“Mr. Chairman! You’re alright!” Snow breathed a sigh of relief seeing Kaze unscathed. She then asked about the ninja, to which Kaze replied he had taken care of.He did not want her to see the gory scene in the woods. Soon, Conan arrived with his men, together with Collier. When Conan learned that Kaze was ambushed, he contacted Collier immediately. Collier was already the deputy chief of the South River Branch. He was qualified to utilize resources in Riverbank, becoming someone much more useful than Conan locally. Conan had gotten more and more mature in doing things. He was no longer led by blind confidence and could recognize his shortcomings. Collier knew he had become the deputy chief of the South River Branch because of Kaze. His life and future were basically in Kaze’s hands. Therefore, when he heard something happened to Kaze, he quickly made his way to the scene. Since Collier was already at the scene, Kaze could skip all the troublesome procedures. He then s
“If you think so, then so be it.” Kaze simply smiled it off. Patrick was struck by a sudden realization. Kaze did not deny it but it was something that should not be made verbal, so he chose to answer vaguely. A moment of silence later, Patrick said, “Reiko Hara was at the Weather family’s last night. My family handed me over. “I was hiding outside but I was deceived by those old bastards. They then handed me to that woman. “They tortured me because I transferred the shares to Sky Ocean Corporation without their permission. Now I realize that the companies and assets Casius ordered me to oversee do not belong to him but to the Ryokanians. “One of the Riverbank Seven is nothing but a dog working for the Ryokanians.” He scoffed and mocked himself with a bitter laugh. If Casius were a dog to the Ryokanians, then Patrick would be the lackey of a dog, making him even more miserable. Kaze barely reacted to Patrick’s emotional speech. He asked, “The Ryokanians forced you to
“I want payback!” Patrick sprung from his bed and dropped to his knees on the floor. With his bones already fractured, the sudden movement sent a jolt of pain through him, leaving him drenched in cold sweat.“The Weathers turned their backs on me, so I want to make them pay!“The Ryokanians ruined me, and I want payback! “But I know I’m defenseless against them. “I can only turn to you for help, Kaze. I know you’re strong. You killed Casius, didn’t you? “You simply choose to remain discreet. That’s why everybody thinks you’re a loser. I used to be one of those idiots. “I can’t give you much. All I can offer is the confidential files about Bronze Sparrow and clues to Casius’ secret assets and overseas accounts,” Patrick said pleadingly, his gaze intense on Kaze. Kaze narrowed his eyes at Patrick for a moment. He did not account for Patrick’s behavior. Patrick was just a show-off, an airhead, and a bully. After the last incident, Patrick would do everything to get b
“Aaron is leagues above Aiden. He became the South River Strategic Department’s chief commander in his early thirties. Still, Aiden holds up on his own among his peers in Westeros.“The Westeros heirs answer to Aiden. He’s one of the leaders of the community. “Aiden must come to some sort of use so that Reiko would be subservient to him.” She, as a woman, felt a natural disgust toward such matters.Snow was resentful of the fact that Reiko plotted to murder her and Kaze. Hence, Snow assumed the worst of Reiko and Aiden’s relationship. By coincidence, Snow was not far off the mark. Kaze read the file and learned more about Aiden. “It appears Aiden is not just an airheaded heir. “He’s not going to stop now if you’re the reason he’s here.“The Ryokanians are using him to get rid of me, but he’s manipulating them to do his bidding too.“The man in the tree is just the appetizer. The Ryokanians are trying to sound us out. Poor thing. He thought he was special. “I think we
Snow was aware of the beef between Kaze and the Tiger’s Cave. Among the four special institutions, only the Viper’s Den thrived in Riverbank. The Tiger’s Cave was not pleased with the situation. Hence, the organization sent Genesis of the Weathers to cover the piece of territory in hopes that her family’s influence would expand the Tiger’s Cave’s connections into the city. All they needed was a big case to solve. To make her mark, Genesis returned to Riverbank and set her sights on Kaze. It was bad enough that the case was a bust, but Genesis got herself killed by Southern Tiger for shooting at two of the Eight Tigers. Consequently, the Tiger’s Cave’s presence could only mean trouble. Sensing Kaze and Snow’s gazes, the young man beamed. “I should introduce myself. I am Reuben Swan, the new commissioner of the Tiger’s Cave South River State Branch.” Despite the modesty in his introduction, the arrogance reflected on his face was for all to see. “Reuben Swan?“The West
“Beep.” Kaze then hung up. “Tsk!” With Kaze ending the call, the people behind Reuben snickered and looked at Kaze in disdain. Kaze sure would not let up on putting up a tough front. The Tiger’s Cave was unlike the local police. Kaze would not be able to shake the Tiger’s Cave off so easily. Snow met Reuben’s gaze and asked, “What is this big case you’re talking about?” Reuben smiled offhandedly at Kaze before putting on a straight face. “Kaze Lee! Snow Frost!” Reuben waved his arm to his people to have the pair surrounded. He narrowed his eyes at the pair and said solemnly, “We received a tip-off that you murdered Hiro Kita while on your way back to the city from Emerald Bull Palace. “Mr. Kita is a newly hired trainer at Refined Blade. The gym has put in a statement with the relevant department. “According to Refined Blade, they will make the matter public to the press if the case isn’t handled fairly. “Your behavior has resulted in a grave situation and has s
