Secretary Ma cooked breakfast as she always did, but her mind was on Ma Wang and Hae Ah. Hae Ah didn't speak at all when she picked him up from the Peddler's shop the night before. Ma Wang needed to be here, but until he returned, she'd have to protect Hae Ah on her own.
"Good morning, Secretary Ma," Hae Ah said formally.
She turned around and saw him dressed in a suit with his hair slicked back. She nearly gasped at the transformation.
"Can you help me with my tie?" He asked.
"Uh, yes," she said. After wiping her hands off on her apron, she tied his necktie for him. He looked so much like Ma Wang.
"I've decided to take on more responsibility at the Resort until Ma Wang comes back. I hope you'll assist me. Also, I have a meeting with Patriarch this morning so you don't need to accompany me to the Resort."
"I don't think it's wise to meet with him," she said.
"Secretary Ma, trust me. I'll meet you later."
The Peddler walked into the Patriarch's office and he stood to greet her.
"He knows the truth," she said, disregarding the formalities of greeting.
"The Heavens have given Ma Wang a chance to prove himself. If he fails …"
"Yes," she nodded. "This will be the biggest test for all of them. For Hae Ah's sake, I hope they succeed. The Heavens must not underestimate any of them, however."
"I wonder how Ma Wang will be without the support of those most loyal to him."
"In life or death, she will remain loyal to him," the Peddler said cryptically. "It's not her orders that make her protect the boy; she loves him already."
Patriarch stroked his chin thoughtfully. "A cursed child without parents now has three, it seems."
