The Stray Child

Theme One

Charlotte's POV

I was awoken by the sound of things falling downstairs. I groaned as I opened my eyes. I held my head as the result of last night hit me like a blow. The hell? My head was freaking pounding. I looked beside and see a random guy sleeping peacefully beside me. He was shirtless with just his brief on. I would have love to hump him again but damn my head was killing me.

I shoved my legs into my flood and walked to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror and the sight made me grimaced. f**k, I look like s**t. I opened one of the cabinets in the shelf and took a bottle of aspirin. I took two and threw them in my mouth. I opened the tap and placed my mouth under the running tap. After taking the drugs I washed my face and went out of the bathroom.

I took my phone from the bedside table and headed downstairs. My phone was off so I switched it back in. I took the stairs downstairs and walked to the kitchen. As always the cleaners were cleaning the mess we made last night. They greeted me and I nodded my head in reply.

I walked to my kitchen and went straight to the fridge. I took a pack of juice and a glass cup then sat on one of the stools. I was still feeling the headaches. Last night, was the wildest night of my life and the hottest party I've ever hosted.

I poured some juice into the cup and sipped slowly as I waited for my phone to finish loading. I decided to quickly fix myself something while my phone was doing its business. As lazy and tired as I was right now, I still needed to eat.

I decided to make toast with coffee. That was the easiest food that came to my mind. I don't mind anything as long as I out something in my empty stomach. After a while, the cleaners told me they were done and I wired their money to them.

Yeah, they help me clean the house after a night of wild partying. I was a lazy ass b***h and I suck at cleaning. Moreover, I can't clean this whole penthouse myself. I can't dispute the fact that I was a party addict cause that what keeps me going.

After my family successfully shipped me down here ten years ago, I became forgotten to them. None of them called or check up on me, not that they didn't know what's going on in my life though. I have guards who watch my everyday move. Well, they don't stop me from doing what hat I like so I have no idea with them.

The guards were everywhere, after shipping me here my father a d his minions made sure I don't ever set foot in New York. I've tried countless time to leave this shitty hole I was out in. But my luck sucks, cause each time I tried to get away I was always bundled back by those hefty and huge men.

Those brats didn't even let me attend my mother's funeral. All they did was make me leave in the day she died. I still have the horrible memory imprinted in my head and it has given me a nasty trauma. I always have nightmares of that day, the day my world came crumbling down.

I was hated by my family and they did little or nothing to show it to me. They treated me like my existence was a mistake. Even my own father hated me. But guess what, the feeling was mutual. I hated them as much as they hated me.

When I said them, I met I coward of a father who let a woman rule is life, my step evil stepmother and her bitchy daughter. All those three were the bane of my existence. They made me who I was today and I hated them for it.

Actually, I've got someone who loves me for me. He was the only member of the family that treated me like I was really member of the family. My sweet old grandfather. Gosh, I love that man with every fiber in me. He make sure to call me when he was less busy and be visits me secretly too.

I wonder where my father got his trait from because his own father wasn't as shitty as he was. The old man loves me and I knows that. Even before I left he was the only one who cared and accepted me. He was the only one who made my mom feel like a wife in the McKenzie's household. He was the one who brought my mom back after my dad threw her out of the house because of his new mistress who showed up one beautiful day with two kids.

He cheated on my mom but she didn't complain. He had kids out of wedlock, she still said nothing. She even treated and accepted the kids like her own but that wasn't enough for them. Untill they kicked her out of the house. Seriously? I feel that for my mother. I can't imagine living with that horrible man as a wife.

My toast was done, I too a plate and place it in it. I also made my extra creamy just the way that I liked it. I sat on the stool to eat when I heard a ding from my phone indicating that I had a notification. I took my phone from the table and unlocked it. I clicked in the notification and I instantly regretted it.

Grandpa is dead. It reads.

The f**k does that mean? It was sent by grandpa's most trusted man who happened to be his best friend. I cursed under my breath trying not to believe what I just read. How can he die? The last time I checked, he was hale and hearty. How can someone so strong and energetic as grandpa die like that? Something feels offish about this whole thing.

