CHAPTER 2: A SMILE, A SECRET

"Miss Anna," Jack, Anna’s driver, called out to her with a small smile as he stepped out of the car.

"Uncle Jack!!" The trio replied to him with a smile.

Jack shifted his eyes at Hanna and Elise and nodded towards them with a smile.

"Bye, guys, see you all at the party!" Anna said as she parted her ways and began walking towards her car.

Jack opened the door for Anna to take a seat. She stepped inside and took her seat in the ride. Jack followed and took the seat as the driver.

"How was your day, Miss Anna?" Jack questioned as he looked at her through the rear-view mirror.

"It was fine," Anna replied lazily, but soon she beamed.

"Ah, I want to meet my brother today!"

"I’ll contact the young master and ask if he can meet you today," Jack said with a nod.

"Okay!" Anna said with a grin plastered on her face.

Jack pressed the accelerator and began moving towards the Starborne mansion.

Moments later, the car stopped in front of a tall iron gate that led to an exquisite cream-coloured mansion, which was encircled by a beautiful garden full of vibrant flowers and lawned grass.

Anna stepped out of her car and began walking towards the mansion. She looked at the vibrant flowers within the garden with a smile as she continued to move. The servants bowed towards her, and she replied to their bow with a nod.

After a few moments, she entered the mansion and reached her room. She stepped inside and began to get changed.

She wore a long red and black checked skirt, a red T-shirt which fit her perfectly, black boots with red soles, a black jacket with red and white stripes, and her ears were adorned with golden square earrings.

After checking herself out in the full body mirror for a few minutes, she thought with a tilt of her head.

’Why am I so cute and beautiful?’ After a few more minutes of praising herself, she left the room and walked towards her car.

"To the emporium!" Anna said with a bright smile.

"Yes, Miss Anna," Jack said as he bowed slightly.

The duo soon reached A tall, tower-like Emporium rising gracefully, its sleek glass windows reflecting the bustling surroundings. The structure tapers slightly as it ascends, with bold metallic accents adding a modern touch. At the base, wide glass doors welcome visitors into a vibrant shopping space. Decorative lighting wraps around the tower, making it stand out at night. Lush planters and designer benches enhance the stylish entrance area.

Anna walked past the entrance. She began walking towards the elevator, and all of the staff who saw her bowed slightly, acknowledging her presence. Anna nodded towards all of them.

Anna entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top, where her brother’s office was.

Moments later, the elevator stopped with a chime and its door parted open. Anna stepped out of the elevator and walked towards the wooden door in front. She stopped in front of the door and knocked on it.

"Come in," a voice full of grace and authority came from the other side.

Anna opened the door and walked inside. She looked around, and her gaze landed on large glass windows overlooking the city. A sleek dark wood desk and leather executive chair sit at the centre. Minimalist shelves displayed awards and decor along the walls. A cosy seating area with plush chairs was set up in the corner. Soft lighting and subtle modern accents completed the elegant space.

She shifted her eyes and looked at a handsome man with white hair cascading down his shoulders, his blue sapphire-like eyes were filled with pride, and his stature was like that of a noble. His very presence radiated an aura of peace and calm.

"Anna!!" Damien, the head of Starborne Emporium, called out to her with a delighted expression on his face.

"Brother!!" Anna exclaimed as she beamed after seeing her brother.

Damien stood up from his chair and hugged Anna as he led her to the sitting area.

"Come," he said as he sat down at one of the chairs while patting one beside him, gesturing to Anna to take a seat.

Anna nodded and sat down on the chair beside him, and the duo began to chat about their day.

Moments passed as they chatted with each other. Anna remembered her talk with Amaya and decided to bring it up.

"Ah, Brother! Do you know about Midnighters?"

"Midnighters?" Damien questioned with a confused look.

"Ah, you know, my friend told me that there are a few people who get Superhuman abilities at night, and they call themselves Midnighters," Anna answered. She tried to sound mysterious, repeating what Amaya had told them.

Hearing that, Damien laughed out loud.

"Haha! Yeah, she is right, and I am one of them."

"Hmph, it’s fine if you don’t believe me, but you don’t have to make fun of me like that," Anna said while pouting, seemingly offended by the teasing.

"Haha, sorry! Sorry!" Damien apologised as he chuckled to himself.

Both continued to chat with each other before Anna left the office, as she had to leave for the party.

Moments after Anna left, the smile on Damien’s face faded, and his eyes turned cold. He called out as he stared at the door.

"Who was it?"

"She was one of Miss Anieal’s classmates," a voice came from within the shadows.

"Could it be a trap from a Midnighter?"

"I don’t think so, young master."

"Hmm... still check if she is in connection with any Midnighter."

"As you say, young master."

As soon as the unknown person said that, he disappeared from wherever he was.

’I can’t lose Anna, I won’t lose... not again’

Damien grabbed his chair and moved it near the window. He sat on it and looked at the buzzing Necron City before closing his eyes and collapsing on the headrest of his chair.

"Hah.."