First Cracks in the Wall
The grand shopping district of Northcrest buzzed with life when Aria stepped out of the car. Her driver, Oliver, discreetly opened the door, bowing slightly before returning to the wheel. She adjusted her sunglasses, taking in the sleek rows of boutiques, cafes, and business offices.
This wasn't a casual shopping trip—it was her first day of quietly digging into her past.
Her first stop wasn't a store, but a hidden cafe tucked between luxury boutiques. Inside, she was greeted by a soft clink of porcelain and the subtle aroma of freshly ground coffee. Sitting by the window was an older woman, refined and graceful, with short silver hair and knowing eyes.
"Mrs. Keller," Aria greeted softly, sliding into the seat opposite the retired housekeeper of her former foster home.
Mrs. Keller smiled, though the expression was tinged with sorrow. "It's been years since I've seen you… though you look… different."
Aria's heart squeezed. The woman had been one of the few who showed her kindness in that cold household. She leaned in, her voice low. "I need to know everything about what happened after I left… after the biological daughter, Julia, returned."
Mrs. Keller's hands trembled slightly as she took a sip of her tea. "It was Julia who changed everything. After she returned, your foster parents grew distant… colder. Then there were rumors of… arrangements with some outsiders."
Aria's fingers clenched on the coffee cup. "Did anyone… visit them before I… disappeared?"
The older woman hesitated, then nodded. "Yes… a woman who claimed to be from a maids agency. A few weeks before you… vanished. She met your foster mother and Serena multiple times. Then suddenly, there was talk about getting you married off quietly… and… then you were gone."
Aria's mind raced, her jaw tightening. She had always assumed her fosted parents kicked her out for the sake of peace amongst the two sisters —another ugly twist of fate—but this pointed to planning… betrayal from within the people who raised her.
Her grip on her cup tightened. "Do you know the name of the woman from the agency?"
Mrs. Keller's brows furrowed. "I remember… only that they hired a maid through her and she was placed in a wealthy mansion through another referral agency."
Aria stood, grateful but heavy-hearted. She pressed an envelope into Mrs. Keller's hand—enough money to repay the kindness the old woman had shown her long ago. "Thank you. I'll find the rest myself."
As she stepped out, Aria's phone buzzed.
— Marcie Trent —
> 'Documents attached. The housemaid you asked about worked at your current residence… starting two months before your death.'
Her throat dried as she clicked on the files.
Photos. Receipts. Employment contracts. The woman who had poisoned her, who had replaced her meals with slow-acting toxins, had been under the Hart family's roof.
"Not random… orchestrated," she whispered, pulse hammering.
---
That evening, back at the mansion, Aria barely touched her dinner. Sebastian sat across the long table, flipping through his tablet. His gaze occasionally flicked toward her, brow slightly knit, noticing her distraction.
"You've been out a lot," he commented flatly.
Aria blinked, offering a neutral smile. "New hobbies. Making use of time."
Sebastian leaned back, arms folding across his chest. "Or plotting something."
She smiled coolly. "What would I gain from plotting anything against you?"
His lips thinned. "That's the mystery, isn't it?"
Aria rose from her seat, meeting his gaze directly. "I may be many things, but not everything is about you, Mr. Hart."
Before he could respond, she walked away, leaving him staring after her with a conflicted look.
---
In her room, Aria pinned documents and photographs on a private board hidden behind a mirrored panel in her closet. Lines connected Serena, the mysterious maid, her foster parents, and now the Hart household.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
It was Oliver, the driver. He hesitated in the doorway, voice low. "Madam… I overheard a strange conversation earlier. One of the cleaning staff was speaking to someone on the phone… they mentioned Serena Moore."
Aria's head snapped up. The web was tightening.
"Keep listening," she said softly, "and report everything."
"Yes, Madam."
As Daniel left, Aria stared at her growing evidence wall.
Her enemies had woven a web of lies and betrayal… but they hadn't counted on her coming back.
This time, she would not be the prey.