[ Zhou Empire… ]

The employees and staff of Zhou Empire were surprised that their Witch Boss took a leave today which was so unlikely of her to do so.

She was the most workaholic person that they knew. She was so strict, forcing everyone to work to their limits. Laziness was a big no to her.

Once she found out that someone was slacking off in the workplace during duty hours, she would not hesitate to punish him or her– scolding, salary deduction, and suspension. The worst punishment she could bestow was firing them.

“Today is a fine day without the presence of our Witch Boss!” One employee said to her colleagues.

They felt so relaxed knowing Marceline was not in the office.

“Is she sick? But she’s the kind of iron lady who will still come to office even if she’s sick.” One employee voiced her opinion.

“Tsk tsk tsk! You are wrong. She seldom gets sick. She’s very healthy and strong. I never heard of her getting sick or whatsoever.” Another woman spoke up.

If Marceline was there no one would dare talk about her. But since she was absent today, the employees and staff working in her department were all talking about her. Marceline was currently the Operations Director of the Zhou Empire.

“Hey, stop talking about our Madam. Don’t jinx this. What if she changes her mind and comes to the office today since you keep on talking about her? Let’s just have a peaceful and relaxing day! Today is such a miracle!”

A peal of laughter echoed in the office as the employees rejoiced for today.

Even Ronan Zhou, Marceline’s Uncle was wondering why she took a day off today. His imagination was running wild, thinking Marceline might be up to something.

He kept pacing back and forth inside his office when his son, Enrique arrived. Enrique was the Finance Director of the company.

“Dad, is there something wrong? Your expression is telling me that you are bothered by something,” Enrique asked his father, walking closer to him.

When he reached his spot, Enrique held his shoulders, guiding him toward the vacant sofa.

“Sit down. I will ask your secretary to bring you tea. It will calm you down a little.”

Enrique moved to his father’s desk, pressing the intercom as he gave an order to his father’s secretary.

Soon, the secretary came inside, bringing two cups of tea for the father and son. She came out of the room right away after getting a signal from her Boss.

“Your cunning cousin didn’t report today. I wonder if she is plotting something this time. That brat is so hard to control.” Ronan rubbed the space between his brows, feeling troubled and displeased.

Enrique just chuckled at his father’s remarks. He could tell that his father felt threatened by Marceline. He couldn’t blame him because his beautiful cousin was very wise and unpredictable.

He took a sip of his tea before commenting on his father’s words.

“Dad, you are overthinking. My cousin might just not be feeling well today, that’s why she took a one-day leave. Anyway, just to change your mood, I have something for you.”

Enrique handed over a small envelope to his father. It was sealed. It contained a message from Cedric Morgan, the CEO of Triple W, the famous and top-notch security agency in the country.

“Dad, I didn’t know that you are close to the CEO of Triple W. Hmm, you are amazing, Dad. Only a few people can talk and exchange messages with their CEO.” Enrique couldn’t hide the fascination in his eyes. In fact, he didn’t know the real connection between Ronan and Cedric.

Enrique wasn’t aware that his father became the gatekeeper of the Northern Gate Portal and that Ronan knew about supernatural beings like werewolves, vampires, and witches.

But when the right time comes, Ronan would pass the responsibility to his son and daughter as the gatekeepers. The existence of other creatures would only be revealed to the gatekeepers.

Marceline’s parents, Uncle, Aunt, and Grandpa were the only ones who knew about the secret of the world– there were other supernatural creatures living with them in the human world and there was a magical place called Kingdom Phantasia.

Ronan flashed a forced smile before accepting the envelope. He believed that there was an urgent matter this time which was related to his duty as gatekeeper.

Cedric would not send him this sealed envelope unless the message was very important and confidential.

“Don’t worry, son. You will be able to meet him soon. Your grandfather is celebrating his 65th birthday in a few weeks. Cedric Morgan will be attending the party. He will introduce us to the Silvano Family.”

Enrique’s expression dimmed the moment he heard the word ‘Silvano Family’.

“So is it true? Grandpa will marry off Marceline to a member of the Silvano Family?” Enrique couldn’t hide the distaste in his voice.

For some unknown reason, he didn’t like the idea of Marceline getting married to someone. He didn’t know when it started but he felt so possessive of her.

Maybe because Marceline was a very attractive woman that he became fond of her and couldn’t stop himself from admiring her.

But unfortunately, she was his cousin so Enrique tried his best to hide his feelings, convincing himself that he just liked her as his sister and as a family.

Enrique was one of the only few people in the company who didn’t dislike Marceline. Unlike his father and sister, he truly cared for her.

“Yes, that is true. We will introduce her to her future fiancee. I just hope your cousin will listen to your grandpa and agree with this arranged marriage between the two families. We can’t afford to offend the Silvano Family.”

Enrique could only sigh in defeat. He had to agree that the Silvano Family was very powerful and influential. They had great connections all over the world, no wonder his grandpa didn’t think twice about this marriage.

He could already see the outcome of this agreement. Aside from that, no one would dare defy his grandfather’s decision, even Marceline.

But little did he know, his father was the one who made the deal with Cedric Morgan for this arranged marriage, not his grandpa.

*****

Meanwhile, the person whom they were talking about was currently teaching a certain someone how to properly open and use the door, instead of breaking it. (^o^)