“I’m definitely not lying,” Mia said with matter-of-fact sincerity, gesturing expressively. “Mommy taught me Spanish and Italian because my abuela Rosa lives in Rome. Mrs. Peterson taught me French. And I learned Korean and improved my English from YouTube videos and library books because I want to communicate with everyone.”
The laughter grew louder. “Mia, seven-year-old children simply do not speak five languages fluently,” Alexander said.
“Oh, but I do,” Mia insisted, crossing her arms. “Would you like me to prove it? I can tell you exactly what your Korean business partners are really saying in their private emails. Sometimes adults say different things in different languages when they think no one will understand.”
“Elena, please remove your daughter immediately,” Alexander’s patience was wearing thin.
Before Elena could move, Alexander’s smartphone erupted with urgent ringtones. The caller ID flashed “Seoul Office” in bold red letters.
He answered with forced calm. “Voss speaking.”
The frantic voice of James Mitchell exploded through the speakerphone. “Mr. Voss, we have a critical crisis. Our primary Korean translator discovered serious discrepancies in the contract documents. Someone has been feeding us false information. Our local translator just quit, and we need someone who understands sophisticated Korean business language and complex English legal terminology immediately. The signing is in two hours.”
Alexander’s face drained of color. Two billion dollars hung in the balance, and his usual interpreter was unreachable.
The board members exchanged worried glances. Alexander ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing through limited options.
Mia stepped forward. “I can help you solve this problem.”
“Mia, this is not the time for games,” Elena whispered in mortification.
But Alexander stared at the small girl with new eyes. In three years, Mia had never once lied to him.
“James, hold the line,” Alexander said slowly. “Mia, what did you just say?”
“I said I can help. I really do speak Korean fluently. If someone is trying to deceive you, I can tell you what they’re actually doing.”
The board members shifted uncomfortably. This was either genius or insanity.
“James,” Alexander made the split-second decision, “I need you to test someone’s Korean language abilities. Speak some complex business terminology over the phone.”