lee. “But you’re suspected of killing Gareth and twenty-odd of his students. You have also wounded our agents.“As the chief of the serious crime unit, it’s my duty to arrest suspects and bring them to justice.“Due to the nature of your crime, Mr. Fuller has asked me to bring you back to Westeros for punishment. “Since I owe you o
“Kaze, you should come with us if you know what’s good for you. Chief Glitter is only being nice to show you the sights of Westeros before you die.” “This should serve as a lesson for you. If you find yourself coming from a small place in your next life, you might want to think twice before getting so full of yourself.” “Don’t just stand there. Get in the car. Chief Glitter is patient, but we’re not.” Several members of the Viper’s Den tore into Kaze. They wanted to complete the task quickly and received an award alongside their leader, Sirius. Hannah was powerless against Kaze. To make matters worse, she lost the Nether Viper Sword too. Yves could not stop Kaze either. He ditched his incapacitated comrades and fled to Westeros with his tail tucked between his legs. Now that it was Sirius and his crew’s turn, they were going to apprehend Kaze and retrieve the Nether Viper Sword. When that happened, the team would rise in prominence within the organization and be given p
Bang!This time, Sirius shot Astral’s knee. Astral let out a harrowing cry before collapsing to the ground. He hugged his knee in agony. Hiss.Gasps filled the air. It was bad enough that Sirius shot Conan, but he fired at Astral too. Astral was his cousin and the future head of the family. Yet, Astral was more savage than Conan. Since he shot Astral’s knee at close range, the sheer force of the bullet would blow the latter’s kneecap apart. Even if Astral survived the shot, he would have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. It could be a sign that Sirius was severing ties with the Glitters. The expressions of the crowd when they looked at Sirius went from horror to sheer terror. They believed Sirius was either an idiot or simply cold-blooded. Sirius blew off the smoke residue and glanced at Astral, who was whimpering on the ground. He said callously, “As the successor of the family, you’re embarrassing the family by groveling at the feet of a nobody
Despite being held at gunpoint, Kaze looked callously at Sirius. “I told you. I’m not going anywhere without an arrest warrant. “You don’t have one, though. I know your plans. You want to silence me. “The Viper’s Den is supposed to work for the nation, but now it has become a tool for some of you for personal gains.“That’s including you, Sirius. This is the Viper’s Den's third visit, and in all three visits, I’ve been accused without proof. Is this what your organization stands for? “The Viper’s Den needs a serious shake-up, a thorough reform. It’s time to get this organization back on track.”Before Sirius said anything, the group beside him started laughing. “A shake-up? How are you going to do that?” “Aren’t you full of yourself, Mr. Lee?” “Do you know how many subdivisions of the Viper’s Den are spread across Arcadia?”“Do you know who is in the higher management of the Viper’s Den?” “Your speech about a so-called reform will get you killed once word gets out.”
Madam Hacks measured Sirius up in shock. Sirius, long overlooked by the family due to his birth, emerged as surprisingly audacious.He fired a shot at Astral, the successor of the family. The Hackses in Geranium City were a big family. The head of the family had five wives. Madam Hacks was the youngest wife out of the five. Larger groups were magnets for drama and conflict. The Hackses’ squabbling and disputed assets often featured in the city’s tabloids. Madam Hacks’ secured foothold in the Hacks family was a testament to her diplomacy in power struggles.She quickly realized what Sirius was after. Madam Hacks decided to support Sirius in establishing himself in the family and even becoming the next head of the household. She stood to gain a bountiful reward for choosing the right guy to invest in.At the very least, the decision would strengthen her position in the Hacks family. With that in mind, Madam Hacks smiled. “You did the right thing, Sirius. The Glitt
Kaze said sharply, “Christian, you and your group of mercenaries entered the country illegally and abducted my wife. I was kind and gracious enough to spare your lives and gave you three days to leave Arcadia. “But I guess you don’t know what’s best for you. You have the nerve to pose as a sales representative for Zion Trade Network to make false claims about me. “You’re really asking for it.” Kaze stared at Christian, his eyes reflecting bloodthirst. Most of the people at the scene were shocked. They could not believe Kaze vowed violence against Christian before their eyes. Even if Christian lacked Madam Hacks’ support and the sales representative title from Zion Trade Network, Kaze’s rudeness toward a Paladin like Christian was uncalled for.Foreigners tended to get special treatment and privileges in Arcadia. Christian sneered. “Zion Trade Network is a legitimate business, Kaze. The Paladian’s foreign office can vouch for that. We entered the country through the right
“Haha, Glitter. I think I’m beginning to like Arcadia.” Christian burst out laughing and patted Sirius’ shoulder. After a bout of laughter, Christian then said, “I heard that you’re here to arrest Kaze over Gareth’s murder. I think you can process the death of my employees and Gareth’s case together.” “No problem. Both cases fall in Viper’s Den’s jurisdiction.” Sirius took Christian’s suggestion without hesitation. Kaze was about to die anyway. These foreigners were pleased to get their revenge before Kaze died. “Alright.” Christian turned to Kaze with a ruthless smile. “You ordered everyone from Zion to leave the country in three days, Kaze.“In our part of the world, someone with your views would be considered a classic nationalist.“It’s time for you to experience what it’s like to die at the hands of your own people. “That reminds me. As a friend, I could talk to Viper’s Den’s higher management to make sure you don’t die so quickly. “Have fun. I heard Viper’s
