"I can't imagine that this old man has actually decided to emerge after years and years of hiding," one of the elders whispered.
At A&R Corporation
"Good afternoon, everyone. I know you are all wondering why we called you here at such an unusual hour," the Vice President began, standing at the podium. "We wish to inform you that our CEO has honored us with a visit today. She would like to introduce herself and initiate some structural changes."
"Let's welcome our CEO," he announced.
"Wow, I finally get to see who our boss is," an employee whispered to his neighbor.
"Me too! I've heard she's truly a visionary," another replied.
As the chatter died down, Audrey stepped into the spotlight.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I know you weren't informed of this meeting, so I will be brief. Please forgive your 'lazy' CEO for the lack of notice. In this office, I don't believe in the dynamic of 'boss and servant.' We are all here to work together and build an empire. I hope you will continue to move forward with that same collaborative spirit."
She looked around the room, her gaze sharp. "Effective immediately, I am increasing all salaries by a minimum of 20%. However, there is one exception. Our receptionist will receive a double salary and a brand-new vehicle of her choosing. The reason? I admire her attitude. She didn't judge those entering our building, and that is exactly the standard I expect. Do not judge our customers, do not insult anyone, but always be wary of the difference between the good and the bad."
She gave a small, firm nod. "You are my model employee today. This meeting is adjourned. Work hard, and let's build an empire that blossoms."
As she exited, the receptionist turned to her coworker, eyes wide. "Don't tell me... the lady who lied to us about being a visitor was the boss! Look at the silhouette—the clothes, the cap—it's her."
"Think about it," her male colleague whispered. "She showed up today, and today we get the announcement and a pay raise. Here's a piece of advice: work smart. Get in her good books and stay there forever."
Audrey didn't waste time. She had a meeting with Xander. She needed to understand why her biological reaction to him was so intense and why he occupied her thoughts so relentlessly.
"Oh, there you are, Princess," Xander said, raising an eyebrow as she approached. "I honestly thought you wouldn't show up, given your usual reputation for ruthlessness."
Audrey looked at him, feeling as if she were staring at a book she couldn't quite decipher. "Well, Mr. Scumbag, I am a lady of my word. I'm here because I require something from you."
"Relax, beautiful," he said, his voice dropping into a seductive register. "That's convenient, because I also require something from you."
"Proceed. I am wealthy and powerful; there is nothing I cannot provide, provided it's within my means."
"I need an antidote," Xander said, taking a calm sip of his tea. "You poisoned me in the most toxic way possible."
"I poisoned you?" Audrey slammed her cup onto the table, the sharp clack echoing through the room. "Let me warn you, Mr. Green—I am here because I need an antidote from you. Do not test me, or you won't leave this room!"
"Relax," he winked. "Since we both need an antidote, I already know what mine is. As for yours? I believe you're still in the dark."
"Oh? And what, exactly, is your antidote?"
Before she could process the question, Xander leaned forward and planted a soft, lingering kiss on her lips. Audrey was so caught off guard that her mind went entirely blank. Before she could pull away, Xander deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with a hunger that bordered on desperation.
When she finally regained her senses, she tried to shove him back, but the overwhelming surge of feeling paralyzed her for a heartbeat. Instead, she bit his lip hard.
"Ouch!" Xander pulled back, blood smearing his lip. "You little thing, are you trying to bite your future husband to death?"
"Let me warn you, Mr. Green—do not cross that line again," she hissed.
"Relax, little lady. I want us to stay together for a week to see if our 'poison' can be detoxified. During that time, we will provide each other with our respective antidotes."
"You...! Are you threatening me?"
"No," he said smoothly. "I am informing you. If you don't comply, I will reveal your hidden identities to the media. Be very careful."
Audrey took a slow breath, realizing she was cornered by her own curiosity. "Fine."
"That's my woman," Xander smirked. "Your decision is wise. You have me, body and soul." Before she could curse him again, he asked, "When are you moving in?"
"I am a woman of my word. I'll move in today. Perhaps that will make the detoxification faster," she replied, turning to leave.
Xander immediately pulled out his phone. "Hey, Daddy. She's coming to stay with us. Prepare the third floor."
"Haha, son," the Old Master Green replied. "You should stay in your own home with her. You don't want her discovering your true identity yet. Most importantly, make her comfortable."
"And don't you dare bully my sister-in-law!" his sister chimed in from the background. "Or I will bury the most powerful man alive."
"I'll protect her," Xander promised, ending the call.
In a Mysterious Kingdom
A woman sat upon a massive golden throne. Every strand of her hair seemed to crackle with ancient, terrifying power. She had ruled this kingdom for 5,000 years, never marrying, having birthed two children and executed their fathers to ensure no one could challenge her absolute authority. Fire burned in her eyes.
"Report!" she commanded, her voice soft but lethal.
Her secret spy knelt, trembling. He spent his life monitoring the human world, keeping watch for anything non-human that might threaten the Queen's rule.
"Your Majesty... the Vintaka royals, known as the Greens, have brought their son back. He has reunited with a mysterious woman. Her blood... it cannot be sensed by us or any demon."
The Queen roared, "Useless! What is the most important information about this woman?"
"I—I am sorry, Your Majesty—!"
"Incompetent trash," she hissed. "Take him away. I want his head prepared for my children to play with."
"Please, Your Majesty, mercy!" the spy pleaded.
"I trained you for years, and you return with nothing but excuses?" She turned away. "Take him out of my sight."
As the guards dragged him away, they leaned in close, whispering, "We won't kill you. Go, and don't come back. We will find the head of her most trusted bodyguard and exchange it for yours. Just ensure our King remains safe."
"I promise with my blood," the spy whispered, disappearing into the shadows.
Back in the throne room, the elders stood nervous. "Your Highness, the Witch Clan is moving toward Nation P. We do not know if the King is there."
"And," the minister added, "may I ask on behalf of everyone: how goes the search for our Queen? Are there any clues?"
The Queen smiled, a thin, cruel expression. "I am working on it. Your King has been located, though he moves constantly. But the Queen... she remains unfound."
She was lying.
"Congratulations on locating the King, Your Highness!" the elders cheered, bowing. "We hope the Queen is found soon."
As they retreated, the Queen leaned back against her throne, her smile turning cold. Old fools, she thought. They truly believe I will relinquish this power for them? Never.