Chapter 22—Suspicious Friendliness!

"Aunt Maya, " Itzel beamed as she ran to Maya who had just shut the door and she walked in. "Huh!" Maya sputtered shell-shocked when ltzel hugged her the moment she got to her. Maya was unresponsive to the hug, but that didn't stop Itzel from embracing her even more tightly. Itzel pulled away from the hug, a smile playing on her lips as she peered at Maya whose face was dishevelled with shock. "Aunt Maya, did you get me anything?" Itzel asked still smiling. "Uhmmm..." Maya mumbled, she was going to say she got nothing but she remembered the cookies she got for herself when she went out. Though she was surprised by Itzel's behaviour she saw it as an opportunity to bond with Itzel. "I did, but can I at least have a sit first?" She chortled and Itzel nodded. "I'll help you with your bag Aunt Maya, " Itzel offered and before Maya could say anything she took the back from her. A glint of surprise was very much evident in Maya's eyes, first Itzel called her aunt and then she hugged her and now she was helping her carry her bag. She knew for obvious reasons that Itzel didn't like her, so what changed? She had just stepped out of the house a few moments ago so what could change Itzel's thoughts about her so quickly? Maya walked over to the couch Itzel was already seated on and plopped on it. She collected the bag from Itzel and then took out the cookies. She handed it to Itzel whose nose crinkled in disgust as she peeked at the cookies. Maya stared at her with pursed lips, "Come on take it. I got it for you." "Thank you, these are my worst cookies but I'll take it since you got it for me, " Itzel forced a smile. Maya was agitated by Itzel's words, she just gave up her favourite cookie for the girl and all she could say they was that they were her worst. Even though she was pissed, she still managed to fake a smile. "I thought you didn't like me?" Maya's eyes crinkled as they focused on Itzel. Itzel jabbed a finger at herself immediately after the question. "Me, who said I didn't like you? Why wouldn't I like you? Aunt Alia has made me see reasons why you are the right mommy for me, " Itzel chuckled. "Really, " Maya's eyes sparkled with excitement and her face lit up with a smile. "Yes, Aunt." Itzel grinned embracing her. This time Maya reciprocated the hug, I'll go back to my room now. "Thank you for the cookies, " Itzel giggled after disengaging the hug. She ambled away from the living room afterwards. Suspicions arose in Maya's mind after Itzel left, she wondered if Itzel was pretending to like her all of a sudden. But after she reminisced about Itzel's words that Alia had convinced her that she was the best Mommy for her, she shrugged the thoughts off and smiled. She was going to keep being nice to Itzel for now but once she got married to her father, she was going to make Itzel pay for the hell she had to go through just to make her like her. At Zels Empire.... Henderson was in his office. He was trying to focus on some analysis he was doing, yet he couldn't get his mind off his conversation with Brian yesterday and his reaction when Brian showed interest in Lena. He felt as though Brian was trying to take what was his, but he waved it off as he tried to assure himself that he only said what he said to Brian because he didn't want him to mess with Lena's feelings. He was only looking out for his employee, nothing else. Yesterday, he didn't return home until late at night. He couldn't put into words the way he felt when he met Lena in the living room. It looked like she was waiting for him to return but she only greeted him and walked away after that. He had expected her to say a word to him or at least ask why he came back at that time but she didn't and it kind of made him gloomy. "Sir, sir, " one of Henderson's workers had been calling repeatedly as he stood in front of Henderson who appeared to be lost in thoughts. "Yes, Matteo," Henderson muttered looking at the guy. "I found out everything about the lady you asked me to. Every detail you need to know is in this file." Matteo informed. Henderson nodded and took the file from Matteo and kept it in front of him. "You may leave now, " Henderson ordered. After a slight bow, Matteo walked out of the office. Matteo was surprised when Henderson asked him to get information about Lena. He thought about telling Lena about it, but he decided not to. Henderson was not aware of the fact that Lena and Matteo were best friends. Matteo made sure to keep some information about Lena's life secret especially who Trent's father was since he knew how much Lena wanted that to be kept a secret. Back At The Mansion.... "I've told you, Maya, don't overthink it. Itzel must have come to her senses that's why she was nice and friendly, " Alia said for the umpteenth time trying to convince Maya. "I'm happy Itzel was nice but I'm perplexed since you said you didn't tell her anything about me today but she said you convinced her about me being her Mommy, " Maya sighed, she facepalmed before raising her head. "Maybe she didn't mean I said that exactly today. You know it's been a long time since I've been trying to get her to accept you, " Alia shrugged. She clasped her hands together before she veered to face Maya. "Cheer up Maya. It's one step at a time, now we won't have to worry about Lena once we carry out our plans for tonight. And it's a good thing Itzel came around just about the right time, " Alia grinning putting a hand over Maya's shoulder. Maya gave a tight nod, her lips curved in a smile. "You are right. Everything changes in our favour tonight." Alia bobbed her head in agreement, and an evil snicker resonated from her chest. "Do you have them?" "Yes, Alia. I got them, " Maya cackled reaching into her bag she took out two sachets and placed kisses on them. "The keys to our victory." Her voice echoed with determination and a gigantic grin spread across her face.