“Smack!” “What do you mean by the police having no jurisdiction here? Do you think the hospital is the embassy?” “Smack!” “Attacking a police officer calls for jail time. What do you think will happen to you now that you hit Captain Angus?” Kaze had no reason to be polite with Keiko, who slapped the police for doing their job. The relentless slaps rained down on Keiko, the pain coming endlessly in waves. “Is Casius that intimidating? So what if your shareholder is Sanwell Finances? Do the elite families of Geranium City control the world? “Why don’t you call Casius and Sieg right now? Let’s see if I’ll slap them too.” Kaze only stopped when Keiko was black and blue. She started coughing up blood. Members of the hospital’s management team shuddered in fright and held Keiko up from falling. “Are you okay, Ms. Biyanus?” “The jerk went too far!” “Captain Angus, the asshole committed a crime in front of us. Arrest him now! Don’t just stand there!” The management te
“Oh, really? Can you really do all that?” Kaze grinned offhandedly and said emotionlessly, “In hopes that you will finally move on, you have one hour to call whoever you want. “If you can prove that you are stronger, I’ll pay the medical fees and apologize on my knees. “But if you can’t, then be prepared to pay the price, like—” Keiko cut Kaze off. “Enough of your nonsense. “I have no interest in knowing the price because you’re dead meat. “I’ll show you the meaning of despair.” Keiko unleashed her rage through clenched teeth, took out her phone, and dialed a number. “Hello, Leron?“I’m the hospital director of St. Mary’s. We have a troublemaker here. He has a strong helper too. “Mr. Weather is a shareholder of our hospital. We need you to save the day, Leron.” It did not take long for Keiko to put down the phone. She glared at Kaze with her bruised eyes and said with a smirk, “I flattered you by getting Leron to do with a small fry like you. “You’re not going an
“Welcome, Leron!” St. Mary’s management team lowered their heads in respect. However, no one in the crowd answered them. Keiko gave it some time before lifting her chin in a daze. “Leron? Where’s Leron? Why aren’t you saying anything?” “Leron? Are you talking about him?” The crowd parted and gave way to a stretcher. “Uh? Is he Leron?” Feeling doubtful, Keiko came forward and looked at the person on the stretcher. It was indeed Leron. She had met him at Casius’ place.“Uh… What happened to Leron?” Keiko staggered back fearfully, her voice trembling. If not for the ointment on her face, Keiko’s discolored complexion would be noticeable. She knew what Leron was made of. He was once legendary. Yet now, Keiko could not believe that Leron was unconscious on the stretcher. “Mr. Lee incapacitated Leron,” the leader of the Viper’s Den explained. The leader nodded at Kaze. “Hello, Mr. Lee.” “Hello, Mr. Lee.” The remaining dozens followed suit. These people were
“How do we proceed with Leron, Mr. Lee?” The Viper’s Den member asked Kaze. Kaze glanced at Keiko, who was back after a phone call, and said indifferently, “You should assign a bed to Leron and get him in surgery for his broken arms.” His commanding tone did not sit well with Keiko. She scoffed but said nothing. Leron was Casius’ best fighter. Though she had no idea how Leron ended up in the hands of Kaze, she would not deny Leron any medical treatment. Keiko would have to answer to Casius if anything were to happen to Leron, considering that Leron would go back and work for Casius. “Get Leron into a ward and proceed with the surgery.” Keiko instructed her employee. She had given another shareholder a call. The individual was nearby and promised to be at the hospital soon. Keiko was filled with anticipation. Once the shareholder got to the hospital, Keiko bet Kaze would lose the attitude. Ten minutes quickly passed. Footsteps boomed outside the hospital. A you
Craig said tolerantly, “Hamlin sent me here, Mr. Libra.” “So what? Didn’t I tell you that he’s my uncle’s lapdog?” Cole scoffed in disdain. “Don’t tell me that he’s acting on my uncle’s orders. “I need to question him. He’s just my uncle’s chauffeur. Yet, he sent you to cause trouble without permission from my uncle.” Craig gritted his teeth without a word. Cole had no respect for Hamlin. Not wanting to cause Hamlin any trouble, Craig fought back the urge to slap Cole. “What? Do you want a piece of me?” Cole scoffed and yelled sternly, “Don’t just stand there, bastard! Kneel!” He then instructed one of the bodyguards in the back. “Get him. If he doesn’t kneel, just whip him until he does.”Cole’s dominance cheered Keiko up. Keiko would have thrown herself at Cole if she was a decade younger. With Cole’s help, Keiko grew a spine and cocked her head at Kaze. She said curtly, “Are you scared stiff, jerk? “Get ready to kneel. Should Mr. Libra make you, or are you g
“Uh… Yes, Mr. Lee.” It took a moment for Craig to comprehend Kaze’s instruction. Without hesitation, he rolled up his sleeves and slapped Cole in the face. “Smack!” Craig did not hold back, knocking Cole’s head to the side. Cole’s cheek quickly swelled up. However, Cole gritted his teeth and cocked his head back without a word. “Smack!”Craig kept it going, only stopping when Kaze said so. Cole was slapped again and again. He knew Cole too well. Riding on Kent’s coattails, Cole bossed people around and even disrespected Kent’s trusted chauffeur and confidante. However, Cole was terrified of Kaze. Craig had no qualms about slapping Cole under Kaze’s orders. Cole was a tyrant, but he would not dare take his anger out on Kaze. With Cole taking the hit willingly, Craig knew that revenge was not an option for Cole anyway. Craig would finally get his vengeance. Kaze finally waved his arm to stop Craig when Cole started coughing up blood. Craig put his head down
Cole was not dumb. He understood that Keiko had her motives to present the hospital shares. “I made a mistake, Kaze! I’ll give up on the shares!” Cole was scared stiff. The last thing he wanted was to cause Kent problems. He would be nothing if Kent lost his mayoral position. No one would pay Cole any more attention. “Get lost!” Kaze kicked Cole to the side and glanced at his watch. He said to Keiko, “You have around twenty minutes left. You can either make more phone calls or call it quits. Are you ready to pay the price, though?” Keiko paused to take a minute. She asked cautiously, “What is the price I have to pay, Mr. Lee?” Finally taking Kaze seriously, Keiko meant no disrespect. Despite summoning two prominent figures, Keiko was not able to dominate over Kaze. In fact, things were in Kaze’s favor instead. As arrogant as Keiko was, she knew that she had upset a VIP. Kaze said callously, “I don’t like the rules of your hospital. I plan to make my own.” “Make
The woman gave off a wealthy vibe. Keiko looked like a commoner next to the poised middle-aged woman. “Miya Heartano?” While Kaze examined the woman, Craig, who stood behind Kaze like a bodyguard, grimaced. Kaze asked curiously, “Who is that woman?” “Mr. Lee, that’s the wife of Caelus Heartano, a mogul in Geranium City.”Craig leaned forward and murmured the information. Since Kaze had no idea who Caelus was, Craig dug deep into explaining. “The Heartanos wield the reins of Novous, one of the three factions in Geranium City. The head of the household is Gilbus Heartano, and Caelus is Gilbus’ younger brother. “Unlike Gilbus, Caelus doesn’t get involved in the underworld activities. He carved out an empire in the glitzy world of entertainment. His business dabbles in movies, media, and real estate.“Caelus is highly influential in the entertainment world. He brought fame to many stars in Geranium City. “Plus, his family is connected to the underworld. Though Caelus has
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