Chapter 5 My daughter is missing!

Chapter 5

Maya POV

I glanced around as I stepped off the plane. I took a deep breath, basking in the fresh air of New York; it's been long and good to be home again. Scanning the crowded people searching for Sonia just in time, her warm voice came into the air.

"Here! Maya, over here!" she waved her hand with a bright smile on her face. I rushed to her, holding Delaney in my hand. I wrapped my hand around her, and tears of joy filled my eyes.

"I miss you so much!" I admitted.

"It's been too long! How many years again? 5!! I miss you, Maya!" Sonia exclaimed, gently unwrapping her arms. "You look amazing!" She added.

I smiled, feeling welcomed. "You too, you look great," I responded, glancing at Delaney, who hid behind my back, peeping out with a shy smile.

"Aren't you going to give Aunty a big hug!" Sonia bent lower in Delaney's height. "Come hug me." She opened her arm widely, and Delaney ran into it like the little child that she was.

Sonia is very good with kids, even while we were still in Canada, with just the video calls, she was able to tick every single box with Delaney. I am not scared, I know they will get along pretty well.

"The camera hides your beauty," Delaney said, touching Sonia in the face.

"Really!" Sonia giggled. "You are so pretty"

"No, You should be crowned the Queen of beauty!" Sonia embraced her and pecked her forehead.

It was late at night, I sat on the rooftop of the house, totally lost in my thoughts. "Hey girl," I heard Sonia's voice from behind. "I know you will be up here, thinking too much."

I glanced at her with a weak smile on my face. "Delaney?" I asked my voice in a low tone.

"I put her to bed already," she responded, gently sitting beside me.

"So tell me what are you bothered about?" I gently placed my head on her shoulder, unable to say a word. She gently used her other hand and wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulder.

"You are not alone, Maya. You are home, and we will face this together, just like we always do."

"I am scared," I continued. "What if I fail? What if Brandon-."

"You won't fail, you are way stronger now, stronger than him, I want you to believe in yourself, just like I believe in you."

"Thank you, Sonia," I whispered, my voice filled with gratitude.

"Anytime. Now let's rest, tomorrow is going to be hot for Brandon. We are crushing him once and for once."

*******************

I stood tall at the entrance, basking in my confidence. My eyes locked with Lucas, the CEO of Ventus Enterprises. I have heard a lot about him; I did a little research myself, and I needed a lot of preparation for the meeting. I gently forced a smile on my face entering the conference room.

"Hello, Lucas," I stretched my hand for a handshake.

"You requested this meeting, what do you want?" He asked, going straight into business.

I chuckled a bit and continued, "You know why I am here already; I will just cut to the chase," taking a seat on the chair opposite him, pushing a folder forward to him.

"I want Ventus Enterprises out of the deal!" I stated.

"You want what- " he burst into laughter. His lips curled, changing his facial expression "Don't be ridiculous! What makes you think-"

"You won't even check the offer," I interrupted, folding my arms with a straight face.

"Ventus is a multi-billionaire company, you think you can just walk in here demanding we pull out!"

"No, I don't think, I know," I responded, my confidence unshaken. He raised his eyes, staring at me speechless.

"Go on, check," I followed my eyes back to the folder on the table. His eyes fixed on me while he gently picked up the folder, opened it, and brought the paper inside.

His eyes widened, landing on the paper in his hand, and he glanced at me.

"I believe you are arranging the next meeting." A little smile appeared on my face, and I walked out.

I rested my arm on the car window, driving with my other hand on the steering wheel, smiling and giggling.

"It's another sealed deal!" I murmured with a smile on my face. I know for sure my offer was too sweet for Lucas to decline and he wouldn't want me to go dirty on him. My phone vibrated, ringing out.

" Hey, girl! I got- "

"Maya," she called her voice low, almost whispering from the other end of the phone.

"What's wrong, is everything okay?" I asked, feeling concerned.

"I am sorry... Delaney is missing," she responded; I could sense panic in her voice. The world suddenly stopped moving; immediately, I pulled over, my heart pounding so loud.

"What do you mean she is missing, How?" I asked, fear gripped my soul.

"I had to attend to a VIP patient, and when I returned to my office, I couldn't find her inside. I have searched everywhere, I have called the police. I am so sorry."

"No, this couldn't be happening. You know what, stay calm for now, I am coming right away. Call the police again; let's be on the watch-out," I ended the call. I drove off the street with a high speedometer, my heart panicking.

"Have you heard from the police?" I requested pushing the door into Sonia's office.

"Yes, we can't declare missing till 24 hours," she responded, her eyes teary.

"A 4-year-old child is missing, and they want us to wait 24 hours? I got to do something myself!" I brushed my hair backward walking out of the office.

"Maya!" She called running after me. I halted and glanced at her.

"The CCTV! Have you checked?" I stated.

"Yeah!" She moved towards the security room when her phone rang. She glimpsed at me, her eyes popped out.

"Pick up, who is it?" I asked. She gently picked up the call, ignoring my question.

"What do you want?" She asked and went mute for a moment. "You need to take this." She stretched her hand.

"Who-" placing the phone close to my ear, my lips pursed. "Brandon?!"

"It's great to finally hear from you! I have my daughter with me!"