[ Zhou Family Vi… ]


    Ronan and his family were having breakfast together with Grandpa Rnd when he suddenly brought up Marceline''s marriage.


    "Father, have you talked to Marceline about her marriage to the Silvano n? They didn''t attend your birthday partyst night. Maybe this signifies that the Patriarch of Silvano n is no longer interested in the arranged marriage between the Zhou Family and the Silvano Family."


    Ronan wanted Grandpa Rnd to think that the Silvano n was already backing out of the arranged marriage they proposed before. He wanted to set her up with Cedric, hoping that Grandpa Rnd would approve of it.


    Grandpa Rnd was oblivious of the fact Dominique Silvano hadn''t heard about this arranged marriage proposal between the two families. The Zhou patriarch already crafted a strategic n that he would present to Raizel for them to use if the wedding was to happen.


    On the other hand, Ronan thought Marceline would nevere back. Cedric already nned to take Marceline as his woman. He wondered if he had already seededst night.


    Marceline and Cedric disappeared in the venue. Ronan knew that Cedric used a magic serum which was made by witches.


    ''I hope Cedric will be able to control Marceline so that she will no longer be a hindrance to my goal. The Zhou Empire will be mine.''


    "My cousin doesn''t want to marry someone whom she hasn''t met yet. I bet she doesn''t mind even if the Silvano Family will take back their proposal," Enrique suddenly butted in. He opposed this marriage as well.


    "Let her choose the man she wants to marry," he added.


    Natasha raised her eyebrow, sneering at her brother. "With her cold and scary attitude, no one will dare to marry someone like her. She should be d that someone from an influential and powerful family is proposing marriage to her."


    Enrique crumpled his face as he was displeased by his sister''s remarks about Marceline.


    "She even disappearedst night without saying goodbye to Grandpa. She and her bodyguard seem suspicious to me. They look very close and intimate towards each other. She even rejected Cedric Morgan''s dance invitation and chose her bodyguard for her second dance."


    Natasha was ridiculing Marceline''s actions. But deep inside, she was d that Marceline rejected Cedric. She was able to dance with him for a long time.


    "Natasha, stop talking bad about your cousin. It''s improper." Evelyn slightly scolded her daughter as if she was defending Marceline, instead of taking her daughter''s side.


    Enrique had a satisfied smile when his mother shut his sister up. Natasha red at him, feeling annoyed.


    Enrique and Natasha always fought when Marceline was involved. She hated it whenever her brother would take Marceline''s side over her.


    Cough! Cough!


    When Grandpa Rnd cleared his throat, everyone fell silent, moving their eyes to him.


    "Marceline''s marriage… I will discuss this with her so you don''t have to bring this up during our meal. If the Silvano n doesn''t want to continue this marriage then so be it. We are not that eager to be part of their family."


    ''We can still find another way to strike them at the time they don''t expect the most.'' He added to his thoughts.


    "Dad, when are you going to retire? You need to stay at home. Your health is not getting better. You skipped your monthly check-up once again. You didn''te to your doctor''s appointment. Just leave thepany matters to us and focus on treating your illness." Ronan changed the topic, bringing up Grandpa Rnd''s retirement as Chairman of the Zhou Empire.


    He believed that his father would pass the position to him once he retired. Marceline was not yet ready to take the Chairman''s position.


    ''I will ask Cedric''s help to convince Marceline to give up her position as CEO, letting Enrique take over.'' Ronan''s eyes gleamed with an evil intent. He hoped that their n worked smoothlyst night.


    ''I will contact himter and ask for an update…'' He made a mental note.


    Meanwhile, Grandpa Rnd frowned when his illness was mentioned.


    "There is nothing wrong with my health. I''m not sick. Don''t ever mention this, especially in front of Marceline." Grandpa Rnd looked displeased. He put his spoon and fork down as he already lost his appetite.


    He stood up abruptly, making Ronan regret mentioning his father''s illness. Grandpa Rnd didn''t inform Marceline about his heartplication because he didn''t want her to worry about him.


    He always thought of Marceline first. He felt guilty for not being able to protect them eighteen years ago. He med himself for the death of Marceline''s parents so he didn''t mind whether he would suffer from his illness. He was punishing his own self through this.


    Before Grandpa Rnd left the dining area, he stopped for a moment, giving Ronan a meaningful response.


    "I will only retire once Marceline will marry a good man who will take care of her and protect her with his life."


    After saying those words, Grandpa Rnd walked away without looking back. Ronan and Natasha had dark expressions on their faces. It was always Marceline! He only cared and thought about her as if she was his only family.


    Evelyn just looked at her husband. She somehow knew what he was thinking right now. This bitterness and jealousy in his heart was the great factor she could influence him, making him obey and fulfill everything she wanted.


    Whereas, Enrique could only take a deep sigh. He was dying to tell Marceline about their grandfather''s health condition but Grandpa Rnd warned him not to tell a single word to her otherwise, he would suffer from his wrath.


    No one among the family members would dare offend or go against Grandpa Rnd. He could only obey and follow his order.


    Marceline, who chose to live by herself, isting herself from her family, was still clueless that her beloved grandfather was sick. She would surely be upset once she learned the truth.


    *****


    A few minutes after everyone finished eating their breakfast, Evelyn stayed in the kitchen, making tea for Grandpa Rnd.


    She looked around, checking if there were other people around. When she made sure that she''s all alone, she picked something inside her pocket. It was a small bottle containing white powder.


    She poured one tablespoon of white powder into Grandpa Rnd''s tea. She mixed it well before calling a maid to deliver the tea to Grandpa Rnd.