The morning sunlight filtered through the hotel's tall windows, casting a golden glow across the suite. Su Zhan sat at the dining table, sipping coffee and browsing through the news on his phone. Across from him, Eden McCain was scrolling through her own messages, her new role as secretary still fresh and a little uncertain. She glanced up, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Do we have any plans today?" she asked.
Su Zhan set his cup down and smiled. "Not really. My body's still recovering, so I'm just taking it easy for now. We'll get breakfast, then see where the day takes us."
Eden grinned. "That's my kind of schedule."
She called for the Haitian to join them, and the three made their way to a restaurant Eden recommended. The place was bright and lively, with the kind of menu that promised satisfaction. The Haitian, as always, chose a table on his own, quietly enjoying his meal while Su Zhan and Eden sat together.
Eden was an expert at savoring gourmet food, and she made sure not to let herself suffer. As she finished her meal, she took the opportunity to probe a little, hoping to learn more about her mysterious boss. She asked about his background, his goals, and the nature of his abilities, but Su Zhan was as evasive as ever, answering with a smile or a joke and never quite giving her what she wanted.
Just as Eden was about to try a different approach, the restaurant's door swung open. A striking blonde woman entered, flanked by several bodyguards. Her beauty was undeniable, and her presence commanded attention. She scanned the room, her gaze quickly finding Su Zhan, Eden, and the Haitian.
She hesitated for a moment, her eyes lingering on the Haitian with a hint of wariness, then began walking toward their table. Eden raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with playful jealousy. "Another one? You really do know all the beautiful women in this city."
Su Zhan laughed. "If it were anyone else, I might admit it. But with her, you'd never say that if you saw her real face."
Eden frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean? Isn't this what she really looks like? She's gorgeous."
As the woman approached, Su Zhan stood and greeted her like an old friend. "Candice, what brings you here? Why the sudden visit?"
Candice Wilmer, known for her illusion-casting abilities, gave a cautious smile. "My boss wants to meet you."
Su Zhan nodded, unsurprised. "I figured as much. I'd like to meet him too."
Candice seemed taken aback by his easy acceptance. She hesitated. "Should we go now?"
Su Zhan shook his head. "We're eating. Let's talk after breakfast."
Eden watched the exchange with growing curiosity. She could sense that something was off, but she trusted Su Zhan's calm confidence. Candice lingered awkwardly by the table, unsure whether to stay or go.
Su Zhan glanced up at her, his tone suddenly sharper. "What are you standing there for? Go wait outside. Or would you rather I ask the Haitian to help you?"
Candice's expression changed instantly. She glanced nervously at the Haitian, then turned and left without another word.
Eden leaned in, her voice low. "What's she so afraid of?"
Su Zhan smiled. "The Haitian has two abilities. He can selectively erase memories, and he can block the powers of other superhumans."
Eden's eyes widened in surprise. "He looks so unassuming, like a bodyguard. But even if he can block abilities, why is Candice so scared? And what did you mean about her real face?"
Su Zhan grinned mischievously. "Want to know? Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you."
Eden rolled her eyes, but after a moment's hesitation, she leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Now talk."
Su Zhan chuckled, clearly pleased. "Candice's ability lets her create illusions so real that no one can tell the difference. But if her power is blocked, the illusion vanishes, and everyone sees her true appearance. Let's just say the difference is… dramatic. You'd be afraid too if you were her."
Eden's curiosity deepened. "That's a powerful ability. What does she really look like?"
Su Zhan shrugged. "You'll see if the opportunity comes."
Eden pressed on. "Who's her boss? And don't make me kiss you again for the answer."
Su Zhan smiled, studying her. "You really are curious. Her boss is Linderman, a very rich and influential man. He's part of a secret organization that deals with people like us. The Haitian used to work for them, but I've hypnotized him, so they probably know something's up. That's why Candice is here."
Eden's eyes sparkled. "You can hypnotize people too? You're full of surprises. You won't hypnotize me, will you?"
Su Zhan shrugged. "Do you think I need to?"
An hour later, after finishing their meal, Su Zhan, Eden, and the Haitian stepped out of the restaurant. Candice, who had been waiting impatiently outside, hurried over. "What took so long?" she demanded.
Su Zhan looked at her with a gentle smile, placing his hand lightly on her head. "From now on, if you say a word, I'll take your ability away. Believe me, my secretary would love to see your real face."
Candice's mouth snapped shut, fear flickering in her eyes. She did not dare speak another word.
Eden watched, fascinated by the exchange. As they walked away, she leaned in and whispered, "You really do know how to handle people."
Su Zhan smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It's all about knowing what people are most afraid of."
As the three of them continued down the street, Eden realized that life as Su Zhan's secretary would never be dull. And as for Candice, she knew that as long as the Haitian was around, her illusions would never be enough to hide the truth.