“You and Darcy were married. Heck, you even took Darcy’s family name. “I learned that no one took much of you when you were in Lilyrose. “Even then, Darcy did not dump you. She stuck by you regardless of what others thought of you. “Despite what was going on, she had her own battles to fight in her career.“She dropped you out of her life because of your cheating. It’s only less than 24 hours, and you’re here riling her up with these other women. “Do you think your behavior is appropriate?” Hunter spoke composedly, but his words packed a punch. He painted Kaze as an ungrateful and petty jerk. Instead of feeling blessed to have Darcy in his life, Kaze wanted to get back at her. This kind of guy got no respect anywhere. Many guests nodded, seeing that Hunter had a point. Kaze seemed badass before. Now, Kaze was the very person everybody wanted to avoid. Hunter, on the other hand, earned considerable approval from the crowd. Not wanting to waste time with Hunter,
“Tsk!” Many guests scoffed. Kaze was just dumped. Yet, he threatened Hunter with death. He sure did not know his place. Darcy was furious. “Are you a serial killer, Kaze? Do you think killing Madam Quint and Joan makes you invincible? Do you think you can do whatever you want?“Mind your own business. I know the type of person Mr. Yaphet is more than you. “Who are you to lecture him?” Hunter said tenderly, “Don’t be mad, Darcy. Though Kaze has no right to tell me what to do, I think he has a valid point.” He turned to Kaze and grinned. “Don’t worry, Kaze. I’ve always conducted myself with integrity. I find it beneath me to play games, especially with the ones I love.“I will be a gentleman in courting Darcy until she accepts me. “As for you, Darcy is right. Don’t talk as if you can take another one’s life so easily. “We live in a society with rules. Don’t get yourself in trouble. “I believe Darcy is too kind to see you go down the wrong path even though you’re s
Some people gave Hunter props for being generous to win the lady while seizing the right opportunity. While Darcy was thrown off the loop by Snow and Buffy’s love confession toward Kaze, Hunter presented her with a diamond. Any woman would have fallen for Hunter in a heartbeat. Kaze narrowed his eyes. Hunter was playing with fire to present Darcy with a diamond right in his face. Kaze went up and snatched the pink diamond for a look. He said, “Why are you confusing my wife with a dupe, Mr. Yaphet? “I have never heard about this pink diamond.“It looks like a pink knockout you get out of a gumball machine.” Hunter furrowed his brows. “Bastard! This doesn’t belong to you!” “Don’t stain the Maiden’s Heart with your dirty hands.” “Who do you think you are to question its authenticity? It has been appraised.” Before Hunter could say anything, his companions jumped at Kaze’s throat. Darcy uttered in displeasure, “Cut it out, Kaze. Mr. Yaphet isn’t that kind of person
Draig sat on a couch in a corner and eagerly waited for Kaze to fall flat on his face, only to be dumbfounded. He tensed up and looked at Kaze in shock when the latter crushed the diamond. Jesus. It took great strength to pull that off. Draig wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him. The Maiden’s Heart, the toughest diamond from the south, was worth ten million dollars, and Kaze pulverized it in one grip. Even Draig could not do so. He questioned the authenticity of the diamond. Hunter grimaced and looked at Kaze in shock and wariness. As a fighter, he knew better than anyone that it took a lot to grind the diamond. He was on the losing end during his last fight with Kaze. However, Hunter reserved his strength, so he did not think Kaze was strong. He had a better idea of Kaze’s competence now. Kaze tightened his grip and crushed the diamond into powder right before everybody’s eyes. “Fuu—”Kaze blew the powder off his palm and clapped his hands. He
Darcy lost her judgment to rage, and Kaze could not be more disappointed. Unable to stand it anymore, Buffy said coldly, “Ms. Quint, if Kaze has no shame, I must say that you don’t have a good eye. “Anyone but you can mock Mr. Lee, Ms. Quint.” Snow jumped in. “Mr. Lee has done a lot for you, from Lilyrose to Riverbank. “Who came forward to save you when Aiden put a squeeze on Sky Ocean Corporation that nearly bankrupted the company? “Was it Mr. Yaphet who gave you a ten-million-dollar diamond? “It was Mr. Lee. He gathered tens of millions from Perfect World Group to close the financial gap and help you acquire the piece of land. “I don’t know how you are together at home, but I have heard things. “Your mother has it out for Mr. Lee. Still, he puts up with her yelling and criticism.“You should know that things would have escalated if Mr. Lee hadn’t kept his composure.“Just think about it. Who was Mr. Lee doing all this for?” As Darcy grew upset, Snow showed no sig
There was drama before the celebration even started. No one saw Darcy tearing up when Kaze disappeared out of there. She blinked rapidly, forcing the tears back in. While stepping outside the hall, Kaze, Snow, and Buffy ran into Hannah. With Kaze leaving with these two women, Hannah, clearly surprised, asked, “What’s this, Kaze?” “I’m sorry. I can’t attend the celebration,” Kaze replied. Though Kaze kept a straight face, Hannah could tell from Buffy and Snow’s angry faces that something big had happened before her arrival. Hence, Kaze was eager to leave before the party started. Hannah said, “Well, I’ll cancel the celebration. The celebration doesn’t mean anything if you’re not here.” There was no point in having a party when Kaze was not happy. “You should carry on.” Kaze waved his hand to interrupt her. “You have guests. Don’t let them come here for nothing. The Viper’s Den doesn’t need more enemies.” Hannah helplessly nodded. Once Kaze was gone, Hannah summon
