Chapter 2 GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

Andrea's mind reeled as she stared at the photograph on Julian's desk. The girl in the picture was younger, but the resemblance was unmistakable. How did Julian Richardson have a photo of her?

Emma's voice broke the silence, her tone gentle. "Andrea, let's get out of here before Mr. Richardson decides to give you more... instructions."

Andrea nodded, still in shock, and followed Emma out of the room. As they walked down the hallway, Andrea's thoughts whirled with questions. What did Julian Richardson want from her? And how did he know her true identity?

Andrea's mind seethed with anger and hatred as she followed Emma down the hallway. What else did Julian Richardson have planned for her? Hadn't he already taken enough from her?

As they reached the stairs, Andrea's thoughts drifted back to that fateful night five years ago. The night her world came crashing down.

She was in her final year of drama school, studying to become a renowned actress. Her father, a wealthy businessman, had always been her rock, supporting her dreams and ambitions.

Andrea remembered the night vividly. She had been rehearsing for a play when she received the devastating news. Her father had been poisoned, and he didn't survive.

The memory of that night still haunted her. The feeling of helplessness, the anger, the sadness. It had taken her years to come to terms with her father's death, but the pain still lingered.

The police had never caught the person responsible, but Andrea knew the truth. Julian Richardson had been responsible for her father's murder. She had proof, and she had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Andrea's eyes snapped back to the present as Emma touched her arm. "Hey, are you okay?" Emma asked, concern etched on her face.

Andrea nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little... distracted."

Emma nodded sympathetically. "I know how you feel. This house can be overwhelming. But we have to be careful. The Richardsons are not people to be trifled with."

Andrea's eyes locked onto Emma's, a sense of determination burning within her. "I know. But I'm not afraid of them. I have a score to settle."

She imagined saying that to Emma.

Andrea smiled sweetly at Emma, playing the part of the innocent and naive new maid. "Thank you, Emma. I appreciate your concern. I'm just a little nervous, that's all."

Emma nodded sympathetically. "I know how you feel. This house can be overwhelming. But don't worry, I'll show you the ropes."

Andrea nodded, grateful for Emma's kindness. But little did Emma know, Andrea had a hidden agenda. She was determined to bring down the Richardson family, no matter what it took.

As they continued down the stairs, Andrea's eyes scanned the opulent decorations, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge. She would play along with Emma, pretend to be the obedient maid, all the while gathering information and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Andrea's smile never wavered as she followed Emma through the mansion's labyrinthine corridors. But beneath her demure demeanor, a fire burned. A fire fueled by determination, anger, and a hunger for revenge.

She would never let her guard down, never reveal the secrets she kept hidden. The Richardson family would never know that the quiet, obedient maid was, in fact, the daughter of the man they had destroyed.

As they reached the kitchen, Emma began to explain Andrea's duties. Andrea listened intently, her eyes never leaving Emma's face. But her mind was elsewhere, plotting and scheming.

She would gather information, learn the family's secrets, and wait for the perfect moment to strike. The Richardson family would pay for what they had done, and Andrea would be the one to make them pay.

The thought sent a shiver down her spine, a thrill of anticipation. Andrea's eyes locked onto Emma's, a fake smile plastered on her face.

"I'm ready to get started, Emma," Andrea said, her voice sweet and obedient. But her eyes told a different story, a story of revenge and retribution.

As Andrea polished the banister, she noticed a door slightly ajar. She pushed it open, assuming it was another room that needed cleaning. But as she stepped inside, she realized it was Julian Richardson's study.

Andrea's instincts screamed at her to leave, but her curiosity got the better of her. She crept closer to the door, listening in on the hushed conversation.

"...the shipment will arrive tomorrow night," one of the men said.

Julian's voice was low and menacing. "I don't want any mistakes. We can't afford to have anyone snooping around."

Andrea's heart skipped a beat. What were they talking about? What shipment?

Suddenly, one of the men laughed. "Don't worry, Julian. We've taken care of the problem. The senator's daughter will never-"

Andrea's eyes widened as she realized they were talking about her. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest.

But before she could hear more, the men's voices dropped to a whisper. Andrea knew she had to get out of there, fast.

She crept back out of the study, her mind racing with questions. What did they mean by "the senator's daughter"? And what problem had they taken care of?

As she hurried back to the safety of the kitchen, Andrea couldn't shake the feeling that she was in grave danger.

And then, just as she turned the corner, she collided with Julian Richardson himself.

His eyes locked onto hers, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

"Ah, Andrea," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I see you're getting acquainted with the house."

Andrea's heart sank. Had he seen her eavesdropping?

But before she could respond, Julian's smile grew wider.

"I think it's time we had a little... chat."

Andrea's instincts screamed at her to run, but her legs seemed rooted to the spot.

As Julian's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, Andrea realized she was trapped.

Andrea rolled her eyes; she didn't understand why a man like him would want a little chat with her.