THREE

SLYVIA'S POV

"And this is why we need to expand," I said, concluding the meeting with my team. "So remember, everyone, I will only be gone for a few days. I trust you can handle the clients until I return with more partners for the expansion of the company."

It's been six years. I didn't know how, but I did it. I took the money from the scholarship fund Maxwell had set up for me, finished my education, and started a real estate company focused on affordable housing. Now, we were successful, and with this new initiative, I could reduce homelessness by 30%. It was a dream coming to fruition, and I was proud of what we had achieved.

As I walked to my office after the meeting, my assistant, Lisa, approached me with a concerned look on her face. "Ma'am, the babysitter canceled. Something about a family emergency," she said.

I sighed, feeling a twinge of frustration, but quickly shifted gears. "You know what, book a flight for the girls too. They’re on holiday anyway, and I don’t have time to vet a new babysitter. Besides, LA could be good for them to sightsee."

"Understood, ma'am," Lisa replied, nodding before hurrying off to make the arrangements.

Who would have thought I was actually pregnant with twins back then? My daughters, Zenith and Zendaya, were the light of my life. They had given me strength when I needed it most, and now, I couldn't imagine my life without them.

A few hours later, we were on a flight to Los Angeles. It felt surreal to be returning to the city where everything had fallen apart, yet it also felt like a full-circle moment. I had built a new life from the ashes of the old one, and I was coming back stronger than ever.

After arriving in LA, we checked into our hotel. The girls were excited, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. I could see the curiosity and excitement in their eyes, and it warmed my heart.

Later that evening, we got dressed for the dinner party with executives from various companies. I chose a sleek, elegant dress that made me feel powerful and confident. Zenith and Zendaya looked adorable in their matching dresses, their smiles lighting up the room.

"Ready, girls?" I asked, looking at them with a smile.

"Ready, Mommy!" they chimed in unison, their enthusiasm infectious.

We made our way to the hotel ballroom, where the event was being held. The room was filled with influential people, all gathered to discuss potential partnerships and the future of the real estate industry. I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. This was a significant moment for me and my company.

As we entered the ballroom, heads turned, and I could feel the eyes of many on us. I held my head high, exuding confidence. The girls stayed close to me, their presence a reminder of how far I had come.

"Welcome, Ms. Lockwood," an executive greeted me with a warm smile. "It’s a pleasure to have you here."

"Thank you," I replied, shaking his hand firmly. "I’m excited to discuss the potential for collaboration."

We mingled with the guests, engaging in conversations about business strategies and future plans. I could see the respect in their eyes, a recognition of the hard work and dedication that had brought me to this point. It was empowering, validating the choices I had made and the obstacles I had overcome.

As the night progressed, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. I had built a successful business, provided for my daughters, and now, I was on the brink of something even bigger. The past no longer had a hold on me. I was no longer the broken woman who had left Los Angeles in tears. I was Sylvia, a CEO, a force to be reckoned with.

At one point, I looked over at Zenith and Zendaya, who were chatting animatedly with some of the guests, their faces glowing with happiness. They were my inspiration, my driving force. Everything I did was for them, and seeing them happy and thriving was the greatest reward of all.

Zenith and Zendaya tugged at my dress. I looked down to see their eager faces, eyes wide with determination.

“Mommy, we need to pee,” Zenith said, her tone urgent.

I glanced around the room, then back at them. “Okay, let’s go to the restroom.”

They exchanged a look, then Zendaya shook her head. “No, Mommy. We’re big girls. We can go by ourselves.”

I hesitated, a mix of pride and worry bubbling up. They had been pushing for more independence lately, and this was clearly another step. “Are you sure? It’s a big place, and there are a lot of people.”

Zenith nodded vigorously. “Yes, we’re sure. We know where it is. We saw it when we came in.”

I sighed, looking between them and the bustling ballroom. “Alright, but you have to promise to stay together and come straight back here, okay?”

“Promise!” they chorused, their faces lighting up with excitement.

“Okay,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “But be careful, and don’t talk to strangers.”

“We won’t, Mommy,” Zendaya assured me, already pulling her sister towards the hallway.

I watched them go, a mixture of anxiety and pride swirling inside me. They were growing up so fast, and moments like these were bittersweet. As they disappeared into the crowd, I turned back to the conversation I had been having, but my thoughts remained with my daughters.

GRAY'S POV

As I walked out of the men's bathroom, I spotted two little girls laughing and giggling with each other. They seemed so carefree and full of life. Curiosity got the better of me, and I approached them. "Where are your parents?" I asked gently.

The girls turned to look at me, their smiles wide and innocent. "In the hall," one of them answered confidently.

Am I crazy, or does this girl remind me of someone? I thought, staring at the girl. Yes, she looks just like Sylvia. My heart pounded as the realization struck me.

"Are you okay, mister?" the other girl asked, concern lacing her young voice.

Another one, and this other girl kinda looks like me, I thought, my mind racing. I must have said it out loud because the girls giggled at my words.

"What are your names?" I asked them, my voice shaky.

"I'm Zenith," one said, her eyes bright.

"My name is Zendaya," the other chimed in, her smile matching her sister's.

"Can you show me to your parent?" I asked, trying to keep my composure. They nodded enthusiastically and led me back to the hall.

As we entered, my heart skipped a beat. There she was—Sylvia. She looked as beautiful as ever, but there was a maturity and strength in her eyes now. The girls clung to her, and I saw Sylvia's eyes widen in surprise when she spotted me.

Putting two and two together, I asked the obvious question, "Are they mine?"

Sylvia's eyes widened further, and she struggled to speak. Panic flashed across her face before she swiftly got up, taking the girls by the arms. "Come on, girls," she said, her voice tense.

"Mommy, who is that man?" Zenith asked, but Sylvia just shook her head and hurried out of the hall, leaving a trail of whispers behind her.

Everyone in the room was staring at me, but I didn't care. I had to find out the truth. I rushed after them, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Was it possible that I had children I didn't know about? And with Sylvia, of all people?

I caught up with them just outside the hall. "Sylvia, wait!" I called out, my voice desperate.

She turned to face me, her expression a mix of anger and fear. "What do you want, Gray?" she asked, holding the girls close.

"I want to know the truth," I said, my voice breaking. "Are they mine?"

As I watched Sylvia and the girls walk away, a desperate urgency gripped me. I couldn't let them just disappear from my life again. I had to talk to her, to make her understand that I wanted to be part of their lives. I hurried after them, catching up just as they reached the elevator.

"Sylvia, wait!" I called out, but she didn't turn around. The elevator doors slid open, and she stepped inside with the girls. I tried to follow, but a security guard stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

"I'm sorry, sir. Only hotel guests are allowed beyond this point," he said firmly.

"I need to speak to her. It's important," I pleaded, trying to look past him at Sylvia. The doors were closing, and I caught a glimpse of her pained expression before they shut completely.

"Sir, if you're not a guest, you'll have to leave," the guard insisted, his stance unyielding.

Frustration boiled inside me, but I knew causing a scene wouldn't help. I nodded reluctantly and backed away, my mind racing. There had to be another way. I couldn't just give up now.