Cyan would not stop badmouthing Kaze. She was still frustrated from the time Buffy had slapped her in public. Darcy showed up and put Kaze in the spot. With Hunter’s help, Darcy drove Kaze away. Cyan felt better after witnessing the drama. Darcy seemed alright in Cyan’s books now. Cyan believed she and Darcy stood on a united front. “Oh…” Darcy fobbed Cyan off. The sight of Kaze leaving with Snow and Buffy did not sit well with her. “Here comes Ms. Delmore.” Hannah, all decked out, entered the hall. “Sorry to keep you all waiting.” Hannah walked ahead. Cutting to the chase, she said, “Welcome to my celebration. I must apologize for any inconvenience. We can now proceed to take our seats in the banquet hall.” The guests took their seats. Hunter and Darcy were seated in the front. Draig and Cyan were in the seat behind. Cyan was not pleased with the seating arrangement. “Ms. Delmore, we heard that the Viper’s Den West State branch leader is attending the celeb
Cyan was excited. She jolted to her feet and looked around. She shouted with a smile. “Mr. Branch Leader, I’m Cyan. Where are you? “If you’re here, please come forward. “I’ve been wanting to meet you.” The crowd gave Cyan strange looks. Everybody there wanted to meet the branch leader in person, too. Cyan was not the only one. However, no one demonstrated eagerness as Cyan did. The crowd made funny looks when they saw Cyan’s swollen cheek. It did not seem appropriate for Cyan to meet the branch leader with a bruised face. They had to admit, though. Cyan was pretty. There were a lot of gorgeous women in the upper crust, especially since good genes ran in the family. Cyan was no competition to these pretty women, or even Snow, Buffy, and Darcy. “What makes you think that you can demand the branch leader to see you?” “Who do you think you are? You’re not the only one looking forward to meeting with him.” “The branch leader is the man of my dreams, but did you s
Dwight gave some suggestions. “But I’m worried about being a nuisance to your family.” Kaze remained hesitant, torn between decisions. “No, you won’t. I usually live alone. They stay somewhere else. They barely visit. I’ll just let them know not to visit for now,” Dwight replied. Dwight figured out what was in it for him. He could not let Kaze leave. “I don’t want to put your family in an awkward position.”Kaze was still considering the matter. “Relax. They don’t live with me anyway. The room I have for you is tidy. No one has stayed there before.“I’ll hire some help to freshen up the place. I can guarantee you an experience no less than at the hotel.” Dwight spoke with great confidence. “We should finish our food and doggie-bag the rest. I’ll take you to my place.” Dwight was ready to get things going. Kaze took the offer and nodded. “I’ll be in your care then.” Kaze was glad that his plan went through. Dwight had no idea that he got played. Nevertheless,
“I’m new to the place, so I don’t know much. Can you show me around when you’re available?” “No problem, but I usually have some stuff to take care of. I can’t be there 24/7. “Why don’t you propose to the branch that you want me to be your guide and attendant?” Dwight suggested. There was no telling whether Kaze would accept his proposal, but it was an opportunity to prove himself. He was never involved in the core operation. Often enough, he was the branch members’ punching bag. Though Dwight was aware that he was not good enough for the big stuff, he still wanted to succeed. Kaze was the trusted aide of the Butterworth Branch chief. He was in Westeros for a reason. By joining Kaze, Dwight would come across the major players. Kaze saw through Dwight’s plans. “Sure. I’ll do that.” Kaze did not mind the request. “Great. I’ll let them know on your behalf. I’ll be responsible for your needs while in the city.” Dwight was overjoyed at the opportunity. “So you live
“You must be rich. I often see rich people picking tabs for everybody. Talk about extravagance.” The tension in the air was lifted when Kaze offered to pay for everything. “I’m not. Consider it an apology,” Kaze explained, not wanting to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. He did not see the point of continuing the conversation. Dwight’s angry screams came from outside. “What the hell is this? I only ordered a bunch of stuff. Why am I being charged an exorbitant amount?“What do you mean my friend is paying for everybody? That’s throwing money away,” Dwight said while storming his way over. “I know you have money, but you shouldn’t do this, Mr. Lee.” Dwight did not approve of this type of generosity. “You rubbed them the wrong way. It was only right to apologize. Besides, it’s not a lot of money.” Kaze looked at the bill and handed a bank card to Dwight. “It’s my treat.” The consumption was barely a dent in Kaze’s savings. The meal did not cost more than his us