I dialed Mr Hans number but it wasn't reachable. My legs were now shaking and I was biting my thumb nails nervously. I stood up from the stool and laced around the kitchen. A part of me prayed hard that it wasn't true. How am I going to cope in a world without him? He was my support, my pillar and shield. Now, now........ No, it can't be.

I kept dialing Mr Hans number but it kept directing me to voicemail. The tears I was fighting so hard against started pouring down my eyes. I can't call anyone to confirm what has happened. I decided to call my Grandpa's phone instead. His phone rang and I prayed to hear his voice so badly. But my prayers weren't answered as the phone wasn't picked.

I crashed to the floor and burst into tears. s**t, I haven't cried in years and doing it now makes me feel so shitty. I heard footsteps but I didn't pay attention to it. I didn't care if I was been ambushed right now, I just want to cry and cry until there was nothing to cry anymore.

"Hey, you okay" I heard a male voice asked.

I looked up and saw the guy I went to bed with last night. The hell is he still doing in my house? He was only in his brief and I so badly wanted to throw him out in that.

"What happened? Wanna talk about it?? he asked.

That was it, the last string holding me back just snapped. Who the hell does he think he was to interfere in my s**t.

"Get out" I said.

I wanted it to come out stronger than. that but I guess I was too broken to do that. He didn't budge instead be looked at me confused. Did I just speak in tongues?

"What do you want me to do for you? I don't mind keeping you company till you feel better" he said.

Who is this guy again? Oh, that's what you get when you go home with a total stranger. I stood from the ground j was squatting on and went to my room. I took his stuffs and shove it into his chest.

"Now get out" I ordered.

He wanted to protest but I threatened to call the police so he left. When I was alone, I went back to crying. I didn't know how long I cried for because I felt my eyes getting heavy before blacking out.

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

I flustered my eyes open slowly. The sun was already setting which means it was evening already. My throat felt dry and my body aches like I was been run over by a truck. Sleeping was like an escape from the reality. I felt tears welled up in my eyes as my mind wandered back to the message.

Grandfather is dead. Just like that? How will I cope without him? How will I survive without him? How will I be able to face my predators without been killed?

I took my phone from the bed where it laid face down beside me. I saw about five miss calls from Mr Hans and I quickly called back. It phone rang and he picked on the third ring.

"Is it true?" I asked throwing all compliment into the air.

I heard him sigh from the other side of the line. "Am sorry" he croaked.

"What?" I asked in disbelief.

"He..... He ....... He died this morning. He had heart attack"

"Heart attack?" I repeated.

Was that really the source of his death? I know grandfather had a heart issue before I left ten years ago but be had surgery which was successful. How can he die just like that? And that old takes care of himself like hell. How?

"You know what...... Am coming back home" I said with a final tone.

I ended the call before he could start protesting. I think it was time to right the wrong. I was done running and it was time I face those suckers head on. I will protect my grandfather's legacy and make the evil doer rot in hell.

I took my phone and dialed Jason's number. He was one of the guys I always hooked up with. Well, I kept him for reasons like this. He works at the embassy. He picked on the second ring.

"Hello pretty" he said.

"Save the compliment, Jay." I said getting to the point.

" Okay, what's up. You sound like you want to elope" he joked.

"At least, you get that right. Can I get the next available flight to NYC?"

" Oh, you really wanna elope." He joked. I heard shuffling and flipping if pages and then he said "The next available flight takes off in the next two hours."

" Is it too late to book it?"

" Nah, I'll help you do that."

" Thanks, Jay."

" You're welcome. Anything for you, Char"

" Can you not book the flight in my name?"

" Okay, I'll send the details to you."

" Thanks so much, Jay. It means alot to me"

He chuckled and after that the call ended. That was easy peasy. At least, hooking up with an embassy guy paid off. I went to my walk in closet and picked out an outfit. I took a black bum short,black crop top and a pair for black sneakers. I took a quick bath and did a smoky make up. I made it look like I was going to the club or a party. Like I said I have eyes watching me and I don't won't them to catch in that I was running or I'll be back here before I know it.

