Samus spoke aloud. His voice drew the attention of the guests in the venue hall. The guests made strange faces. The former Quints’ collective pleas to change their last name had made them the biggest joke in Lilyrose. Speaking of which, some criticized the former Quints forgetting their roots while others sneered at them in disdain. The former Quints were losing their backbone. They represented the Vinlands in attending to the guests. As a show of respect, the attendees did not say a word about the last name change. However, Samus grilled Darcy’s family in public for not changing their last name. “How could you turn your back on your family lineage, Vinland? How could you be proud of that?“You should thank Darcy. At least, she will carry on the bloodline.” Amid the crowd, an individual taunted the former Quints to stand up for Darcy’s family. The individual used Samus’ new last name to tick him off. “Hahaha!” The air broke out in laughter. Samus and the ot
“Hahaha!” The guests laughed out loud. They had not realized before, but Darcy’s loser husband had quite the mouth on him. The attendees who had witnessed the earlier drama outside the hotel were not surprised, though. “Shut up, Kaze!”“I’m going to kill you!” Samus and his family went ballistic. “Don’t waste your breath on him.” A sneer was heard. Logan swaggered his way in and glared at Darcy’s family. “You can get out since you won’t change your last name. Don’t bother attending the party. “Call the security, Samus. Throw them out,” he said in a chilling voice. “That’s right. Kick them out! They are getting themselves humiliated in public.” The rest of the former Quint family members resented Darcy, so they started clamoring. Darcy’s family turned pale with rage. The former Quints had no compassion for them at all. Although Kaze did not care about some party, he did not want to see his wife’s family kicked out. He said curtly, “The Vinlands formally inv
Following the security officer’s reaction, the attendees in the hall looked at Kaze in surprise.They had no idea what was with Darcy’s dimwit husband. Kaze managed to instill fear in the terrifying security personnel. “You must think highly of yourself, Kaze. They recognize you because you’re the village idiot of Lilyrose,” Samus sneered. He waved his arm. “Don’t just stand there. I’m ordering you as a member of the Vinland family to beat the idiot up and throw him out. Don’t forget to toss his wife’s family out too.” “Are you taking orders from him?” Kaze looked at the security officers with a pretentious smile. “Mr. Lee, um…” The security guards were dumbfounded. Cold sweat rolled off their foreheads. The attendees stared at Kaze in horror. Even Darcy was in disbelief. Samus was issuing a command in the name of the Vinlands. However, these security personnel dared not carry out his order.They had to wonder if Kaze possessed something more fearsome than the
“I…” Logan’s jaw dropped. Some of the guests in the hall looked at Darcy’s family in disbelief. Hudson referred to Darcy’s family as the Vinlands’ honorable guests. Rudy, Samus, and the others were infuriated. They could not understand why Darcy’s family were the Vinlands’ honorable guests. It was a fact they could not accept. The worst was yet to come. Hudson suddenly pointed at the door and told Logan curtly, “Get out now. You and your family should leave.“Don’t bother attending the party since you tried to kick my guests out.” Woah!The hall broke out in outcry. Hudson wanted Logan and his family escorted out to stick up for Darcy’s family. Darcy’s family appeared to be more important to Hudson than the former Quints. “They asked for it. They were so arrogant to kick Darcy and her family out, but Hudson doesn’t think much of them.” “They think they will enjoy the privilege of the wealthy by changing their last names, but they are only good for serving me
Darcy’s family was under the spotlight of the party. Hudson was even gracious to Hector, a cripple who had faded into the background for years. The attendees wondered if Hudson was nice to them because of Sam. That was what Darcy’s family was confused about too. “The treatment plan isn’t out yet. Professor Whiteman’s away for surgery. My leg has been broken for years, so I don’t see the rush. I’m not going anywhere anyway,” Hector responded courteously.He then asked, “Do you know him?” “Hehe. I don’t, but I have the utmost respect for Professor Whiteman. I should pay him a visit if I ever get the chance.” Hudson chatted with Agnes in a friendly manner too. Later, he turned his attention to Darcy and Sky. “Hudson,” the pair greeted him with respect. Hudson complimented Sky before turning to Darcy. “You’re doing well, Darcy. Despite your age, you are now the chairman of Quartet Group and Sky Ocean Corporation. “I heard that Tanya regarded you highly and raised you t
“My grandmother was a member of the Vinland family, so I am too. I think there’s no need to change my family name,” Darcy rejected Hudson’s request with a smile. To everybody’s surprise, Darcy turned down a tempting offer. She gave up the chance to be part of the Vinland family and to run a mega-rich family. It was clear who stood out between her and the former Quints. As Hudson’s face fell, he said solemnly, “Do you think the Vinlands aren’t good enough for you, Darcy?” Darcy’s heart dropped. Hudson did not throw a fit. However, the switch in his tone made the air heavy. The bustling hall immediately went quiet. No one forgot the confrontation between Hudson and Logan. The scowl on Hudson’s face startled Logan to the point of keeping his head down and holding his breath. Hudson seemed proficient in the art of manipulation. “So what if the Vinlands aren’t good enough?” Kaze came closer and stood next to Darcy. He looked at Hudson. “Don’t you have anything bet