Despite talking about an arrest, Reuben appeared to have named them the killers. Snow understood that Reuben was quick to take action against them, likely due to Aiden and Reiko. God knew what would happen once Snow and Kaze were taken away. Reuben smiled at Snow. “But since you’re a member of the Frosts, I can give you proof. “Take him here.” Reuben waved his arm. Patrick, still in a hospital gown, was carried in by the neck. A Tiger’s Cave member dumped him on the floor. With the impact ripping his wounds, Patrick let out a harrowing cry. He quickly looked humiliated. First, the Weathers sold him out, and the Ryokanians tortured him. Now, the Tiger’s Cave members insulted him. It dawned on Patrick that without power and influence, he was left without dignity. Reuben pointed at Patrick. “You must know him. He’s Patrick Weather. He pocketed Refined Blade’s two-billion-dollar shares. Mr. Kita was one of the few who went after Patrick.“Patrick is with you, and M
Even though Kaze was enraged that Snow was hurt, Snow held Kaze from fighting back. Kaze stopped and looked at Reuben grimacingly before uttering icily, “You will soon know what you’re in for.” “What? Are you planning to get even with me?” Reuben took a step ahead with a smirk and looked at Kaze in defiance. His intention could not be clearer. Reuben was trying to rile Kaze up, giving himself a reason to order a hit on Kaze. He could then avenge Genesis. “Come on. I’m standing here. Don’t you want to hurt me?” Reuben took another step forward and gave Snow another slap. As a trained fighter, he was incredibly quick. Snow was just a fragile woman. She did not know what hit her. With a smack, Snow had another mark on her other cheek. Withdrawing his arm, Reuben put his hand close to his nose for a sniff. He then pointed his gun at Kaze and said with a pretentious smile, “What? Too scared to fight back? “If only your hands were as tough as your mouth.“You’re just a c
South said with a sigh, “Kaze, you might not know First Tiger in person but he’s a man with a great mind and tactics. “He said the Steelclaw Guild would remain in the shadows while the Quint family roamed openly. If the Quint family wants revenge against us, then their family members will be our targets. “You, however, are not the same. He can’t see through you and he’s willing to sign a peace treaty with you instead of going to war against you without any solid reason.” Kaze smiled and said, “He’s a wise man indeed. I’m more curious about First Tiger than before. Tell him that I will play along with his plan. I owe him one.” After the call with South, the chief of the South River Police Department, Morgan Bale, called. “Mr. Lee, the servants of Phoenix Quint and the elder of the Quint family from Ridgesouth were killed in a car crash. All six of them died on the spot. I believe you’ve received the news.” As soon as the call got through, Morgan’s serious voice came through.
Agnes bellowed, “So what if Darcy suspects you? You did it, yet you won’t let people talk about you? My daughter is a chairwoman, she’s smart! She’s not like Sky who trusts you unconditionally. She has solid reasons to suspect you!” “I have to take this call.” Kaze did not want to argue with Agnes. The buzzing phone saved him in the nick of time and he went out after seeing South’s name on the screen. As though Agnes clutched on the very evidence that could prove Kaze did it, she jumped excitedly and shouted, “Look! He knew he couldn’t keep it up anymore! He’s going out to talk with the killer! “I’m telling you guys! Don’t trust people like him! He’s mad and he could do anything to you! He’s beyond saving…” While Agnes was being relentless with her groundless accusations, Kaze answered the phone. “Kaze, Phoenix Quint just contacted us and said you and your family would be at the funeral house. She even said if we wanted revenge, we could send people over there now and they
“Other than Kaze, who else has the motive to kill Madam Dark and her daughter? Didn’t you hear him when he shoved them out earlier? He said he would kill them! “I think he was afraid back then, but he didn’t want them coming after him, so he took the chance once they left! “Kaze, you’re horrible! How could you kill them?!” Agnes took a few steps away from Kaze and stared at him. “You’ve gotten bolder than ever. I really don’t know what else you don’t dare to do! Do you know what the consequences of your actions are? You can’t keep it hidden forever! People will eventually find out! “You think you can get away with it? Look again! The crash just happened, and the driver is already under investigation. A gambler in debts took the risk for money and pretended to be DUI. Do you think people are idiots? “Can’t you see it’s obvious? Now you’ve become a prime suspect! You better take responsibility and not get us involved, or I will make you regret it!” She scolded Kaze as her f