I took my black purse of the rack and put in the necessary things I to it then I went out of the room. How will I leave without alerting the guards? Well, I have plans. First, I need to see my buddies Tori and Max. They were friends or more like partners in crime. If weren't partying at mine then we were at theirs.

I drove to their house which was like thirty minutes drive from my penthouse. I met the making on on their couch as I walked in.

"Ewww, get a room you horny perverts" I said.

They disengaged from each other and turned to me. Max glared at me while Tori smiled and hugged me.

"Babe, please don't kill Charlotte with that look" Tori joked.

Max groaned and on a normal day I would have laughed at his predicament but now was not the time for joking around.

"Are you okay?' Tori asked "You look damn serious and your eyes are puffy. Have you been crying" she asked worriedly.

I tried not to cry but my voice failed me. "My grandfather is dead." I cried.

" What? When" Max asked

He came to my side and helped me to the couch. They know how much I love my grandfather. They've met him twice and he was nothing but sweet to them.

"I don't know. Mr Hans said he had heart attack. But gut keep telling me that's not true"

" Do you think they killed him?" Tori asked.

That doesn't make sense but at the same time, it did. But can my father be that heartless to kill him own father? Well, there's every possiblity that he could do that. That man I know is as greedy as f**k.

"I want to go back home" I told them.

They both exchanged knowing look.

"How will you get pass the guards?" They asked.

" That's why I need you."

That nodded. "What can we do to help?"

I told them my plans and that Jayson was booking my flight. Just then my phone beep and I checked it.

"Jayson, booked the flight already. I'll be boarding as Jerry Hartwell"

"A guy? That sounds like a plan." Max said he checked the time on his wrist watch "We need to hurry so you won't miss the flight. You have just an hour to go" he said.

We all nodded and left the apartment. The first plan was to go to the mall to get me my disguise outfit. Max drove us to his parents mall. We searched and picked a blue up and down Vintage with a white pair of sneakers to match. Tori helped me packed me in a high pony so I can wear a face cap on it. I also took a dress that I'll change into when I get to NYC airport. To confuse and distract the guards, we took the back door of the mall and a black car was waiting for us.

Max drove us to the airport. Thank God, we made it on time. It was just twenty minutes to the take off time.

"I'll miss you, girlfriend" Tori said.

I smiled and hugged her. "I'll miss you too"

I disengaged from her right grip and did our buddy handshake with them.

"Take care of her, Maxie or else I'll really chop off your d**k this time"

Max saluted " Aye, master"

I smiled and we had a group hug. I could see tears in Tori's eyes as I walked to the plane. I took the stairs into the plane and then looked back at my friends. Tori was in Max arms crying. They both waved at me and I waved back. I feel sad leaving them but it is what it is. I checked my seat number and settled down. I put my phone in airplane mode. Ah, that reminds me, I've changed my phone and my sim so those fuckers won't track me. I really can't wait to see the look on their faces when they sees me. Due to the distance, it's likely I get to there by five or six tomorrow morning.

"Please fasten you seatbelt as the plane is about to take off" the pilot announced.

We did as told and in less than twenty minutes we were up in the sky. I looked out the window and sighed.

Am sorry grandfather for not been there for you during your last minutes. But I promise to get to the root of all this.

Soon, my eyes became drowsy and I feel into the darkness called sleep.

........New York City.........

.........The McKenzie Villa........

Gwen's POV

We all sat quietly at the dining table. We were all dressed in black as we were mourning the former head of the family. Well, dad was now sitting on his seat in the dinning room since he had automatically become the new head of the family. I looked at everyone seating at the table. Aside that the table was quiet as f**k everyone seems to be doing fine.

Like the man was old and his death was long anticipated. I don't know what happened or what led to his death. All I knew was that dad went to his office earlier this morning and they both got into a heated argument. I couldn't make out what they were talking about but their voices was loud for all to hear. The next thing I knew, the ambulance came and took grandfather to the hospital. I think he died on the way or so.

Who cares? The old man never saw me as his grandchild. The only one he loves and care about was Charlotte. He didn't even treat my mother like she was a wife in the family. He always showered Charlotte and her mother with so much love and attention. When her mother died and she was shipped to Atlanta, I felt nothing but joy. The past teen years without them in her space have been filled with happiness.

