Gunter was the definition of aggression and cockiness. He killed Christian right in front of the Viper’s Den while asking the chief whether it was an issue. Hannah was brewing in anger. While Gunter expressed it was only an act of housecleaning, everybody knew that he did not take Hannah seriously. The Viper’s Den’s branch in Westeros meant squat. Fighting back the anger, Hannah took a deep breath and said, “Christian entered the country illegally. We were going to arrest him and deport him. “So no, I don’t have a problem, Mr. Powell.” Hannah was filled with despair and helplessness. Ever since Magnus died in Lilyrose, the Vipers’ Den’s branch in Westeros became a joke. Their pride was trampled on. No one would dismiss the organization before. Gunter chuckled and turned to Hannah. “I heard that you rushed to Lilyrose to avenge him when you learned of his death.” Hannah was Gareth’s goddaughter, and Gunter trained under the same teacher as Gareth. They were som
“Come on. We’re heading back to Lilyrose.” Beaming with excitement, Cosmo was eager to get back to Lilyrose and assert his authority. “Sorry to bother you, but are you Cosmo Lee?” A voice, laced with a foreign accent, came from behind. A group of foreigners in smart suits approached. The leader was a handsome man in his thirties. By the looks of the man’s bearing and entourage, Cosmo knew he must be important. Cosmo asked courteously, “And you are?” The man replied politely, “I am Andrew Baux from Paladia.” “Sir Baux once had the honor of an audience with the Queen and even received a knighthood. He’s in charge of Blossoms Corporation. Oh, you know the company better known as Tulip Corporation in Arcadia,” the follower behind Andrew said. Tulip Corporation was formally known as Blossoms Corporation. The company was widely referred to as Tulip Corporation, reflecting the prestige of its founder, the renowned Tulip family of Paladia.“Oh, Sir Baux. I’ve heard so muc
“But if the inspection fails, Sky Ocean Corporation’s early investments will be wasted. Without recouping those initial funds, their financial chain could become strained.”Andrew smiled hintingly. Cosmo got the message. Andrew wanted to manipulate the inspection to hinder Sky Ocean Corporation. Cosmo asked, “But the Butterworth Queens hold shares in Sky Ocean Corporation too. They won’t allow this to happen.” “That’s why it will take two of us to make it happen.” Andrew cut to the chase. “We are in the South River State, and the Butterworth Queens are from out of state. Are they worth the concern, Mr. Lee?” Cosmo shook his head. “But my family has assets in Butterworth. The Queens could just turn on us, so my family will lose out anyway.” He was not a fool. While the Queens and the Lees battled it out, Blossoms Corporation would swoop in and benefit from it all. Andrew said, “How about this? Blossoms Corporation will take the front stage while your family works behind
Sky Ocean Corporation poured significant resources into developing Mountain Dew into a top-rated tourist attraction. The first phase had been completed and was pending public operation. The inspection did not fall under Lilyrose jurisdiction. Instead, the approval had to come from the State Culture and Tourism Administration. Sky Ocean Corporation wrote a report for the administration, awaiting approval. The administration had dispatched a team two days ago. Darcy was going to Mountain Dew to keep an eye on the process, but she was stuck dealing with Cosmo.Nevertheless, Darcy urged the project team to be on top of the matter and rectify any problem that may arise. To her dismay, something went horribly wrong. Darcy just got a call. The team from the State Culture and Tourism Administration issued an indefinite rectification notice and suspended the project development. The reason given was safety concerns. Darcy was frustrated. At present, only a few low-risk attr
It was not Phil’s first rodeo using his authority to threaten women into submission.Once, he took a fancy to a woman and coerced the husband to offer his wife to him. The exchange was for the approval of a project worth several million dollars. This was a different story, though. Sky Ocean Corporation’s project had billions of dollars riding on it. Besides, it was Phil’s call whether to approve Mountain Dew’s tourism initiative. So long as he pushed back on the project, Sky Ocean Corporation would fall into financial turmoil and maybe even go bust. In other words, Darcy’s life was in his hands. He was the master of her fate. “And you are?” Pretending not to recognize Darcy, Phil asked. His fervent gaze violated Darcy. Furrowing her brows, Darcy fought back the irk and approached with a smile. “Hello, Mr. Lobo. I’m the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation, Darcy Quint.” “Oh, Ms. Quint.” Despite his long history with women, Phil could not restrain himself in the
“What’s the meaning of this, Ms. Quint?” Phil reproached furiously.Everybody was stunned. Phil was all smiles a minute ago. The hostility came on so suddenly. “Mr. Lobo, you…” Darcy did not expect this to happen. Phil pointed at the scattered tea leaves on the ground and asked with a grimace, “What? I should be the one asking you, Ms. Quint. Why are you insulting me? “Do you think I would be so greedy to take bribes?“What do you take me for? “You look like a kind person, Ms. Quint. I can’t believe you resort to cheap tricks to manipulate me.“Fine, I’ll give you what you want. “The Mountain Dew project will not be approved until you make all the necessary changes. This is absolutely not up for discussion. “We will also be reporting your behavior to the Supervisory Bureau. “I am appalled by the unethical practices that have been entrenched in your company. Be prepared to be investigated by the Supervisory Bureau.” Phil finished his righteous lecture and walked