Kaze made the remark with a smile before giving Hudson a defiant look. Many, Darcy included, were shocked. Kaze’s words led them to figure out Hudson’s motive. If Darcy were to agree with the last name change, the Vinlands could take over all the businesses under her name. The former Quints were a great example. The crowd was surprised that Darcy’s crazy husband saw through Hudson. They wondered if Kaze was really the loser and psycho the rumors made him out to be. Hudson was startled that Kaze would reveal the truth in public. He quickly pulled himself together. “You got the wrong idea, Kaze. We are a sentimental family. We mean no harm.” Hudson added with a smile, “Darcy is family to me. I just hope she can return to the Vinland family. That’s all.” Kaze raised a brow. Hudson was a cunning man. It was no wonder Logan was terrified. Nevertheless, Kaze had his way of dealing with his kind. “I hope you’re being honest. I will break anybody who gets any id
As the banquet began, many came to toast and flatter Hector. Their conversation always led to Darcy without exception. Hector would usually have a little drink now and then, watching the amount he drank. However, he clinked glasses with all the guests today.Later when nobody drank with him, he started pouring wine into his own glass. While shedding tears, he downed his drink. “What’s the matter with you, Hector? Don’t scare me.” Agnes pulled him back. “And he who had so loved her was not there, to trouble with bad hopes, or evil wishes…” Hector rasped, his tone miserable. The guests near Hector thought he was acting strange. Darcy’s family, on the other hand, knew what was going on. Hudson bossed Master Quint and the rest of the family around. They were kicked out of the venue in front of everybody. The former Quints were utterly humiliated. Even though Hector resented Master Quint, his father, for turning his back on him, sadness washed over him. The wh
“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
Morris suggested entertaining Kaze well. Things would not be good for the branch if Kaze got dirt on them. That was where Edmund disagreed with Morris. His idea was to send someone to sound Kaze out. Edmund was smug because Morris’ decision was wrong. “You shouldn’t do that. Kaze is here on behalf of the Butterworth branch. You don’t want tension between both branches.” Morris looked at things from a wider perspective. Edmund believed Kaze was just a doormat of little importance. “You just overthink things, and it’s not good for your age. You’re getting senile.” Edmund did not take Morris’ advice seriously. He believed he was right. “You’re not getting it. Kaze is from Butterworth. Even if he doesn’t hold a high position there, we were in the wrong. We did not keep our tracks clean either. “Now that he’s back, I’m worried that he’ll cause us harm.” Morris was only giving a heads-up because the whole branch was at stake. Edmund was young. Due to his lack of judgmen
“We should be generous to our guest from Butterworth. You can arrange as you see fit. Please don’t house him in a messy home. Hire cleaners to tidy up the place. “You can report back to me if you need more money, but it’s not a reason for you to misuse the funds.” Herman wanted to hang up. The money was now in Dwight’s bank account, so he was washing his hands off the matter. The plan was to keep Kaze happy. He was just an insignificant member of the Butterworth branch anyway. The whole thing would blow over soon enough, so long as Kaze kept to himself without taking things too far. Herman would figure out a way to get him out quickly anyway. Maybe Herman and his friends did not have to do anything to get rid of Kaze. “Got it. I’ll be a good host, Herman. I won’t let you down. I’ll keep you in the loop.” Dwight was over the moon to get the notification about the money transfer. “Just play by ear and arrange what you see best.” Herman hung up and continued playing pok
“It’s becoming a hassle now. Are you going to inform the Viper’s Den about the change of accommodation?” After much hesitation, Kaze nodded to take up the offer. Dwight was thrilled. It only hit Dwight that he had to communicate with the Viper’s Den. Kaze was booked for a hotel stay, and Dwight’s job was to take him to the destination. Yet now, Dwight took him to his home. “I’ll tell my superior and see what he has to say.” Dwight was not sure whether the change was appropriate. Nevertheless, he did not want to pass up on a great opportunity. He simply grabbed the bull by the horn. If Kaze stayed at his place, the Viper’s Den members had to respect Kaze’s request even if they had a problem with it. “But when they ask, you can say that you’re getting along well with me. Living together just makes work more convenient.” Feeling unsettled, Dwight tried to get their stories straight with Kaze. Hopefully, the Viper’s Den would not come after them. “Aren’t we friends? I k
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