Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Center Of Attraction

Chloe proudly stepped out of her brand new Ferrari at the Grandeur Hotel. She was magnificently dressed in a sophisticated purple jumpsuit attire. She was followed closely by her entourage. They were made up of; her manager, photographer, her makeup artist, and hairstylist. She walked elegantly towards the entrance of the hotel, causing eyes to gawk and trail her amidst cheers from admirers and fans.

There were lots of photographers at the entrance taking pictures, and some fashion journalists were also seen taking note of the latest trends and styles as different guests arrived for the event.

Chloe had been strategic at her timing when she arrived. She wanted to be the center of attraction. Her plans worked so well, as there were so many heads turning, cameras light flashing, fans screaming for her to sign autographs, and journalists complimenting her looks.

“Miss Chloe, you look fantabulous! Can you tell us whom you are wearing today?” A top media journalist inquired amidst cries and cheers from the background.

Chloe proudly granted the journalist audience. She gave elaborate detail on her choice of clothes, accessories, and hairstyle. She spoke lightly about different fashion brands. She intentionally made references to Treshvire fashions and F&K fashion home.

After the interview, she strolled poised to the event hall to imprint her presence.

The event hall was tastefully decorated. Its glamorous design perfectly fitted the theme of the day. From the evocative backdrop to the beautifully illuminated runway stage, -with various forms of lighting and special effects to radiate the designs worn by the models, – it was indeed an enchanting place to be. The audience sections were dimly lit and well-spaced. Also, a mix of electronic and upbeat background music made the atmosphere in the room electrifying.

.....

Already seated in the hall and waiting for the event to kick off were; some invited VIP celebrities, brand buyers, brand owners, business elite, fashion editors, bloggers, critics, photographers, and supporters of different brands. Also, somewhere seated amongst the audience and keeping a low profile was Tom and Leon in disguise.

Tom who had been informed earlier by his reliable source within the F&K fashion company, of Ariella’s presence at the event, passed on the information to Leon. Although Leon was an invitee and the Treshvire fashion brand would be displaying their work later that same day, he decided to grace the event earlier amidst a busy schedule, for a chance to meet Ariella once again. He had already perfected plans on how they would meet.

Ever since their last brief encounter at the parking lot, Leon had been looking forward to meeting with her. He was intrigued by this beautiful lady, who had no knowledge about his personality.

The fact that she could look boldly straight into his eyes and talk to him in a belittling way, intensified his feeling toward her. He didn’t care if she reacted that way as a result of anger. He also loved the way she could switch her emotions which made her actions unpredictable.

Another thing that pricked Leon’s attention was the fact that she didn’t even flirt with him, unlike most ladies would at such proximity.

Leon remembered being in a fairly similar situation. The lady in question pretended to pass out but regained consciousness when he lifted her in his arm intending to take her to the hospital. The lady began professing love to him and calling him her knight in shining armor. This pissed him so much that he almost dropped her on the concrete floor.

When Chloe was done showing herself off at the event hall, she walked into the dressing room with her head held high. She was given a presidential welcome way by Silvia and the team in the room. Some of the models who knew her worth were thrilled to be walking on the same runway as Chloe.

Denise sneaked over to where Ariella was and spoke in a hushed tone.

“I think Madam Chloe, is the high-class model we have all been expecting.” Denise grinned mockingly, stressing ‘Madam’ that it made Ella chuckle a bit. “Check out her entourage.”

“Denise! Please! get back to work! I don’t want any drama today,” she said with a smile and quietly buried her head in her work, still amused.

Most of the models in the room seemed to be intimidated by Chloe’s aura and as she made her demands, she was quickly attended to. Silvia chatted with her for a while, then left the dressing room to sit amongst the audience after giving strict instructions to Ariella and others.

“I’ll be back to check on the progress of things,” Silvia spoke with authority before she left.

When the judges finally settled, the show began with models gracefully walking down the runway displaying captivating clothing designs by F&K fashion home. The audience buzzed with excitement especially when Chloe stepped on the stage bringing the design she wore to live.

“Check out the drama queen,” Leon gave Tom a nudge.

“Is that her? Impressive!” Tom smiled.

“I can see you are already infatuated with her. Probably, I should introduce you guys,” Leon smirked

“She’s beautiful bruh! give me a break!”

“Sure! she’s all yours.”

“Nah! I have already been taken, my body and soul yearn for her,” Tom said and gave Leon a wink.

“You had better stay clear from my secretary,” Leon smirked at him.