“I still have some things I have to compile into a report for my superior, I don’t have the time now. “Ms. Quint, are you available later? How about we go have dinner and I can talk to you about it in detail, just the two of us.” Phil stared at Darcy’s blushy cheek and instinctively licked his lips. If not for the mission, he would have slept with the woman by noon. Darcy noticed the lust and greed in his eyes, which he was too familiar with. She was instantly alarmed. She had been through a lot and she had grown smarter. She became cautious against Phil’s request. “What’s the matter, Ms. Quint? You don’t even want to have a meal with me?” Seeing Darcy’s hesitance, Phil grunted coldly and his expression turned gloomy. “If Ms. Quint doesn’t want to have a meal with me, forget about it. As for the Mountain Dew project, you guys can go ahead and make the changes. When it’s done, we will review it again.“And you can stop coming to the State Culture and Tourism Administr
“Is it a private banquet? I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to attend,” Darcy said, her voice hesitant. She wanted the dinner to be at a place where she could feel safe. Phil said, “It’s not exactly private. The Blossoms Corporation is one of the top ten companies in Paladia and they are expanding their business here in Lilyrose. They invited many well-known companies and guilds to attend this banquet.” Upon hearing Phil’s explanation, Darcy’s doubts were dispelled. Since it was not a private banquet, Phil would probably have scruples to move against her. “If that’s the case, I’ll join you at the banquet.” Darcy nodded and agreed to attend. “Great. I’ll see you tonight.” Phil reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her seductive body. He left her with the address and time before he went into the elevator. When he returned to his suite, he pulled his phone out to contact Andrew. “Sir Andrew, I have completed your task. Darcy Quint will attend tonight’s banquet.”
Dwight approached with a smile. He looked at Edmund earnestly. “I am Dwight McCorney. I have heard good things about you. I finally got to meet the man of the hour. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Witterson.” Dwight was starstruck. Edmund was embarrassed by Dwight’s behavior. He could not believe that Dwight was a member of the Viper’s Den. Nevertheless, Dwight seemed genuine in expressing his thrill. Edmund became curious about him. He turned around to look at Kaze, who was the polar opposite of Dwight. Kaze stood there, holding his ground. He stood up to greet Edmund and nothing else. He appeared to be refined, unlike Dwight, who was brash. Dwight had no idea that his behavior had upset Edmund. Edmund looked at Dwight in disdain. However, Dwight was a member of the Viper’s Den. It was best for Edmund to keep his comments to himself. Without a word, Edmund stared at the pair. Ryan stepped in to smooth things over. “What are you doing? We have a guest here.
Since Kaze would not change these people’s minds, he was better off doing what he wanted to do. “This vase must be valuable. I got to give it to Mr. Witterson. A display in the living room is worth so much.” Dwight had never seen so much luxury in one room. He had been to the museum, but the displays were nothing like he had ever seen before. The rich had the means to splurge. “Do you think this is pure gold?” Dwight turned to a gold statue. The design was to die for. The purity of color made it hard to doubt its authenticity. “I’m not too sure, but I guess most of the ornaments here are real.”Kaze watched as Dwight gasped in awe. Nevertheless, his behavior would clear any suspicion on Kaze. It could be a good thing. “I knew Mr. Witterson was rich. His businesses are doing well. “But I didn’t expect this sort of lifestyle. The gold must be worth a million dollars. “If I were this wealthy, I would not spend it on decoration.” Dwight rambled on, his eyes stuck t
“I’m not familiar with the area. We’ll have to look around,” Dwight said behind the wheel. He looked for restaurants while driving. It was early, and many restaurants were not open for business. They circled the block and finally uncovered a small breakfast bar. They ordered some food, filled their bellies, and got back into the car. “Mr. Witterson said that he wouldn’t meet you. Why does he want to see you now?” Dwight was curious. Something must have happened last night. Otherwise, Edmund would not suddenly grant an audience to Kaze. “I don’t know. I had some drinks last night, and now he probably made time.” Kaze felt better after breakfast. He did not think much of the situation. Things would carry on as planned regardless of what the Wittersons or the Siegfrieds had to say.This was exactly what Kaze hoped for. Dwight remained in the dark. He drove to the city’s most exclusive area for the rich. It was all greenery in this part of town. The road was wider, an
After a brief hesitation, Kaze followed Rosie. The room turned out to be Rosie’s. Though not a big room, it was crammed with all kinds of junk. The place looked cluttered. Rosie approached the vanity table and grabbed the comb to comb her hair. She turned to look at Kaze. “You said a lot of stuff last night. Do you remember any of it?” Rosie spoke like they had been friends for years. It was just small talk. “What did I say? I don’t really remember. You made a lovely drink, but man, it really kicked in.” Kaze put a cigarette to his lips, but he did not light it. Instead, he spotted a chair to sit down on. “Well, it’s pointless to talk about it if you can’t remember.” Rosie was pleased to hear that. At least, Kaze had no idea that she had gotten him drunk. “Don’t leave me hanging.” Kaze looked peeved. “Are you off the clock?” Kaze asked. “Yes. I work odd hours. It’s time for me to sleep now.” Rosie stared at Kaze. “I shouldn’t keep you from resting.”
