7

7

Ryan

As I sat in my office, reviewing the latest financial reports, the intercom on my desk buzzed. I ignored it at first, engrossed in the numbers that dictated the future of my company. But when it buzzed a second time, more insistent, I frowned and pressed the button.

“What is it, Gina?” I asked, my voice clipped.

“Mr. Ray,” she began, her tone hesitant, which was unusual for my usually unflappable assistant. “There’s a young girl here in the lobby… she says she’s your daughter.”

I leaned back in my chair, the words hanging in the air like an absurd joke. “My daughter?” I repeated, a skeptical edge to my voice. “What’s this girl’s name?”

“She says her name is Mia. She’s quite adamant that you’ll want to see her.”

I felt a muscle in my jaw tick as I considered the situation. This had to be some kind of mistake or, worse, a ploy by someone trying to get close to me. But Gina wasn’t one to be easily fooled. If she thought there was something to this, it was worth at least investigat