Kaze had seen through his shameless mother-in-law. Halfway through lunch, a sudden call interrupted the peaceful scene. Hector picked up the call with the fork in his hand. Clink! After listening to the call, his fork fell, and his expression shifted. “What?! Madam Dark and her daughter are dead!?” His words silenced the entire dining table. Even Kaze looked at Hector with shock. Madam Dark and the others died already? By the time he put down the phone, he looked dazed and lost. Anxious, Agnes asked him, “What happened? Madam Dark died?” “I heard she was killed in a car accident on the way to the hospital. Six of them were in the car, none made it out alive. The truck driver was driving under influence.” Hector’s face paled as he continued, “But according to the police, it is suspected that someone staged the car crash because it feels as if the truck driver knew Madam Dark and the others were going to be there. “The truck driver was in heavy debt due to gambl
Phoenix wore unmistakable schadenfreude on her face as she looked at Joan. She said, “Hate him now? Do you want them dead?” Her voice was filled with temptation. She could not stage a car crash in Riverbank without being noticed, so she had to ask Joan, a local Quint family member, to plot it. The news twisted Joan’s expression. She screamed, “I’ll kill you, Kaze Lee! I’ll kill you too, Darcy! I want all of them dead!” The Road family, her strongest support, was wiped out. If she rejected Phoenix’s request, there was no way she could walk away alive. She was left with no options. “Good girl.” Phoenix tapped Joan’s face with a victorious smile. Then, she frowned and said, “But you are right. Kaze Lee has some strong support here in Riverbank. He can deal with the police, so simply framing him is not enough, or we will be in trouble.” After a quick ponder, she clapped her hands and cried, “I got it! We’ll stick with the car crash, but we can use it to lure Darcy and her f
Whenever a family grew larger, the bond between its members would eventually weaken and the fight for power was inevitable. There were many histories of family conflicts that tore apart the family members, resulting in serious fights. The Quints had a long history in Arcadia. Back in the day, the head of the Quints had many wives, which eventually spread out into different branches across the country. With that many branches, the sharing of profits would surely be complicated. Phoenix knew that if she returned empty-handed, her reputation and image would be destroyed and she would lose her value to the family. In time, she might be poisoned during her meal or run over when she crossed the road. The assets that her own family possessed would eventually be split up among the others who shared her name like vultures eating her corpse. It was not a groundless speculation or a scary imagination. It was real because she did it many times before to others who shared her name.
Phoenix instinctively moved the phone away from her ears and was stunned for a few seconds before her expression turned ashen. “Kaze Lee broke Shadow’s arm? Crippled both of you? You piece of trash! You can’t even take care of them? What gives you the idea that you still have the right to call me?” She shouted back at the phone, and her voice echoed across the entire ward. “Uh…” Dark had expected punishment of scolding and even abandonment by her master whom she had served for decades, yet she did not expect it to be this quick. “Smash!” Phoenix smashed the phone on the floor. She remained standing and upset. There was a fierce and resentful aura around her as she clenched her fists. Her frosty gaze could send chills down one’s spine. Even Joan’s face paled and her body trembled. She dared not even talk to Phoenix. “Dark, that useless hag! Kaze Lee, that piece of shit! Darcy and her goddamned family! They are all useless! They all should die!” Her anger erupted like
“Madam Quint, it’s going to be alright now. Madam Dark and Shadow are on their way to the Quints and they will surely bring Darcy back.” At Riverbank Prime Hospital, Joan was consoling Phoenix, who was sulky after the incident. Joan wore a face unmistakable of schadenfreude. She was jealous of Darcy from the moment they both met. Darcy, a girl from a distant Quint family from the small city of Lilyrose, had no right to be in the same position as her, the daughter of a well-known and powerful family in Riverbank. Yet Darcy was better than her in every aspect. Darcy was more beautiful, more capable, and was the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation that was worth billions. She became the branch head of the Quints at a young age, where the other family members had to listen to her. Jealousy had blinded Joan to the point that she believed everything that Darcy owned, except for her stupid useless husband, should be hers. She wanted to snatch everything from Darcy. It explaine
“Aaargh! Kaze Lee, I will kill you!” Suddenly, Shadow shouted and dashed toward Kaze. She thought her mother was caught off guard by Kaze’s slaps and got slightly disoriented, hence unable to fight back. Yet she quickly realized that Kaze could kill her mother with slaps. Therefore, without a doubt, as soon as she engaged Kaze, she, too, was sent flying by the furious slaps, crashing into the wall behind her like her mother. Kaze said, “You hurt the executives of Sky Ocean Corporation and broke their arms and legs. Now I’m breaking one of your arms, rendering you useless. Consider it revenge.” Another one was crushed! Looking at Shadow’s broken arm, the other followers turned pale. “You little bastard! I’ll kill you and your family…” Dark slowly regained her composure and began shouting again. She had roamed unchallenged for years, yet now, not only had she been defeated, but she was also crippled. Her daughter also suffered the same fate. To the merciless Phoenix