Moon Lovers: Bound by Blood and Revenge

"This is Kira Alaric… the new Director of Operations… my husband…"

Everyone: "..."

They were stupefied upon hearing that. Marceline Celeste Zhou resigned! But the most surprising part was she announced that her husband was replacing her.

'What husband?'

'She's married?!! Since when?'

'Who is this man?'

'From what family he comes from?'

The board members were puzzled as they hadn't met Kira before yet. This was their first time seeing him. But the other directors already knew Kira as Marceline's bodyguard.

Among the Zhou Family, Enrique was the one who didn't know that Marceline married Kira. Natasha and Ronan were already aware of this as she already introduced Kira as her husband to Grandpa Roland with their presence.

Enrique glared at Kira. He couldn't accept that Marceline just married her bodyguard on impulse. The family was not informed about her sudden marriage. Was it just a joke?

He wanted to confront Marceline. What was she trying to do? Resigning her current position and letting her bodyguard take over her position?! What a ridiculous joke was that?

On the other hand, if Enrique was against this idea, Ronan and Natasha felt glad. Although they were surprised about Marceline's decision, they were still rejoicing since Marceline resigned from her position.

Was she planning to be a full-time housewife? If yes, then it would be favorable for them.

The silent atmosphere in the conference was broken when Grandpa Roland spoke up.

"I am welcoming my grandson-in-law as the new Director of Operations."

Grandpa Roland's words signified that he supported this position. With that cue, the other directors didn't dare voice out their objection. They were already hesitant to go against Marceline. How much more on Grandpa Roland's decision? No one would try to oppose him.

"Welcome, Mr. Alaric!"

"We are looking forward to working with you, Director Alaric."

The board members started to speak one by one, welcoming Kira as a new member of the Management Team. Since Chairman Zhou had approved this, everyone seemed to accept Kira without any questions asked.

They didn't even raise concern about Kira's capability to manage a team. When everyone was done greeting Kira, Ronan cleared his throat. The members of the Zhou Family except Grandpa Roland didn't welcome Kira.

"So what is the next step for this?" Ronan asked Marceline. He wanted to know what she was planning to do after this resignation.

"He will start tomorrow. Today, I will introduce him to my former team," Marceline simply responded.

Ronan smiled inwardly. With Marceline's response, he felt like she had no intention of staying in the company.

'The Zhou Empire will finally be mine! No more competition. Her resignation signifies that she has no interest in taking over the company!' Ronan tried his best to conceal his excitement. He could no longer wait for Grandpa Roland to step down and pass the chairmanship to him.

He was encouraging him to rest and just stay at home since his health was not getting better. After this meeting, Ronan had decided to convince his father to resign as well, using Grandpa Roland's health condition as an excuse.

But for now, he had to pretend that he was not rejoicing about Marceline's resignation. He must look like a CEO who was worried about this sudden transition.

"Why don't you guide him for a week, having a  proper handover and turn over? I think your bodyguard– I mean your husband, needs to familiarize first how the Operations Department is working," Ronan suggested.

The other higher-ups also showed support for Ronan's suggestion. Kira needed proper training first. The Director of Operations had the most vital role in the program implementation of every project under the Zhou Empire.

Meanwhile, Marceline just let out humorless laughter. She could see in Ronan's eyes the joy and excitement after knowing she already resigned as the Director of Operations.

Little did he know, Marceline still had another bomb that hasn't been blown up yet. For certain, this bomb would shake Ronan's world.

"Don't worry, Mr. CEO, I will still report here at the company every day. My husband and I can still discuss the handover notes. Aside from that, we can also discuss this matter when we are at home. Perhaps, do you really think I will be gone here starting today?" Marceline sounded cold and there was a hint of mockery in her tone as she responded to Ronan.

The board members and the other directors also noticed the cold treatment Marceline was giving her Uncle as if there was an ongoing dispute between them. Even Ronan could feel the hostility she had for him as they looked at each other.

"Why are you addressing him like that? Can't you show a little more respect when answering our CEO?" Natasha was not able to hold her tongue. She thought Marceline was disrespecting her father with that kind of response.

