2 pm.
A disturbing Thursday afternoon.
Outside the establishment, anti-fans held placards bearing negative statements. Hurtful words enough to make someone cringe.
Unruffled, 25-year-old Natasha Barnett emerged from the revolving doors of Alpha with grace and dignity.
Flanked on both sides with bodyguards all dressed in black, her navy blue trouser suit stood out in the afternoon sun.
It was a 20-second boost in courage. Minutes before, she had contemplated escaping through the back doors...
"What's the essence of being a leader if one can't be audacious?" She hyped herself shortly before walking out in style, defying all odds.
Coupled with her almond-toe high heels and hair highlighted with silver pins neatly packed into a bun, she was the perfect symbol of success, substance and prestige.
Screams from agitated fans increased with each calculated step. Cameras flashed at her repeatedly from all angles, the reporters in a frenzied attempt to get a shot of the diva that had been in the news lately.
However, because of Alpha's recent clothing and jewellery collection, which Rita Wills had rocked to her album release, the paparazzi flocked outside the mega building weren't for a good cause.
It had been a hectic day. After spending the previous six hours sorting out the issues related to the scandal, smoothening it afterward with her PR, and having strategic meetings with the board of directors, her feet throbbed.
Still, she couldn't bring herself to wear a simple footwear. Damn these bloodthirsty reporters!
They all rallied about her in an attempt to engage in some heated conversation to further boost the gossip.
"Some fans claim that the collection is nothing worth Rita's taste. What do you think?" A middle-aged man asked, thrusting forward his microphone.
"Nothing worth Rita's taste?" She smirked.
"Is Alpha planning to say anything about their recent collection and their current position in the fashion industry?" Another asked almost immediately.
She gave a half smile in response, making her way through the throng with the aid of her guards.
"Will you be endorsing your future collections with celebrities like Rita Wills?"
"Will Rita Wills remain your brand ambassador?"
"Alpha sucks! What will you do about it?"
"Evolve intends to sue Alpha for a breach in contract..."
"Inexperienced brats like you should leave the fashion industry!"
"You know nothing about trends, Natasha! Get off your high horse!!"
Questions and criticisms emerged from all angles. She almost closed her ears in exasperation. She took a quick perusal at them and boarded the Black Maybach.
"They would only complicate the issue. Nothing good will ever come out from acknowledging their questions," She thought.
"Natasha, we don't think you're capable enough to handle your father's chain of businesses...."
She heard another say as the door slammed shut.
She closed her eyes simultaneously and on opening them, exchanged looks with Smart who was waiting for her signal.
"Please take me out of here. I have an appointment for 7 pm.," She sighed repeatedly.
Smart was quick as he drove past the angry high school students. The egg contents splashed over the tires. They booed after her, but she couldn't hear their words.
"Fools!" Smart matched their tone, quivering with indignation.
"Cheer up, this is what you get when issues like this arise," Natasha whispered, blaming no one but her for their misfortune.
"It's not your fault ma'am. The world is a messed up place," Smart stated, peeking at her from the rearview mirror. Her shoulders drooped in defeat, her facial expressions masked with worry. Holding her hands to her forehead, she slipped him a curious glance.
"Who is responsible then? I should have checked the package properly before it was delivered," she replied, shutting her eyes.
"How many CEOs check the package before delivery? That's simply not your job description," Smart countered.
"Acting CEO remember? Job description or not, Rita is one we can't afford to lose..."
She paused to catch her breath, then continued slowly.
"... I wonder what my dad will say. This is the worst scandal we've had this decade. It's almost ruining all we've worked for," she stated, throwing her hands in the air.
Smart nodded his head in response, momentarily recalling the older man. Mr Barnett will surely be a pain in the ass. Never changing. Always a hard nut to crack. The more he thought about it, the more he knew trouble loomed ahead.
He darted his eyes here and there as they made their way out of the premises. At that same moment, Natasha caught sight of her assistant frantic gestures. Ruth was running in her heels, her arms repeatedly waving at them.
An alarm bell went off in her mind.
"The reporters will surely make a fuss out of this," She thought. It won't be surprising to see a headline like this in few minutes.
"Alpha in Distress: Natasha's Assistant delivers more shocking news"
"What does she want to say that can't be sent through text?" Natasha asked, rolling her eyes.
"What should I do ma'am?" Smart asked, noting her dilemma.
"Slow down" She acknowledged, tiredly observing Ruth's movement from the rear glass. She caught up with them in no time panting heavily.
"What's wrong?" Natasha asked as she boarded the car. Eyeing the reporters that flocked them once more, she queried...
"Why didn't you text me instead?"
"I'm sorry ma'am, but Evolve wants to have a discussion," Ruth replied, adjusting her glasses.
"I'm not ready to listen to whatever they have to say. They've caused enough trouble already!" Natasha dismissed with a flick of her right hand.
"This is important ma, you should consider this. If we don't say something, we will be further accused," Ruth explained.
"Why don't you meet with them instead?" Natasha asked sarcastically.
"I'm sorry ma'am"
"It's indeed our fashion brand, but I have no idea what happened on that stage, neither do I have a clue what happened to her shoes. Evolve should provide answers to the endless questions from the media."
"So what do I say to them?" Ruth insisted. Smart stifled a laugh, wondering if the lady wanted to lose her job.
Natasha shook her head sideways, refusing to bulge.
"I have an important date this evening"
Finally, her assistant got the clue, making an attempt to alight from the car.
"10 am tomorrow," Natasha replied, smiling.
"Enjoy your date, ma'am," Ruth winked.
"Stay safe," Natasha advised against her wish. Her initial thought was to smack the grin off her lips. They waited until Ruth entered the establishment without harm. On cue, Smart drove off at once.
Despite closing her eyes to find some peace, the videos and reporters from the internet kept flooding her mind, causing her to question if there would ever be an end to it.
Originally, they hardly had any scandals. For a decent number of years, Alpha had enjoyed progress without any itch. In recent seasons, as they expanded, celebrities and rich socialites patronised them, giving the brand a further boost.
With that came an increase in fame and popularity. While they enjoyed the grace of increase and fortune, Alpha also became the target of grave-digging scandals.
At this point, Natasha didn't know if she should pray for their progress or not.
"The struggle that comes with fame and popularity isn't for the feeble-minded!" She concluded with a sigh, inspecting her stiletto nails.
Momentarily putting aside Evolve and whatever tomorrow's meeting might entail, she allowed herself for a moment to reflect on the main reason she headed home.
Kingsley Blossom.