Snow helplessly said, “But as Chairman Lee’s assistant, my words do not have credibility and they aren’t accepted by the police. “More importantly, everything happens too fast and the coincidence is uncanny. Villa No.9 should be a private property, how did Mika sneak inside so easily? “According to the butler, Mika told him that she was Chairman Lee’s guest. As servants to the wealthy and powerful, the butler and the others had gotten used to extra company, especially from a female, so they allowed her in. “However, such speculation won’t work with the police. Mika is dead, so they said it was Chairman Lee who called her to the villa. “I was the one who slapped Mika and canceled her, but as his assistant, it could be said that I was instructed to do so by Chairman Lee. “That’s why the whole thing feels off, especially when all the coincidences overlap. Everything is against Chairman Lee.” Listening to Snow’s explanation, Darcy’s expression darkened. According to what she
“Mr. Krad! What brings you here…” “Young Master Krad!” The guests of the Yemens, who had been invited to the station to provide testimony, arrived excitedly and greeted Aiden warmly. Aiden made headlines on the first day he arrived in Riverbank, hence many people were already familiar with the young master from the Krads. However, when they came closer to greet him and saw his face, they sensed something strange. Aiden looked rather battered. His face was swollen and red, with a glisten on his cheeks as if he had applied cream or balm to ease the pain. Yet no one dared to ask what happened. Aiden smiled at Cyan and the others before he dragged himself over to Darcy. He forced a smile on his face and said, “Ms. Quint, we meet again so soon.” “What are you doing here?” Darcy asked, her tone frosty and her expression stiff. Aiden stroked his cheek and said without a bit of embarrassment, “I heard Kaze got arrested because he is suspected of murder. I heard of the news, s
Aiden narrowed his eyes. He never thought Snow would still reject his brother after all that had happened. He shrugged and then said to Darcy and Snow with a smile, “I am proposing a trade for you ladies.” “A trade?” Darcy was slightly surprised. She asked, “What trade?” She knew Aiden was up to no good, but worrying too much would only slow her down. She wanted to find out what Aiden’s terms were for releasing Kaze.Snow did not speak but simply looked at Aiden. Aiden sensed the concerns from the ladies and it somehow aroused jealousy in him. What charms did Kaze possess to make these two ladies fall for him? Discarding the messing thoughts, Aiden said, “You two are aware of the current situation. Based on the current evidence, Mika took her own life. “However, she’s a PR in Ryokan and her death might cascade into some problematic issues. As for how big it will snowball depends on Ryokan’s reaction. “You should know that I am quite close with the Ryokanians. If I sp
Lock instinctively took a step forward and said, “Ms. Quint, Ms. Frost, it’s a good deal. Given Mr. Krad’s power, he could easily get Kaze out. “One of you is Kaze’s wife; one of you is his assistant. You just can’t sit back and do nothing while Kaze gets sent to jail.” Worry consumed him and made him nervous. He lacked the power to save Kaze, but Aiden could and was willing to. The terms were not harsh and demanding either, but he neglected Darcy and Snow’s feelings. Noticing the ladies’ silence, Aiden continued, “Ladies, my terms are not harsh at all. It’s a good deal, for you and for Kaze. “Kaze can come back in one piece and we can sit down peacefully and talk over dinner. “For Ms. Quint, you and I might be able to reach an agreement regarding the land at Crown Tower; for Ms. Frost, consider it an explanation to the Frosts. Am I right?” The smile on his face looked sincere as if what he offered was purely to have dinner with the ladies without ulterior motives. Da
Based on Kaze’s deduction, Mika’s death was planned on the day of the Yemens’ party. Ryna and Cyan were rude toward Kaze and when Mika saw him that night, conflict was inevitable. Given Kaze’s attitude, after Mika got under his skin, he would surely say something like cancel her online to threaten her. With that, the prerequisite for setting up this plan was fulfilled. Kaze got the motive and the power to do so. Therefore, in times of need, Mika could be pushed to the forefront as a sacrifice. Mika’s death pointed all the arrows at Kaze, making him a suspect or even the killer. In fact, the entire incident should be coordinated with another secret plan to make the chain of evidence more solid and clear. However, Aiden was offended and slapped by Kaze earlier, so he decided to retaliate as soon as possible. It was the reason why the seemingly flawless plan started to have cracks. Despite Aiden’s hasty nature in doing things, Kaze was actually impressed by the masterm
Kaze slowly opened his eyes, his mind already having calculated Aiden's next move. It was likely that Aiden would come to bail him and then “unintentionally” revealed that he was giving false testimony. Once it sparked a debate among the public and public opinion reached its peak, stirring up even more agitation, it would be even more difficult for the influential figures to intervene. Only then Aiden could easily crush Kaze like an ant and prevent him from making a comeback. Even Kaze approved of the skills and planning involved in this scheme against him. For someone who received an elite education from a young age, Aiden’s temperament and cunningness were beyond reach. “Creek.” Suddenly, the iron door of the interrogation room was opened from the outside. Three uniformed officers strode in. The leader of the three was the middle-aged man who brought Kaze in earlier. He went up to the table and glanced at the empty paper. He scoffed. “Kaze Lee, you’ve gotten time
“Draig’s cousin?” Kaze looked at Donovan with interest. “I didn’t know he was such a guy with a big heart. I ruined his little plan and he still wants you to take good care of me? Are you sure it is what he asked of you, and not torment me, press charges on me, and make sure I get jailed for the rest of my life so that I won’t bother him anymore?” His tone was casual and flat. He was not affected by Donovan’s words. Donovan’s lips twitched helplessly. Kaze saw right through him and even echoed Draig's words, at least in terms of their meaning. When Draig found out Kaze was arrested, he called his cousin and instructed him to torment Kaze, even locking him up for life if possible. As for taking care of Kaze properly, not even an idiot would believe it. Donovan did not expect Kaze to remain calm even after being isolated for some time, cut off from all information and updates. He saw Kaze as an ordinary man, not a criminal who had experience in counter-interrogation. It
“Kaze Lee, after some investigation, we’ve already gotten to the bottom of this case. You threatened the victim at the Yemens’ party, claiming that you would cancel her entirely on the internet. “You said it yourself, right? Don’t deny it because we have at at least ten witnesses to prove that,” the officer said. Kaze pursed his lips. “So this is how the captain is planning to take ‘good care’ of me? If what I said can be used to press charges against me, Arcadia won’t even need that many officers. Anyone could do your job. We're no longer in ancient times, where mere words alone can convict someone of a crime.” The officer slightly pushed his glasses and asked, “So you are not confessing?” “Why should I confess?” Kaze chuckled and said, “I didn’t hurt anyone, or kill anyone. I live by my conscience, why should I confess? I am not guilty.” “Your conscience? How dare you say that?” Donovan bellowed. He slammed several documents on the table in front of Kaze and continued, “O
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