“Can you give me something for the pain?” Clemont had a low tolerance for pain. Standing on the stairway, Morris heard his voice and sighed. Clemont could do no good in his eyes. “Keep an eye on him. He’s not allowed to leave the house for the time being.” Morris believed the incident was more than meets the eye. Yet, Clemont was tricked into going to Absolute Zero and starting shit. There was no telling whether the Wittersons or someone else was behind it. Morris let out a sigh and returned to the study. He sent the butler to the storage room to fetch a few valuable antiques. These items were collected years ago, and they cost a fortune. Morris’ intention was to be on good terms with the Wittersons. There was no need to be at war with them. He had to do it for the interest of the Viper’s Den and his family. Morris was all about looking at the bigger picture. Otherwise, he would not have put up with all the bullshit before. Edmund would not let him off the ho
“Are you trying to kill your son?” Clara intervened. “You’re ruining him by spoiling him. If you want things to continue as they were, you can kiss him goodbye forever,” Morris said. Clara was lost for words. She knew better, but she just could not stop herself. Clemont had her heart. Clara could not stand to see him hurt. She was distressed. However, she knew that Morris would not get over the matter without beating Clemont up. She had to step in. “Hit him!” Morris was too old to do anything laborious. However, the kid would not go anywhere in life without a good beating. Despite starting trouble, he sure was arrogant to admit that he was wrong. “I see the errors of my ways.” Clemont apologized in time to avoid the punishment. He managed to escape all repercussions by doing so. Plus, his mother would plead on his behalf. The whole thing would usually get brushed aside. Though it was more serious in this instance, Clemont still believed that Morris would not hur
Morris was in his study, wiping a plaque of commandments that was covered in dust. Due to his commitment to the Viper’s Den, he had neglected his family for years and left his son in his wife’s care. Morris regretted doing so. Unaware of the impending danger, Clemont enjoyed drinks with his friends. They were having fun, playing drinking games. Losing the game, Clemont downed a glass of liquor. Things could get far and exciting in a game. It was then that the door swung open. Clemont’s driver entered the room. “Young Master Siegfried, the master is waiting for you at home,” the driver said, noting the complexity of the situation. The only thing on his mind was to take Clemont away. Tipsy from the drinks, Clemont waved his arm. “Let him wait. What’s the rush to get home?” Clemont’s friends were shocked. Nothing scared Clemont like his father. However, Clemont toughened up for once. “Young Master Siegfried, why don’t you call it a night?” “Yeah. I’m sur
“What’s that supposed to mean? When have I ever made a mistake?” Morris heard nothing of that sort. It could only mean that his people had done nothing wrong. However, Edmund could not possibly get aggressive on the phone. Something must have happened, and he simply had no idea. Morris felt unsettled like something big was about to happen. “You seem to be lax when managing your people. You don’t seem to know what goes on around your house.“Is your age getting to you? Is that why you can’t handle most of the work? If you can’t get your own house in order, how will you ever manage the Viper’s Den Westeros Branch?” Edmund called to say his piece. It was his way to make Morris step down. Though it was likely that Morris would resign, Edmund could at least make things unpleasant for him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Morris was completely in the dark, but Edmund must hold some secret to act so cocky. Despite his troubled feelings, Morris kept his cool and calmly aske
Since it was a rare opportunity, Edmund had to settle the score with them properly. He knew opportunities like this were hard to come by so he had to seize them well. “I understand. I will take care of the guest,” Rosie said. She was glad that her information was useful to her boss. After Edmund hung up the phone, Rosie then looked at the unconscious Kaze. “You are indeed more useful than I thought. Hardly anyone has ever managed to impress Edmund.” She did not feel sorry for Kaze, believing that everything happened as it was meant to. She knew that to climb higher, she had to please her superior. With the Wittersons on the rise, now was the perfect time for her to pledge her loyalty to Edmund. When the Wittersons truly took over the Westeros Branch, she would become one of the most powerful people in the city, second only to them. She was looking forward to that day. Since Kaze was fast asleep and no arrangements could be made, Rosie went out to call her men and