A Happy Plant

Demon entered the office, and his gaze was immediately snagged by the small box that had been placed on his desk. Directly behind him was Ian Frost followed by Assistant Ma and Secretary Nina.

As the three people watched in anticipation, almost expecting the chairman to throw them out at any instance, they were surprised to find themselves ignored. Walking around his desk, he picked up the note, read it and placed it aside without much care. Ian slowly inched forward; his intention clear to grab the note the moment his brother was not looking. But what happened next almost made him forget everything.

Was that a smile on his face? As he squinted and looked closely, Demon's face had already gone back to his normal self. But Ian could bet his most cherished possession and win, that Demon had smiled when he saw the box's contents.

He just hoped and prayed that the man was not going to put aside the box and leave them in suspense. However, it all came crashing down when Demon pulled out a small potted plant from the box.

The plant was pretty much different from Demon's collection of other plants that covered one side of his office, but it was still a plant. Rather than green the plant was shaped like a rosette with striking blue-green foliage. Anyone who knew him would know that Demon had a special love for plants. Even more than humans probably. So, it wouldn't be anything newsworthy if he had ordered some new hybrid plant. The note might just be detailing the plant care instructions.

Nina sighed and commented," It is a beautiful plant, sir. Should I place it with the others?" As she said this, she made a move to pick up the small pot from Demon's desk however, he quickly spoke," No need. Let this one sit here on my desk."

Now that was shocking! Everyone stared at the empty desk with no clutter and then at the small plant. Well, the plant must be something special if it was allowed space on Demetri's desk. They were not back to square one of curiosity. Ian once again looked at the note sitting on the side while saying," This one is different from your usual taste, Demon. Is it some new hybrid?"

"No. Why are you here? Ian?"

Sensing the shift in his mood, Ian quickly realized that Nina had already efficiently picked up the outer box and note to discard and shook his head," I just came to ask you if you will be going to the old man's house tonight. He has summoned us all."

"No." Ian watched as Demon then effectively dismissed him with a single word and sighed.

"He is going to blow a casket. Come on, Demon! You can come at least once."

The only reply he received was a shrug of the shoulders. However, Ian had already escaped the inner sanctum as he followed Nina and Assistant Ma.

Outside, at the secretary's desk, the three people gathered and peered over the note. Written in beautiful handwriting, it said," Thank you for being there for me. You might know this plant but in case you don't this is the Blue Elf succulent and also called Happy Plant. I don't know if you have any plants in your office like in your home, which is why I sent this little one here. I hope this little one makes you happy as much as you have made me." It was signed off with two smileys and no name.

The three people stared at each other in astonishment, hoping to find the answers to their questions written on each other's faces but all they only saw mirrored blankness. Quickly, Ian pulled out his phone to click a picture of the note when suddenly they heard," Miss Nina, I'd like the note back. And next time, do not touch or bring out my personal communication."

Their backs stiffened as they realized that the boss did not at least know they were peering over his personal note. Quickly, Nina pretended to pick up the note from the bin and turned around, handing the note to Demon with almost trembling hands. As soon as Demon turned back, Ian let out a curse and quickly raced towards the washroom. He needed to lock himself in the bathroom before he could coherently get over the fright from just now and the shock from the note! He missed his chance to click a picture of the note!

Quickly, he read through the many messages waiting for him to spill the beans and typed the contents of the message word for word.

And as expected, the group was bombarded with messages again as each cousin spoke over the other. It was rowdy like this when they met so thet saw no reason to not chat like this as well.

Gabriel: "It really is a gift?"

Lucien: "Who would write such a sweet note to Demon?"

Seb: That is not the main question! The main question is who did Demon make happy? I thought he could only inspire fear and not happiness!

Gabriel: No, the notable question is that the person knows Demon likes plants. I don't think anyone has known that. Most people who have been to his office are usually too intimidated to notice the greenery on the side or if they do they simply assume that it is done by interior designers."

Ian shook his head and sighed before recording a voice message," My foolish naive brothers. The biggest and the most important fact that you all are missing out on is that this person has BEEN to Demon's lair. Which of us can boast of even knowing his current address?"

That silenced everyone. It was indeed true that due to their grandfather's constant spying and meddling, Demon had bought several properties across the city and threatened anyone to try and locate which one he had chosen to live in. Of course no one had dared to take him up on the challenge. But now they knew that someone did not just know the location but had also been inside.