“Besides, didn’t I prove that already?” Kaze looked at Mandy with a smile. His composure got on Mandy’s last nerves. With nothing getting through to Kaze, Mandy felt like her attacks were going nowhere. “Keep up with the act, Lee.“Either way, you can’t hide your insecurities. “You have money, but money can’t buy education, at least not to us. You can’t win us with your money. “You must be dreaming to think you can interfere in South River University’s affairs.” Mandy sneered and waved at one of the bootlickers. “Go and get a basin of water from the hotel staff.” The bootlicker was stunned. Though confused, the bootlicker went to fetch a basin of water. Mandy returned to the couch and removed her stilettos. The bootlickers stared at her feet fervently. The basin was to wash Mandy’s feet. “Should I help you, Ms. Yipz?” Mandy ignored him and smirked at Kaze. “Scared now, Lee?“If you want me to spare Rose, get your ass over here and give me a foot rub. You c
The group ran their mouths and instigated Mandy. Mandy waved her arm with a grimace. “I have more important things to deal with than Lee. Once this is over, I’ll get even with him.” She then left Dynasty Hotel. Mandy arrived at the mayor’s office. The business trip was not to observe students to offer them pre-admission spots. Mandy’s priority was to build a bridge with the mayor’s office. It was no secret that the mayor’s office in Lilyrose announced the development of a new city. The dean of the South River University’s School of Arts, Connor Lewis, had his eye on the project. He intended to set up a campus in Lilyrose New City. Since South River University placed in the top ten, many students would beg their families to get into the local campuses. However, Connor’s plan was just to use the South River University’s School of Arts’ name. The campus would recruit any students who could afford the tuition fees. In other words, it was a profitable project. The appe
Mandy had to go through Caleb for him to evaluate if the project was worth Kaze’s time. However, Mandy was not having it. She said indifferently, “Deputy Mayor Leed, I think you should inform the mayor right away. “I represent Mr. Connor Lewis from the South River University’s School of Arts. Mr. Lewis intends to set up a campus in Lilyrose New City. “South River University ranks in the top ten in Arcadia. There’s no doubt the school holds prestige. We have received invitations to start campuses in many cities. “The establishment of the campus would add value to the neighborhood. The price of the land and properties would only go up. “I believe the mayor wouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to develop his city.” Mandy talked confidently. It was profitable to have a campus of South River University anywhere. The campus was an appeal to Lilyrose and the city council. Caleb nodded and said, “Can I have your business card, Ms. Yipz? I’ll report back to the mayor.” Mand
Mandy sneered. She wanted Kaze to lose hope and dwell in despair. Mandy’s yelling startled the staff at the mayor’s office. Caleb rushed over upon receiving the word and grimaced at Mandy’s sarcastic remarks. He was about to say something when Kaze turned to him and asked with a fake smile, “This woman said she has met with the mayor and hit it off? Why didn’t I know about it?” “Um…” Caleb scowled at Mandy, who looked embarrassed, and said, “She left her business card, talking about South River University’s intention to build a campus in Lilyrose New City.” “Setting up a campus is a good thing.” Kaze nodded. Lilyrose needed the influx of good schools, and it was something worth considering. Mandy felt awkward to be exposed, but she quickly mocked, “Know your place, Lee. “It’s true that South River University would be good for the city’s economy, but this has nothing to do with you. “I hope you’re not thinking about getting a piece of the pie. I doubt Shangrila G
What? Hand over her task? Mandy froze with a scowl. She did not understand where Connor was coming from. He was casting her aside. “What’s going on, Mr. Lewis? Everything was fine. Why am I handing over my task?” Mandy panicked. Connor replied indifferently, “Setting up a campus in Lilyrose is important. You worked as a reporter at Sunrise News, so you don’t have the experience to carry out the task. “I’ve decided to let someone else take over. That’s all I have to say.” Connor then hung up, leaving Mandy’s blood running cold. That was not what Connor said when he sent her to Lilyrose. He said she had the charm to deal with men. Connor believed only Mandy could convince the mayor to give the green light to build the campus. Yet, Connor denied all that. “Why? How did that happen?” Mandy stood there in a daze. “Maybe because I donated 100 million dollars to South River University,” Kaze said with a fake smile. “You?” Mandy cocked her head back in disbeli
“Sure, Mr. Lee. Your participation will guarantee results,” Caleb said excitedly. There were too many eyes on Lilyrose New City. Even the four top families in Geranium City came early to set up shop.The neighboring powerful and rich families were tempted to dip their fingers. Behind these good schools lurked multiple, different entities. Caleb was afraid he could not hold the ground on his own. Even Mandy, a head of admission for South River University, turned her nose up at him. It would be a different story if Kaze were involved, though. As time had proven, anybody starting up issues would pay dearly. With Kaze in charge, no one would dare to mess around in Lilyrose. Soon, Caleb had several meetings with his team at the mayor’s office and determined a plan before making a public announcement. Lilyrose New City welcomed good schools from in and outside the state. The establishment of campuses in Lilyrose would be met with incentive policies. The well-established sc