Now that grandfather is dead, dad will officially become the chairman of McKenzie Groups. Wow, that felt like a dream come true. After dad become the chairman, I bet he will make me the director. I've always dreamt of running the family business. I've been trained for this since I was ten. My family is the kind of family which anyone can become the heir or heiress no matter their gender. So, I know undoubtedly that I was next in line to succeed my father when he was ready to retire.

Knowing I have no rival made joy filled my heart. I was the eldest child in the family and the last time I checked Charlotte was in no way close to running the empire. She was just a lousy kid who waste her life partying and clubbing. Moreover, she can't get away from their because she was bonded their for life. I smirked as all this went through my head.

I looked at my the table again which consists of my dad who was at the head of the table, my mom who sat opposite m, my younger sister Cole and our step brother Theo. Yeah, I have a twelve years old step brother due to my father infidelity. He had a one night stand with his secretary and he knocked up. She became pregnant and in order to avoid uproar in public, he accepted the child and made his mother his mistress. But he came to love with his after alot of DNA test that confirmed that my dad was the biological father. Just like us, he was born out of wedlock.

Theo's mom doesn't live with us, she only come to check in her son every once in a while. She used my father as a stepping stone to attain fame. Now she's one of the well known models in the country. That sly b***h, I wonder if she really care about her son or he was just a pawn in her game to attain greater heights.

So, Theo's not a threat to me. All I can ever have was his little share in the company. He was just living with us so be can have a name and because dad was his father. I blame dad for all this. If not because of mom I bet alot of woman would have come here with alot of kids. Mom seems to have a tight leash on him.

As for Nicole, she always made it clear that she wasn't interested in the family business. She have a company to her name and she's doing well. She's a fashion designer and she have her own fashion house. She's also a freelance writer but she does that under disguise. She's the complete opposite of me. She's always smiling that it was hard to know when she was serious. She jokes around most times and that makes her annoying. But she was still my sister whom I love dearly.

Halfway through dinner, Jonah, dad's personal bodyguard rushed into the room and whispered something to dad. His countenance quickly changed, his eyes became red with anger and he slammed the table hard. I quickly got up from my seat.

"Charlotte have been reported missing. I want you to search all the nooks and crannies for her" he instructed .

" Yes father" I replied and walked out of the room.

Cole also stood up and followed me. Well, dinner was automatically over now. Theo also left the table and went to his room.

"How did she get past the guards?" She asked as we walked to the situation room.

" I don't know" I replied.

We got to the situation room and all the IT team stood up as we got in. I sat on an empty chair and looked at the big screen.

"How did she get past the guards?" I repeated the question Cole asked me earlier.

"She disguise herself and decieved the guards" one of them said.

The sound of typing on the keyboard filled the room as they were all trying their best to locate my step sister.

That sly b***h.

What is she looking for? And I hope she isn't coming here?

"Found her" someone said and I turned my attention to the big screen.

There was a picture of lady in a male outfit though her face didn't show but I knew she was the one.

"She boarded a plane with a male's name. Jerry Hartwell"

I sighed. "Can you for the real owner of the name? And also the plane she boarded?" I instructed an they all nodded.

I caresses my temple to ease the headache that was already building up.

"She's headed here. She boarded a plane to New York an hour ago"

" The name she used was forged as there's no one bearing Jerry Hartwell"

What the...? Cole and I exchanged glances. That b***h, what's she up to?

"How long will it take for her flight to land?" Cole asked.

"At most six in the morning as it is a twelve hours journey down here."

"Okay, make sure you block her entry into the city and don't you dare lose sight of her. Most importantly, keep me posted." I said and they all nodded.

They stood up and bowed as we walked out if the situation room. I called the head guard and told him to assemble all the guards on the ground floor. Cole and I too the elevator and went to the ground floor. By the time we got there Jonah had already assemble the guards. They bowed when they saw us.

"Am sure you've all heard of the situation at hand. You mustn't let your guards down." I said authoritatively.

" Yes, ma'am" they chorused.

I turned to Jonah " Make sure you disperse your men to every corners in the city. Most especially, the airport. I don't want any flop, okay?"