Kaze observed as the jeep took off further off course, past the towering buildings to a run-down neighborhood. “This is where I usually reside. My home is not too far away, but I think you might have trouble adapting to this place.” Dwight did not forget to book Kaze a hotel. Kaze could not possibly stay with him. The hotel was around the area anyway. “Didn’t you say that you haven’t tried the local cuisine? I’ll take you out for a bite. “The barbecue ribs here are to die for. We’ve got the dry-rubbed and saucy kind.” Dwight parked the car and hopped out right away. Opposite the parking lot was not the cleanest food joint. Looking in from the outside, Kaze realized that the place was packed. Kaze understood that the restaurant must be known for some kind of dish. The customers were from all walks of life, so the food must be great. “There’s not much to see here, but the food is tasty. If you don’t mind, we can order something inside.” Kaze was not particularly con
Dwight was surprised and curious as to who Kaze really was. From what he gathered, Kaze was a confidante of the Butterworth Branch chief. The purpose of Kaze’s visit was to learn and share. Dwight worked on the fringes, so his access to information was limited. Nevertheless, he got the feeling that Kaze was just an ordinary guy just like him. The only difference was that Kaze was lucky to rub shoulders with important people. Dwight did not get chances like that. “Who are the most influential people in the Viper’s Den Westeros Branch?” Kaze asked in the car. Dwight was taken aback by the question. Still, he had an answer to that. “So you don’t know much about the situation?” Dwight suddenly felt important. “Well, I’m new to the city. I will be running into them soon, so I need to make sure I get my facts right,” Kaze said humbly. This was Dwight’s shot, and he needed to present his best. “Relax, Kaze. I’ll tell you everything I know.” Dwight would reveal some info
Kaze glanced at the flowers. There was a card for well-wishes too.Curious, Kaze reached out to read the card. It was written, “To my eternal lover and sweetheart.” Dwight grabbed Kaze’s bag. Since the sign in his hand was getting in the way, Dwight tossed the placard in the trash can. As Dwight turned his head back, he saw Kaze reading the card that came with the flowers. He tried to stop Kaze, but it was too late. Dwight had not attended to a guest of high importance before. The task was assigned to him at the last minute. In the past, Dwight was usually on the sidelines, never getting close to major matters. He would always get the small, insignificant jobs. Dwight often bought drinks for his superiors to build connections. However, he had always been kept out of the loop. Now that an opportunity had fallen onto his lap, Dwight was not about to let it slip. He wanted to show what he could do. When Dwight arrived at the airport for the pick-up, most people car
The incident did not sit well with Kaze, so he left them out to dry. After much searching, Kaze came across a café. Kaze bought a cup of coffee. Cupping the drink between his hands, Kaze sipped slowly. Many passengers swarmed the arrival hall in the airport, dragging along their luggage or pulling out their phones to get a pick-up. They all had a destination, a place they had to be in a rush. Intrigued, Kaze followed the crowd out. Kaze turned on his phone, and a text message from his airport pick-up came in. He glanced at the message, curious about who the person was. Nevertheless, Kaze trusted that the Westeros Branch members would not set him up out in the open. At most, they would pull little stunts to mess with him. Kaze was not the type to sweat the small stuff. However, he would not tolerate any extreme behavior. He had been keeping a low profile back in Butterworth, keeping the limelight off him. The purpose was to handle Jet without unnecessary complicati
“Alright. I will work hard to be the manager of the Northborn Group. You need to show me the ropes and teach me about management.” Leah looked at Katie with a smile. She believed Katie had not lost her mind. Katie simply had her memory mixed up. “You need to keep your people in line and reward those who deserve it. It all boils down to profits. “You need to work toward managing your people and working with rivals. You’ve got to keep the balance, and nobody loses out. “You need to build your own system when it comes to working together. Don’t be led around by the nose.” Hearing that Leah would start work soon, Katie imparted her knowledge. “Don’t worry too much about things. Joey is nice. You can go to her for help,” Katie said earnestly. Katie seemed to be herself at the moment. Leah wondered if Katie faked her insanity to escape the punishment. “What have become of you? Did they do something to you? “Did you really betray Kaze?” Leah whispered while leaning close
Leah kept working on her knowledge until late into the night. Just as she was about to hit the sack, she got a message from Snow. Learning was a hard enough process. The text message came out of the blue. Leah did not expect Snow to contact her at night. The message was strange as well. Leah could not understand why Snow would give her the address of a nursing home. Leah was determined to turn things around. She strived to become stronger instead of being a burden. She was grateful for Kaze’s help. At least, she had a job now. However, her gratitude was not extended to Snow. She believed Snow had gone too far. Snow left her feeling powerless. Leah did not think much about the message. She assumed that the text was not meant for her. Since Leah did not respond to the text, Snow put the matter aside and went to bed. Leah called Snow the next day. “Why did you send me an address?” Leah went straight to the question. She had been equipping herself with knowledge before