The sun was casting a warm orange glow over the meticulously manicured lawns as a line of exotic cars wound its way up the driveway. The guests, a Who's Who of business moguls, socialites, and celebrities, erupted into cheers and applause as the vehicles came to a stop. The air was electric with anticipation, and the atmosphere was thick with the scent of luxury and ambition.
As the doors of the cars swung open simultaneously, Claudia stepped out of one of the sleek vehicles, a look of confident expectation on her face. She was immediately followed by her mother, Jennie, who scanned the scene before her with a mixture of surprise and growing unease.
Claudia's eyes widened as she took in the scene unfolding before her. A red carpet had been laid out, stretching from the last car in the line to the entrance of the venue, and the master of ceremonies was standing on stage, microphone in hand. But it was Gabriela who emerged from that car that made Claudia's world come crashing down.
Her beauty and elegance radiated like a palpable force. The crowd erupted into applause once more, and Claudia felt her face burning with shock and anger.
"Mom, what's going on?" Claudia demanded, her voice low and furious. "You told me I was the heiress! You said Dad changed the name, and I was the rightful heir!"
Jennie's grip on Claudia's arm tightened as she pulled her back into the car. "Calm down, Claudia," she hissed. "Don't embarrass yourself in front of all these people."
But Claudia was beyond reason. "I'm the heiress!" she shouted, struggling against her mother's restraining grip. "I'm older! I'm the rightful heiress!"
The master of ceremonies, oblivious to the drama unfolding in the background, welcomed the guests to the ceremony and introduced Gabriela as the new CEO and heiress of Flores Corp. As Gabriela made her way onto the stage, the crowd's applause grew louder, and Claudia's anger turned to seething resentment.
Gabriela's speech was a masterclass in charm and confidence. She thanked her father's supporters, her friends, and her team, promising to take Flores Corp to greater heights than ever before. The crowd was entranced, hanging on her every word, and Claudia's anger turned to bitter jealousy.
As Gabriela posed for photos, her beauty and elegance captivating every camera and every onlooker, Claudia's rage simmered just below the surface. She was trapped in the car, forced to watch as whom she saw as an imposter basked in the adoration of the crowd.
Meanwhile, Gabriela's friends beamed with pride, and Miguel couldn't help but fall deeper for her beauty and wisdom
The scene was one of glamour and triumph, but beneath the surface, tensions simmered, and the seeds of conflict were sown.
As Gabriela descended from the stage, the crowd's applause still echoing through the venue, she was met with a sea of admiring faces. Her breathtaking beauty and charm had captivated everyone in attendance, and she was showered with compliments and accolades.
Older men, in particular, couldn't help but be smitten by her elegance and poise. Some of them, who had known her father, Alejandro, for years, couldn't believe their eyes. "She's the spitting image of her mother, Esmeralda," one of them whispered to another. "And she's got her mother's charm, too."
Gabriela's smile lit up the room as she greeted well-wishers and acquaintances, her warmth and graciousness putting everyone at ease.
"Happy birthday, Miss. Gabriela."
"Happy birthday and congratulations." She was offered countless bouquets, which her staff helped her with.
Her friends, Isabella, Michelle, Damien, Rafael, Carissa, and Diana, surrounded her, beaming with pride.
Miguel, who had been watching her from afar, couldn't help but feel drawn to her. He had known Gabriela for a while, but today, he saw her in a new light. Her confidence, intelligence, and beauty had left him spellbound.
As Gabriela mingled with the guests, Claudia watched from a distance, her anger and resentment simmering just below the surface. She couldn't believe that her father's attention and affection had been lavished on this girl, who seemed to have stolen the spotlight with ease.
Jennie, sensing Claudia's tension, kept a tight grip on her arm, steering her towards the exit. "Let's get out of here, Claudia," she whispered. "This isn't the time or place for a scene."
But Claudia's eyes remained fixed on Gabriela, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge and retribution.
Gabriela was taken to her very own office.
Gabriela's office was a serene oasis, exuding a sense of calm sophistication. The room was immaculately neat, with every item meticulously arranged to create a sense of harmony. The walls were adorned with beautiful artwork, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
Behind her sleek, black desk stood her very own neat black boss chair, a symbol of her authority and poise. The chair seemed to gleam in the soft light, inviting her to sit and command the room.
The walls were a gallery of cherished memories, with pictures that told the story of her life. There was a photograph of her father, Alejandro, looking proud and strong, his eyes shining with love and admiration. Another picture showed her parents together, her mother, Esmeralda, radiant in her beauty, and her father, beaming with happiness.
A solo picture of her mother captured her elegance and poise, her eyes sparkling with warmth and kindness. A nostalgic photograph of Gabriela and her sister Daniela, Gabriela and Isabella as kids brought a smile to her face, showcasing the joy and innocence of childhood.
The shelves were thoughtfully arranged, showcasing Gabriela's accomplishments and interests. One shelf was dedicated to her awards, each one a testament to her hard work and dedication. Another shelf was filled with books, files, and documents, reflecting her love for learning and her commitment to her work.
Her desk was a workspace, yet still maintained the neatness of the office, with books and papers stacked in neat piles. Even her drawer was organized, filled with books, files, and documents, each one in its designated place.
The overall ambiance of Gabriela's office was one of serenity, sophistication, and inspiration. It was a space where she could work, reflect, and draw strength from the memories and accomplishments that surrounded her.
Gabriela was proud and happy, hugging her dad and thanking him for the opportunity to be a leader in Flores Corp.
