Collier understood the need to nip a problem in the bud. Scared stiff, he sprung to hold Kaze’s leg and wailed, “Because you killed my family, I wouldn’t and couldn’t betray you, sir. “My life is in your hands.“Please give me a chance, sir. “I’ll be your lapdog. I’ll bite at command.“That’s right. I’ll prove my loyalty. Josiah is my ally. I can lure him to a meeting under the pretense of business and handle him as you see fit.”Collier resorted to every means possible just to survive. Kaze believed Collier would pull his pants down and eat his shit if he were to ask him to do so. “Wham!” Kaze kicked Collier and said with pursed lips, “Poor Josiah. You have no shame in betraying your ally.” Collier said ingratiatingly, “I’m a dog, not human. Of course, I have no shame, Kaze.“To be honest, I don’t hate you for killing my father. “I just wish I was there to do the dirty work for you.” It was a ridiculous statement to make. Hannah scoffed in disdain. Despite be
Kaze waved his arm, dismissing the ever-grateful Collier. Hannah excused herself and took off. The pair walked out together, and sparks flew when their gazes met. They were beyond reconciliation. Just today, Collier drove Hannah to desperation and nearly violated her. Knowing Hannah, Collier understood that she was too proud to forgive him. Given a chance, they would stab each other without hesitation. Of course, Kaze was not opposed to that. Kaze did not stay long at Conan’s villa once the pair was gone. He returned to the city and stayed in a five-star hotel. After a shower, Kaze was about to rest when he received a text message. The text message was from Hamlin, the secretary of Riverbank’s mayor. Kent expressed his apology now that he had learned about the incident with Raph and Butch at the train station. Hamlin asked Kaze if he had a place to stay in Riverbank. If he did not, Kent would be happy to provide accommodation. He also prepared gifts to apologiz
“Uh…” When Violet mentioned it, Kaze finally remembered. Lock used to bring him back to the house to give him extra tuition. Back then, Violet’s parents always put her at Lock’s house for daycare and study. That was all Kaze remembered about the girl. Yet Violet claimed that he used to have a crush on her and she even rejected him before. Kaze had no memories of such an atrocious act. “Uh… If you prefer it that way, sure.” He did not know what to say to the woman. No words sounded appropriate in that instance. “You finally remembered it?” Violet hummed delightfully and then said with a relieved tone, “Seems like the past is behind you now. It’s better this way, since both of us are not from the same world. It was a mistake that we met back at my uncle’s house.” Kaze did not bother to waste his time with the crazy woman. Why would she think he had feelings for her based on a single glance? He simply asked, “Is there anything that I can do for you?” “Of course!
“I’m sorry, I don’t get it,” Kaze said indifferently. After blurting out an essay, all Violet got was a few words and a cold reply, which annoyed and upset her. She inhaled deeply and said through gritted teeth, “Fine, fine! If you don’t get it, I will give you a chance to make you understand. “7 PM later, I will be waiting for you at Bjorn Dining at Golden Scale Plaza. I will show you what the world is really like to a bumpkin like you! Show up if you dare, Kaze Lee! If you decide to be a coward, then don’t you go disturb my uncle and aunt’s family again!” Kaze was not interested in answering Violet’s invitation but the place she mentioned was Golden Scale Plaza, which somehow piqued his interest. He wanted to see how the Golden Scale Corporation operated. Therefore, he said, “Fine. Golden Scale Plaza, 7 PM.” “You’re going?” Violet was slightly surprised. She did not expect Kaze to agree in such a quick manner. She thought he would come up with excuses to delay the i
The two women were considered a beautiful view for the men in the restaurant. However, they exuded a strong aura that put the men to shame. No one dared to approach them. Then, Kaze walked over to the women. Everyone in the restaurant looked at him, scrutinizing him and wondering what gave him the confidence to approach the women. They saw Kaze in casual clothes, which looked even more shabby than the waiters in the restaurant. People started to look at him scornfully. Not even the rich young men dared to approach the two women, what gave Kaze the nerves to do so? It was then Violet noticed Kaze approaching. Surprised, she blinked a few times as she looked at him coming. As he approached, her lips moved, trying to stop him from coming closer. She strongly believed Kaze was not worthy to be in the restaurant and around her. Violet’s family might not be rich or powerful, or the upper class, but being an average class family, they owned several properties in Riverbank.
Violet invited Kaze to Golden Scale Plaza to show him the life of an upper-class person. She hoped that he would understand the difference and feel embarrassed. She wanted him to understand that no matter how hard he worked, he would never reach their level in life. The best outcome would be him leaving Riverbank and returning to where he came from. She originally thought that taking the elevator up a hundred floors was already astonishing enough for a person from a small city. Standing in the upscale restaurant, she imagined, would leave him so nervous and pressured that he would be unable to speak. To her surprise, Kaze sat down nonchalantly in front of her and her friend and even asked her what she wanted to show him. Kaze looked extremely calm and composed, which somehow annoyed Violet. “Look around you, isn’t this enough? This is a totally different world than yours.” Jill scoffed and added, “Do you know how much it cost to sit at the best view in the restaurant? Ten t
“Come on, Kaze! Order something! I bet you never had dinner at a place like this.” Jill sneered. Bjorn Dining was a pricey place to eat. An ala carte dish would cost at least three thousand. It was not just about the food, it was a display of status and experience. The two ladies believed Kaze could not even afford a glass of water. Kaze glanced at the menu and waved at the waiter. “I don’t need the menu now.” After the waiter left, Jill smirked and scoffed. “What’s the matter? I thought this is just a place for you to eat but you can’t even afford to order a dish here?” Kaze said, “The dishes on the menu don't fit my palette.” “Hmph! You simply can’t afford it! Stop trying to act cool!” Violet had nothing but contempt for Kaze. Everything that he said sounded like an excuse to her. To Jill, the menu in Bjorn was considered one of the best in the city. As for it not fitting Kaze’s palette, he was just giving excuses because if he could afford it, he would order someth
“Then, this is…” Violet looked rather disappointed knowing that the bracelet in front of her was not the one blessed by Pastor Angelo. However, she quickly accepted it. Only less than ten pieces of holy artifacts were produced in a year, so whenever one was released, the rich and powerful would have seized it before it even got into the market. There was no chance for her to even get in line. Kane said, “This bracelet is also from St. John Church. It’s custom-made and can only be purchased in Golden Scale Plaza. “It cost at least two hundred thousand. But I asked a favor from one of the vice chiefs and only spent ten thousand on it.” Violet was similarly delighted. Lock would be happy to receive a custom-made bracelet from St. John Church. Jill looked at Kane with jealousy and said, “Kane, you’re awesome! You can even ask favors from the vice chief of Golden Scale Corporation. I heard the company belongs to the West State Viper’s Den and the top brass are all powerful peo
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