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
Snow could not believe her eyes. Katie suddenly went quiet and behaved like the CEO she was.However, Katie did not look like she was right in the mind earlier. “What’s going on? She seems to have gone insane.” Snow turned to the warden, still digesting the change. Katie had lost touch with reality before the Viper’s Den did anything to her. “How did this happen? She has been taking her meals. Just days earlier, she nagged about getting out because she was worried about her daughter. As usual, we didn’t respond to her requests.” The warden found the whole thing peculiar too. Just a few days ago, Katie demanded her release. Now, she kept to herself and abided by the rules. Out of the blue, Katie went nuts. Things had gotten complicated. Snow wanted to keep Katie behind bars due to her betrayal. However, Kaze decided against pursuing the matter for Leah’s sake. Katie would be let go soon enough, but she would lose her job at the Northborn Group. Katie’s presence woul
It was quiet in the office. Snow sorted the last bit of paperwork before picking her head up in exhaustion. Her initial plan was to delegate the tasks. However, Katie was controlling. Previously, she personally oversaw many matters. Snow could not distribute the responsibilities because the employees had no experience in handling them. They came to Snow for every tiny, little thing, and Snow really got her hands full. Despite her frustration, Snow could let things go as Katie was locked up. “I should pay her visit.” Snow decided to see Katie. Some things should not be left unsaid. Leah would be working for the Northborn Group soon, and the mother and daughter should meet to tie up loose ends. The truth would put Leah to shame, and her guilt would stop her from ever betraying Kaze. After a quick bite, Snow drove to the prison. Katie was furious when she was imprisoned. She was one step away from victory. She was so close to leaving Butterworth to head to Westeros
“Why do you want to sell the properties? Do you need money? Don’t you have some saved?” Joey had a good understanding of Leah’s finances since she ran all the paperwork. “My mother is being held, and I need money to ask favors. Maybe I can get her out.” Leah was not thinking much. Money could always be replaced, but not her mother’s freedom. “Don’t be silly. This is not the way to go.” Though Joey did not have the details, she observed that things were not as simple as Leah thought. Kaze was safe now, but the fact that Katie had betrayed Kaze and revealed his whereabouts remained unchanged. Katie had broken the Viper’s Den’s rules. Even if she got out, she would be a wreck. With Snow running the Northborn Group, Katie would remain a failure. Either way, Katie would not get away with it. Even if Leah offered all her assets, Katie’s situation would not change. It was a waste of money and resources for Leah to save her mother. Nothing would come out of it. “But I
“Give me an answer. Are you taking the job? If you are, you should sort out your affairs. Don’t bring your personal feelings to work.” Snow was not the type to go easy on fragile women. If Leah did not have what it took, she could be forced to leave the company. Nevertheless, Katie had left a lot of assets to Leah. Even without work, Leah could very well survive. The girl would have trouble keeping the wealth, seeing that she was without power or connections. If Leah had a job, she would have the resources to hold onto her assets. Leah had seen the best and worst of mankind. She was once the center of attention, and now, everybody avoided her. It dawned on Leah that it was over for Katie. If Leah could not even keep a job, she would lose everything. “I didn’t know things would happen.” Leah never thought that Katie was capable of stabbing Kaze and her in the back. The thought of betrayal put Leah in distress. Kaze was a great guy who helped Leah a lot. Feeling ete
Leah got dressed and was ready to leave, but she did not know who to turn to. She thought about going to her wealthy friends to see if they could uncover anything through their connections. However, Leah could not get a hold of them. It dawned on Leah that loyalty would fade when power was gone. Even though Katie was just missing, intel spread around Butterworth very quickly. These people must have found out and have chosen to stay away. Leah had always been treated like royalty. Nobody had ever avoided her like the plague. Nevertheless, she had not been in touch with these friends since her injury. Now, in her attempt to contact them, she could not reach them. “Why is this happening? My good friends have gone MIA, and I’m getting silence from those who have been trying to connect.” Sitting on the couch, Leah looked out the window in despair. She tried to seek help with her mother’s search, but her efforts were futile. She could do nothing for her mother. All al
“I have to work hard starting today. But before that, I have to get some sleep.” Snow remembered that Kaze punished her to get some sleep. He said her face looked tired and pale, signs of how hard she had been working. It felt great being cared for. It was because of his kindness, Snow fell for Kaze uncontrollably. Yet she understood not all things were meant to be. After she returned home, she went to sleep immediately without talking to anyone. She only woke up in the afternoon after a comfortable and easy sleep. Next, she would have to work on many things, first being taking over Northborn Group. Katie’s disappearance had the company shaken, but it gave many others a chance. They tried to calm their subordinates down and contact the higher-ups for more information, hoping that they could replace Katie as the new CEO. Little did they know, their preparations would eventually fall short. Snow and her secretary arrived at Northborn Group in the afternoon, and her a