She was exhausted already and went to the restroom to wash off her makeup which looked half-ruined from the sweat.
As she stared at the mirror admiring her bareface, she saw someone open the door, run to her and hold her neck tightly from behind.
"You witch! What just happened out there? Aren't I the heiress? What's happening? What did you plan with your jerk dad?" Claudia growled.
"Wait, wait, ow, ow, ow!" Gabriela groaned in pain. Claudia let go of her neck and faced her.
Her face was red with rage.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Claudia."
"You don't? How come you're the heiress?"
"How come I'm the heiress? Is that a question? Is Flores Corp some sort of establishment of your dad? Nah, he couldn't have that in hundred lifetimes."
Claudia stopped herself from hitting her.
"Slap me if you dare. I guess I'm more powerful. Do anything and you're out. This is my party now, right? You can't even wish me a happy birthday."
"Gabriela, you just think you outdid yourself..." Claudia was struck with horror as Gabriela suddenly removed her billion dollar hairpin and loosened her bun, making her hair fall down her shoulders.
She injured her hand with the pin purposely and suddenly cried out dramatically, faking tears.
"Ahhhhhh!!! Claudia, what's your freaking problem? Why do you hate me so much? You're so jealous that I'm the heiress, Ah, so painful!!" Gabriela had heard footsteps, seen shadows and she guessed it was her dad.
Claudia was holding on to Gabriela, trying to snatch the hairpin from her but it was too late.
Mr. Alejandro entered the restroom with a scowl on his face.
"Claudia! What are you doing to my daughter?"
Gabriela feigned wiping tears and sniffing.
"She took out my hairpin and injured me, Dad! She hates me! She says she's so jealous because I'm the heiress and she doesn't want that!" She yelled dramatically, wailing.
Mr. Alejandro was furious.
"You've always had a problem with my daughter!" Jennie heard the noise and also entered.
"What's happening? Alejandro honey, what's going on, what's the noise about?"
"Your kid. Ask her why she dislikes my daughter so much. They are sisters." Jennie watched Gabriela feign bitter tears.
"I don't know... She just can't stand me..." Gabriela wailed.
"Now this hairpin costs a billion dollars. What if it broke or something?"
"Her father's whole family can't afford that!" Gabriela exclaimed.
"Will you shut the hell up? Alejandro honey, your daughter is so disrespectful and rude! Couldn't you consider the fact that I'm standing right in front of you?"
Alejandro didn't give an answer.
"Look, Jennie please take your daughter and get out of here! I don't want to see you both in this premises, else, you'll be arrested."
Jennie and Claudia were speechless. Jennie exchanged looks with Claudia and Alejandro.
"Let's go, Claudia."
Claudia was fuming.
Jennie left the restroom, a little embarrassed.
"Dad please, can you lift me on your shoulder? I don't think I can walk because she even punched me."
"Yeah, she punched me, I forgot to say that." Alejandro was infuriated.
"Claudia, I said leave! I didn't know you were this wicked to your little sister." Alejandro lifted his daughter on his shoulder carefully and gently, leaving the restroom.
Claudia gave Gabriela a death glare, while her innocent face switched.
She stuck her tongue out funnily, taunting her.
Claudia raised one middle finger at her while Gabriela raised two, mocking her until her dad was out of the restroom and slammed the door.
"Arrghhhh!!!" Claudia hit the ground on her knees.
"I'll kill you, bitch! I swear!"
~~~~~~
Gabriela lounged in the spacious bedroom of her father's mansion, her laptop open as she chatted with her friends Isabella and Daniela via video call. They were laughing and joking, discussing their latest adventures, when Alejandro knocked on the door and entered the room.
Gabriela quickly ended the call, her face flushing slightly as she smiled at her father. "Hey, Dad," she said, trying to compose herself.
Alejandro's eyes sparkled with warmth as he approached her. "Gabriela, sweetie, I have some news," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Mr. Jackson is coming over for dinner tonight. He's interested in discussing some business matters, and he'll be bringing his two children."
Gabriela's eyes widened with excitement. "Really, Dad?" she asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Alejandro nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Yes, really. And I want you to make a good impression. Why don't you get dressed up for dinner? You know how to make an impact when you want to."
Gabriela's face lit up with a smile as she nodded eagerly. "I'll do my best, Dad," she promised.
As Alejandro left the room, Gabriela's excitement turned to chaos. She dashed into her closet, frantically searching for the perfect dress to wear. She wanted to impress Mr. Jackson, but she was also thrilled that Michelle and Miguel would be coming over, and she wanted to show them her style and sophistication.
After nearly an hour of searching, Gabriela still hadn't found the perfect outfit. She was tempted to wear something casual, but then she decided to stick with her current outfit - a crop top that showcased her belly button and three shiny belly chains, paired with jean tight bum shorts. She added an expensive gold neck chain from Mexico and did a light Latina-style makeup look.
Just as she finished getting ready, a maid came to inform her that Mr. Jackson was waiting for her downstairs. Gabriela nodded, a skip in her step as she followed the maid out of the room. She was feeling confident and beautiful, ready to take on the evening with poise and charm.
Miguel was the first to notice her walking down the stairs, mesmerized by her beauty. Gabriela caught him staring at her and she smiled gracefully, flirting with her expression.
She missed a step on the stairs while gazing and nearly fell. A gasp escaped her lips but she saved herself holding the banister.
Mr. Jackson and her dad noticed and she was a little embarrassed.
"Are you okay?"