Six hours later, the storm had subsided. Alexander sat on the office floor sharing Chinese takeout with Elena and Mia while federal agents worked around them.
Mia had her sleek silver laptop open, typing rapidly and switching between Korean, English, German, and French calls with law enforcement across continents.
“Mia,” Alexander asked between bites, “where did you get that expensive laptop?”
Elena and Mia exchanged a meaningful glance. Elena set down her chopsticks, her expression serious.
“Mr. Voss, there are things about Mia I haven’t told you. Things I was afraid to share because I didn’t want you to think I was taking advantage.”
Mia closed her laptop. “Mommy’s scared you’ll get angry and fire her. But you deserve the truth.”
“My real name isn’t Mia Ramirez like you’ve always believed,” Mia said. “It’s actually Mia Chen-Ramirez, and Mommy isn’t just my mother—she’s Dr. Elena Ramirez, with a doctorate in international business and advanced linguistics from Columbia University, plus two master’s degrees in economics and political science.”
Alexander’s chopsticks clattered to the floor.