“Just be straight with me. “I’ll help you if it means getting Kaze permanently out of the picture,” Cosmo said indifferently, brushing off Mandy’s flirting. Cosmo had been involved with too many women that he was immune to Mandy’s coyness. Cutting to the chase, Mandy said, “Kaze knows I have dirt on him, so he donated 100 million dollars to South River University to fire me. “You must help me, Mr. Cosmo. I want to make sure his wife’s cousin doesn’t get enrolled in South River University. “It’s not a big deal, but it will cause problems in the home. Heck, his wife might even divorce him.” Mandy’s voice was tainted with bitterness. Her mind was filled with nothing but getting even with Kaze. “You have a point.” Cosmo said, “You know what? Frederick Yale, a teaching faculty member at South River University is one of my people. I’ll get him to give you your job back at South River University. “Lilyrose is appealing to good schools to set up campuses there right now. My
“Oh, you’re more important to the school than the 100-million-dollar donation. “Even a billion-dollar donation doesn’t matter more than you,” Connor said uprightly while playing the whole thing off with a laugh. It did not occur to him that Mandy would seek help from the Sunrise Lees. Hence, he swallowed his pride and took the humiliation. After the call from Frederick, Connor agreed to let Mandy remain at South River University right away. The 100 million dollars was already in his bank account, and Connor had no intentions of returning the money. He had learned whatever he needed to know about Kaze. The Sunrise Lees disowned him, he took his wife’s last name, and earned a few quick bucks by chance. Connor saw no repercussions in defying him. With Connor saying good things on the other end, Mandy kept a smirk on her face. Connor no longer meant anything to her anymore. However, Mandy had no plans to cut ties with him just yet. Mandy said with a smile, “Alright. I’ll
As they arrived, they saw a dozen expensive cars parked outside. The customer base was relatively stable as the establishment was targeted at the upper class. The people lining up at the club were young men and women of ordinary background. All were allowed inside Absolute Zero with an entrance fee. Since this would be a chance for ordinary people to meet and interact with the upper-class elites, they cherished it and tried their best to look good. Even movie producers and scriptwriters came to the club, seeking investments or a role in movie production. It was a shortcut to reach out to the upper crust after all. Yet they were just a bunch of fresh graduates with no resources and connections, so the club was their only chance at achieving something great. Dwight would never understand how rare the opportunity was, as he was narrow-sighted. He had never experienced power and wealth before, so he lacked the understanding of how things worked in society. “I never thought
With that in mind, Dwight checked his outfit. His black leather jacket brought out his height and wild side. He then observed Kaze. The latter was dressed casually. Dwight was worried that they would not be allowed into Absolute Zero because of their attire. Nevertheless, he could not let slip that he had never been to Absolute Zero. Without a word, Dwight led Kaze down the apartment building. Kaze could pick up on Dwight’s nerves. While in the elevator, Dwight could not stop straightening out his clothes. It was clear that he was nervous. Even so, Kaze said nothing and pretended not to notice. They got into the car and drove to an alley. The area was not huge, but there were stands selling street food. “The food is great here. Since it’s early, we can grab a bite.” Dwight was not being tight with money. As their destination was a bar, there was no need to get a proper meal. “I’ll get a skewer then.” Kaze did not have much of an appetite anyway. “Okay. I’ll or
“You’re the guest. I should be hosting you, but I don’t seem to be doing a good job.” Dwight knew he had to do better. “It’s okay. I don’t have much to do. It’s just a delivery anyway.” Kaze bought a lot of stuff online. All they had to do was wait for the delivery. Once the items arrived, they could head out. Dwight talked about taking him to a bar under the Viper’s Den’s umbrella. It was a great opportunity for Kaze to check out the scene. He had heard that the Wittersons were tied to all the Viper’s Den’s business operations.Kaze would not meet Edmund and Morris in person, but he would grasp all information related to them. Then, Kaze would stir things up between them and sit back while reaping the benefits. Kaze had it all planned out. He simply had to take his time in playing the long game. Nevertheless, it was important for him to remain discreet. At the very least, he should not show them what he was made of. It was easy to execute his plan when everybody
