Chapter 3 - Whispers of the Past

"What is her name?" Alexander asked, his voice deadpan, though his heart was hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird. He didn't look at Maria; his gaze was locked onto the little girl, who was now sitting up, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"Her name is Maya, sir," Maria whispered, her head bowed, bracing herself for the inevitable dismissal.
"Maya," Alexander repeated, the name tasting heavy on his tongue. He held up the silver locket, letting it dangle between them. "Where did you get this, Maria? And don't lie to me."
Maria looked up, her amber eyes—so different from her daughter's, yet filled with a deep, ancient sorrow—widening in panic. "It... it was a gift, Mr. Reed. A long time ago. From a friend."
"A friend?" Alexander stepped closer, the commanding aura of the billionaire CEO radiating from him. "This locket is an antique piece from a specific artisan in Italy. My sister had one just like it. Maya has her eyes, Maria. Look at me. Whose child is this?"
Maria stood up slowly, her defensive instincts kicking in. She stepped between Alexander and Maya, shielding the little girl. "She is my daughter, Mr. Reed. That is all you need to know. If my employment here is terminated, I understand. We will leave immediately."
"You aren't going anywhere," Alexander snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut glass. He picked up his phone and dialed his private investigator. "Marcus. I need a full background check on Maria Alvarez. And I need a DNA test run against my family database. Tonight."
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Maria gasped, grabbing Maya’s hand. "You have no right!"
"I have every right when my family's ghost is sitting on my couch," Alexander said darkly.