"Stop that, Natasha! Don't make a scene here! This is a meeting with board members around!" Enrique scolded his sister, still siding with Marceline.

Natasha crumpled her face, giving Enrique a cold sharp glare. She couldn't understand why her own brother was still supporting and defending her cousin. He was always choosing Marceline's side, rather than her.

'Am I your sister? Why do I feel like you love her more than me?' Natasha lamented to herself, still glaring at her brother.

This time Grandpa Roland had spoken. He didn't want his family members to argue in front of other directors and board members.

"Stop arguing. I still have another important announcement to make so listen to me carefully."

Marceline just sneered at Ronan. This was the most exciting part of the meeting. She couldn't wait to see her Uncle's reaction once Grandpa Roland finished his announcement.

Kira, who was very silent since the beginning, just sat down next to Marceline as they waited for Grandpa Roland to reveal his big announcement today. Under their table, Kira caught Marceline's hand, gently squeezing them.

He could sense that Marceline was still furious. Her heart was filled with rage as she could see her Uncle's face.

The other people inside focused their attention back to Grandpa Roland. They wondered what this big announcement was all about. While waiting, they started to speculate things in their minds.

'Are they going to surprise us with this another announcement?'

'Why do I feel heavy tension among the Zhou Family members? Are they fighting for the inheritance?'

'Is Marceline Zhou giving up for the Zhou Empire? She is the heiress but she suddenly resigned today!'

'Is she pregnant? Is that the reason she married Kira Alaric in a hurry? They didn't even have an engagement party?'

They were still puzzled by Marceline's sudden marriage and her resignation. They wanted to dig deeper but no one dared to ask Marceline. She's very scary when she's mad. She seemed not in a good mood too. She even talked boldly at her Uncle who was also their current CEO.

"So for my second announcement… I would like everyone to know that today... I am also resigning as the Chairman of the Zhou Empire."

Bam!

Everyone was dumbfounded when they heard that.

'Chairman is resigning? But Why? This is so sudden!'

Even Ronan didn't see that coming. His heart wasn't prepared for that.

'What is the meaning of this? Is Dad going to appoint me as the new Chairman? Is this for real? Am I dreaming? Finally! The Zhou Empire is mine!' Ronan almost slammed the table with too much excitement. He assumed that Grandpa Roland was now passing over the Chairmanship to him.

Natasha and Enrique were also thinking that Grandpa Roland would appoint their father as the Chairman.

'Did grandpa's health worsen, that's why he is resigning today?' Enrique pondered to himself, feeling worried.

Natasha, on the other hand, had a nagging feeling about this. Just a few days ago, their grandfather was very resolute in his decision that he would not retire this year. Who would have thought that he would announce his resignation today just like Marceline?

Natasha's bad premonition came true when Grandpa Roland said his next words.

"I am now appointing my granddaughter, the only daughter of my eldest son, to become the new Chairman of the Zhou Empire! Please support her from now on just like how you supported me from the beginning!"

THUD!

Ronan almost fell off his chair upon hearing that announcement.

'What? Did I hear it wrong? My father appointed Marceline, rather than me, the CEO? And his second son? I am the one who worked so hard to make this company successful even after my brother died!' Ronan refused to believe this! He couldn't accept this.

Now, they understood why Marceline resigned. It turned out she was promoted to the highest position in the company– the Chairman!

Grandpa Roland had been training her, preparing her for this. And now, Marceline finally accepted her role as the true heiress of the Zhou Empire!

With a mocking smile on her face, Marceline glanced at her Uncle who couldn't hide the dismay on his face.

'Hmm. This is the start. I will take everything from you. The Zhou Empire will never be yours as long as I live! I will not allow you to succeed. You betrayed my parents because of your greed. Now I will make you regret what you've done in the past!'

"Father! How can you do this? This appointment is not valid! You should consult the board members first!" Ronan reacted negatively to this announcement.

"Oh, who told you that? There is a written agreement between the board members and the Zhou Family that Marceline can finally take over the Chairmanship position by the time she's of legal age and she is married to someone."