Kaze rose to his feet and took something out of his bag. Putting on his jacket, he was on his way out. Dwight was out of his room, too. He left his room for a glass of water and waited for Kaze to get out of the room after his nap. Dwight had a drink in the kitchen. He took an apple and chomped on it. Looking at the fruit on the table, Dwight grabbed a plate to arrange it neatly.He took out his phone to pass the time while waiting for Kaze. Kaze emerged from the room and saw Dwight. “You’re up at last. You’ve slept half the day away. Are you still tired? I can wait if you need to catch some sleep.” Dwight kept Herman’s memo to look after Kaze. “A little. I didn’t get any sleep last night. I was waiting to get on the plane.” Kaze took the red-eye flight yesterday. Dwight allowed time for Kaze to rest, knowing his travel schedule. “I know. Did you manage to get some good sleep? If you haven’t, you can go back to bed. I can grab some food for you.” Dwight’s plan
“Your main responsibility is to entertain Kaze. You will be rewarded for good work,” Herman said. Dwight nodded incessantly. “Thank you for thinking of me, Herman. I won’t forget this.” “I’d be grateful so long as you stay out of trouble. “Just focus on what you should do and take good care of Kaze.” Herman worried that Dwight might get ahead of himself and forget his primary duties. Dwight’s priority was Kaze’s well-being. The whole thing would be over if Dwight kept to himself and served Kaze until he was gone. There would be a problem if something were to happen. Without Edmund’s instructions, Herman would never have assigned a job to Dwight. It could be a good thing, though. At least, a job might keep him on the straight and narrow. “Relax. You can count on me,” Dwight said with glee.That was a nice surprise. Dwight did not see it coming. It was just incredible. Herman still could not shake off his worry. However, he had said his piece. It was pointless t
Herman’s smile vanished. His red, irritated skin was playing up. Due to alcohol in his system, Herman could not see straight. He had to grit his teeth to hold back the urge to retch. Herman was not one to drink. Yet, he would have to go through Edmund’s loyalty test every time, and he was reaching a boiling point. However, he understood that he needed to suck it up to gain Edmund’s trust. “You must be Herman. Mr. Witterson. Should I take the things to your car, or should I deliver them to your home?” asked a uniformed server who approached. “Put them in the car and get me a designated driver,” Herman replied. He headed to the lobby while propping himself against the wall. “Okay. There will be a driver out front, ready for your service.” The server tried to help Herman up, but was declined. Herman saw the cartons of alcohol and cigarettes in the lobby. Edmund had always been generous in giving out stuff like this. “These are from Mr. Witterson. You’re lucky to work for
“Kaze can pull the punches for sure. I mean, he has the Butterworth branch chief’s trust for a reason. “There has to be something for him to win the branch chief’s approval.” Edmund doubted there was depth to Kaze. After all, Edmund decided whether to take on a person based on their abilities. It made no sense to pay attention to losers, as he would hold them in contempt. Edmund had been impressed with Herman, who excelled in strategies and management. That was why Edmund bumped Herman up and made sure he stayed on top. “Got it.” Herman nodded and had one foot out the door. “Don’t be in a hurry to leave. There’s one more thing.” Edmund pointed at the table. Herman approached and stood on bent knees. Pleased with Herman’s submission, Edmund passed him a wine glass. Herman took the drink humbly before looking carefully at Edmund, awaiting his orders. “The wine was just airlifted from abroad. I can vouch for the taste. If you’re looking to sip on the finest, yo
Time went by, and a towering man in a suit showed up outside the door. Picking up on the noise inside the room, he knocked on the door. It was hard to tell whether the person inside could hear the knocking, so the man waited outside. The door was opened, and a woman, her face flawless with makeup, popped her head out and saw him. She cocked her head back at Edmund. “You have a guest, Mr. Witterson.” “Let him in,” Edmund instructed. He then leaned in to take the drink from the girl next to him with his mouth. The other girls cheered him on. The group was lost in their fun. The man, who entered the room, stood by the sofa respectfully. He kept his head down, his gaze staying low at the bottles of alcohol spread across the table. It was a bit of a wait before the man approached at Edmund’s order. “Tell me about Dwight.”While listening to the girls’ singing, Edmund turned to Herman. Herman rushed over as soon as Edmund called. He won a lot of money at poker toda
In this particular circumstance, Morris had to play it safe so that things would not get out of hand. The last thing he wanted was to be dragged into the mess. At least, he finally saw the Wittersons’ true colors. Morris’ friendly advice was met with disrespect and insult. However, the Wittersons were a force of nature, and Morris was not about to take them head-on. Despite his frustration, Morris had to walk away. Well, Edmund would soon face his downfall at the height of his power, and Morris would be there to enjoy the ride. Still, it did not sit well with Morris to have a young fella walk all over him. It had crossed his mind to keep the Wittersons in check, but there was only so much he could do. Morris had to be the one to back away as the Wittersons grew haughty. Morris believed there was more to Kaze’s visit to Westeros. Nothing major happened in Westeros recently. At least, there was nothing worth the other branch’s attention. However, a representative of the