He nodded " Yes ma'am"

They all bowed and left. I let out a loud sigh. She not even here yet and everything is already chaotic. Cole placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Calm down, boss lady" she tried to joke.

I glared at her and she raised her hand up in surrender but she still have that annoying smile on her face. We went back into the house. I went to my room and as soon as I got there I took a wine glass and a bottle of wine from the mini wine cellar. I sat on my bed and took my laptop from where it was. I switched it on and opened the camera footage on it. I needed to stay alert. I packed my short hair up and sip from the wine I poured in the glass.

Does she know Grandpa is dead? Even if she knew who could have told her? I tried to search my brain for he but none was forthcoming. I decided to let it go for now. I needed to act fast and I can't just sit on my hands and let things go wrong. I took my phone and call Sharper. He picked on the first ring.

"Hello boss" he said in his extremely deep voice.

It was still to believe that I have a man like him under my control.

"I have a job for you and I want it to be down neatly without any trace" I said.

" Okay, tell me about it"

" I'll send a picture and location to you I want you to get it down before morning"

" Okay ma'am"

I ended the call after that. I sent him Charlotte's picture I took from the social media. I also sent the airport she will be landing in to them and a generous fees to get the job done. Sharper and his boys help me run my dirty jobs. Like I said I've been trained to be a leader since I was ten. And during the course learning I've been taught to be heartless and cold. My mom and dad were both stone hearted people and they only have one thing in common which is to run the family business.

My mom is a woman who loves luxurious life and she can do anything to get what she wants. At times I think my mom and dad were meant to be. Two cold hearted people. That successfully passed on that spirit of determination to me. Well, I wasn't complaining as I also have ambition. I want to be one of the richest and most feared female in the world. To achieve that I need to control McKenzie Groups the second richest family in the country. Yeah, you heard me right. We are freakishly rich. Not just rich but also respected and feared.

My grandfather did a hella of a job building all this wealth. According to history,my grandfather worked all his life as he was born into a poverty-stricken family. He was a very intelligent and smart man so he was able to amass all the wealth at a rather young age. He didn't stop working even till the day he died. My grandfather was Seventy eight but he looked like he was still in his fifties, that's how good he took care of himself. Good thing he worked so hard as we will never be poor in our lives.

Tonight...Is so going to be long.

........New York City.........

Charlotte's POV

The plane landed and all passengers disembarked. I looked around at the airport. The place still looked calm as it was just six in the morning. I stretched my body tiredly. Gosh, my body feels like I was ran over by a bulldozer. It's been ages since I boarded a plane or go on such long journey. I was even surprised that I wasn't throwing up like I did ten years ago.

I adjusted the face cap to cover my face and I walked to the public restroom. I bumped into a guy on my way and an idea struck me. I begged the guy if he could trade clothe with me and he agreed seeing as what I was wearing was expensive and classy. We went to the restroom and he gave his tracksuit while I gave him mine.

I looked at myself in the mirror and smirked. The cloth looked baggy on me but didn't mind. The tracksuit also had hood so I just used it to cover my head after putting on the cap. I gave myself a thumbs up and winked at my reflection. I bet my father already have guards scouting the airport. I bet they would have found out about my escape by now.

I walked out of the restroom and to the road. I saw some men in black suits with wired earphones. I didn't have to hide as it will look to suspicious. So, I walked confidently pass the guards. I guess they were looking for a lady dressed a male well sorry to burst their bubbles.

I stood on the pavement and flagged down a taxi. A black car stopped in front of me. There were two guy inside the car. They looked suspicious but I ignored that and got into the car.

"Where to ma'am?" The driver asked.

"McKenzie's Villa" I answered.

The two men exchanged looks before the car started moving. The glass of the car was tinted which made it hard for anyone to see what was going on inside. I checked my pocket to be sure the pen Knife was still inside. After I felt it, I relaxed on the seat and wait for whatever they want to do.

The drive weren't smoothly for the next few minutes not until the car suddenly stopped. I looked ahead and saw a car packed in front of a lonely path. The driver and the other guy went out and bowed to a man who stood with some other guys.

What the heck was that for?.......