“You can’t blame me bruh, you should have gone for an older lady. And come to think of it, most of your employees are young and some with rare beauty, yet, they dread you like a dark Knight.”

“You should know me better, I don’t joke with work. Never miss business with pleasure.”

“What a cliche! You are your father’s son.”

“Immediately they conclude their display, find a way to discreetly get Ariella out of that dressing room, and connect her to Charles. I have instructed him on what to do next.”

“Okay! But is she worth all this trouble?”

Leon half smiled as he visualized her enchanting face and alluring curves. “Maybe, Maybe not! I’m just curious about knowing her more.”

“Hmm! It always starts with curiosity,” Tom grinned wickedly at Leon.

Leon half smiled and said, “I’ll be in the bar, keep me informed.” He stood up and quietly exited the venue. He went over to the bar section of the hotel and ordered some wine.

Back in the dressing room, after the second walk down the runway, Chloe became a difficult model to please. She was fussy with the design she was supposed to wear, she complained about the crowded room, she verbally abused her direct workers and those who offered assistance, and her complaint list was endless.

When she finally spotted Ariella in the room; who had been secretly giving directives and advice on the two designs she had already worn and displayed, all hell was let loose. She did everything in her power to make Ariella’s remaining day miserable, even to the point of ruining an expensive dress and blaming it on her.

Though Ariella tried her best to manage the whole situation, It got to the point that she couldn’t take it anymore and was about to teach the spoilt brat some manners. Thankfully, Denise came to her rescue by creating an embarrassing scene for Chloe and taking the full blame.

After Chloe had maliciously destroyed an expensive evening wear, she accused Ariella of the crime. Ariella swallowed hard and went to the far end of the room to release her frustration. While Chloe was immediately dressed by Silvia and Denise with another stylish long flowing evening gown.

Ariella was about to set things straight when all of a sudden, Chloe fell face down to the ground. She ripped the second dress in the fall. Her lips were slightly bruised, and her nose bled.

Denise who was the architect behind Chloe’s embarrassing fall also dramatically collapsed on the floor. When she was lifted by her colleagues, she started limping.

Everyone in the dressing room was stunned for a moment as Silvia and some other people quickly helped Chloe to her feet.

“What the hell!?” Chloe’s whole body quivered and her face reddened as she glowered at everyone around her.

“Chloe! Sorry about that, it was a mistake! I think your gown caught on something,” Silvia’s lips twitched as she tried apologizing. Her hands trembled as she cleaned Chloe’s face with a tissue.

Unfortunately for Chloe, the show must continue. The final batch of models filed out as the show was at its climax. Some haters amongst them; who had seen and had enough of Chloe’s mannerless behavior, furtively expressed their excitement at Chloe’s detriment.

Chloe could not join them due to her damaged gown and ruined face. She pushed Silvia forcefully, making her trip over. “Get lost! You...You worthless idiot! H...how dare you!? Is this what you invited me for!? I’ll sue you and your stupid company, I’ll sue all of you,” she raved on and on like a lunatic.

Every attempt made to calm Chloe down only ignited the situation. Eventually, on her terms, she calmed down. When she noticed some persons making a video of her, she threatened to sue them for doing so without her consent. She then instructed her makeup artist to take a picture of her ruined face and to redo her makeup.

When she had changed her clothes, she looked at Silvia, who was still in shock from her awkward awkward outburst, and sneered with a ferocious glare “You haven’t seen the last of me, You’ll hear from my lawyer”

Chloe scowled at everyone in the room one last time and stormed out with her entourage.

Silvia, who had finally regained her voice after Chloe’s episode, turned over to Denise and glared at her.

“Denise!” she began in annoyance, “what was that about? Couldn’t you watch where you were going? Look at the mess you have created. You better pray hard that this doesn’t escalate, otherwise, you’ll be in real trouble.”

“But Silvia! I’m hurt! My ankle is sprained!” Denise continued faking the limp but was amused and enjoying the show from within. “I think, I deserve some sympathy and even a raise for how I professionally handled myself. I stood here receiving all the insults without causing more trouble with m... madam Chloe.”Denise stressed the madam again which caused a bit of murmuring in the room. Even some workers came to her defense.

“What?” Silvia gawked at Denise in bewilderment. “I can’t take this!” Silvia swallowed hard. She breathed in deeply and adjusted her slightly ruffled dress to regain her composure for the sake of the show. “I’ll deal with both of you later in the office,” she said pointing to Denise and Ariella, then she left the room.