Chapter 2 The new arrival

Gloria Leonard stood at the entrance of their mansion in Beverly Hills, her eyes scanning the front driveway. The crisp afternoon air smelled faintly of roses from the surrounding gardens. She brushed a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear, glancing at her watch.

The agency had promised to send someone discreet, experienced, and trustworthy. After weeks of struggling to manage the household while Alfred buried himself in business meetings and charity boards, Gloria had finally agreed to bring in help.

The gate buzzed, and moments later, a sleek black car rolled to a stop. The driver stepped out, opened the rear door, and a young woman emerged.

Emmanuella.

She looked no older than twenty-five. Tall and graceful, with soft brown skin and eyes that held both innocence and mystery, she carried herself like someone who had lived several lives already. She wore a modest beige blouse tucked into a long skirt, but there was a quiet confidence in the way she moved-as though she knew this house would soon belong to her.

"Mrs. Leonard?" she asked with a slight smile.

"Yes. You must be Emmanuella. Come in."

Inside, Gloria offered her tea and began the interview. Emmanuella was polite, soft-spoken, and eager to help. She had experience as a live-in assistant, she said, and had worked with upper-class families before.

Something about her felt... different. But Gloria, tired and overwhelmed, brushed aside the feeling. Emmanuella was competent and respectful-exactly what she needed.

"You'll have your own room," Gloria said after the brief tour. "You'll be expected to manage the staff, handle the children's tutoring schedule, and help with any personal errands I might have."

"Of course, ma'am. I'm grateful for the opportunity."

As she spoke, Emmanuella's gaze swept across the hallway where a large photo hung-a portrait of Alfred and Gloria on their wedding day. Her eyes lingered a moment longer than they should have.

That night, Gloria updated Alfred over dinner.

"She's lovely," Gloria said. "Quiet and efficient. I think she'll fit in well."

Alfred barely glanced up from his phone. "If you're happy with her, I'm happy."

Across the house, in the servant quarters, Emmanuella unpacked slowly. Tucked inside her small leather bag was a folded paper-a charm wrapped in red cloth and tied with black thread.

A gift from Gabriel Peter, the man who had orchestrated her arrival in the Leonard household.

Her mission had begun.