Gabriela's phone beeped in her bag. She saw the caller ID and shook her head with a smile.
"Why didn't you pick any of my calls? I was so worried about you." Miguel was scolding her.
"Your calls were disrupting the meeting. I lost concentration." His face fell.
"Oh. I'm sorry about that. I was just – I just wanted to hear and know if you were safe. Claudia could strike any darn time."
"She won't do anything, Miguel. Chill. I'm hanging up now."
"Uh, wait. My twin cousins will come over next month. They'll be staying till our graduation." Gabriela's face brightened.
"Twin cousins? Aw, they must be lovely. What are their names? How old are they? Are they boys..or girls? Mixed sexes?"
"They are girls, Gaby. 16 years old, Leslie and Lana."
"So cute! I can't wait to meet them."
"They'll be glad to meet you too. Rafael and Damien will have to leave so the girls can have more space."
"There are enough rooms, right? So why do they have to leave?" Miguel sighed.
"They – don't like those girls."
"Why?"
"They are a little cheeky. Especially Damien, he thinks they are witches." Gabriela giggled.
"Witches? They must be really cute," She commented.
"Cute? You're dumb. I just told you they are cheeky. But you'll be fine. I'm gonna be living with them and not you."
~~~~~~~~
Carissa and Diana were discussing and laughing near the lockers. Carissa's eyes were shut in a hearty outburst of emotion over Diana's toxic joke. She opened her eyes when she realized Diana wasn't laughing anymore.
She was staring at Easton, who was happily chatting with a female science student.
"Why are your eyes on that jerk looking so awestruck? He's not that handsome."
"Hey! Why did you call him a jerk? He's so cute, can't you see? Hm...Is he Mr. Easton? Is he the guy you once told us about? Your high school crush?" Diana was mocking Carissa.
"Yeah." Carissa sighed. Diana giggled.
"Oh God, you have such good eyes. But why is he an instructor? Isn't he supposed to be in college?"
"He must have graduated, Diana."
"He's a real – jerk though. He came into your life and fell for your sister? Hilarious." The student left and Easton turned, his eyes met Carissa's.
"He's looking at you." Diana winked. Carissa's eyes were filled with rage and hate. There was a playful smirk on Easton's face as his eyes scanned her stance. Carissa rolled her eyes and walked away.
"Carissa, wait up!!" Diana followed.
"Don't tell me you couldn't stare into his eyes because you still have feelings...." Carissa's cheeks flushed and she tried to hide her embarrassment.
"Diana! I don't give a fuck about that guy. Don't tell me anything about him."
"Why do you detest him? For liking your sister? Its not a bad thing. I liked Michelle but Damien took her away from me. Just see him as a friend – if not as a crush anymore." Carissa chuckled.
"You liked Michelle? Do you do girls?"
"You bitch, I never meant it that way." Their faces lit up with more laughter.
It was time for the math lecture, but it was a noisy lecture room filled with students' chatters.
Claudia and Sandra walked in and a few students showed concern at Claudia's bandaged arm, leg and hand.
"OMG, what's wrong with her?"
"Looks like her enemies came for her."
"She looks horrible – as always." Claudia heard that and glared at the student. The guy stuck out his tongue.
Claudia muttered something to Sandra. Sandra charged at the guy and slapped him loud across the face. The students expressed shock.
"Oh my gosh...."
"Claudia never fails to prove herself as the queen bee."
"You son of a street sweeper, if you ever utter a word concerning Claudia's looks, you'll get expelled." The guy's eyes flashed with anger, gaze fixed on Claudia.
"Expelled? Like...you're Mr. White's ugly slut's kid?" Gasps followed by murmurs took over.
Sandra was speechless and dumbfounded. Claudia felt like sinking.
Before Sandra could think of a reply, Professor Paisley walked in.
"Good day students." The students hurriedly maintained good sitting positions and composure.
"Before we start from where we left off, I'll like to introduce a new student. Although, its Professor Jennie's job but she's not available," The students were curious.
"Alright, I can see some of you are exchanging glances. You must be excited to see the newbie for this semester. Come in, darling." The girl walked in and they echoed with surprise.
Long brown hair with bangs, doe eyes, cute round lips, dimples on both sides of her cheeks. LV from head to toe, she looked jaw-droppingly expensive. The skirt she was wearing hugged her curves and boys could barely keep their eyes off that feature of hers.
"Gawd, she's so beautiful!"
"She must be from a very wealthy family."
"I love her silky hair!"
"Her bangs make her cute!"
"Her curves are amazing!"
"I wish I could kiss her."
"I'd love to make out with this one!"
"Let's be friends, babe! So hot!"
"Introduce yourself to the class." Professor Paisley added.
"Hi." Her smile made some boys drool. She got multiple winks rather than hellos.
"My name is Veronica Lander."
"Lander?"
"OMG, the 4th richest in the country?"
"The Landers have been trying to bring the Flores' down, yunno. They're fighting to be top on the chart."
"And I'm from Barcelona, Spain. I like it here already. So please be nice. I hate bullies. I hope to make a lot of friends." She grinned.
"Thank you so much dear. You're sure gonna have fun here. Please, sit next to Rafael." Professor Paisley pointed.
"Why me?" Rafael mumbled.
"Why not? You should be feeling lucky. Another girl to fuck." A guy whispered in his ears.
"Shut up. She's not – my type."
"Ooh. Did something change? How come you have ideal types now?" Rafael didn't reply.
"Hi, Veronica. You look extremely beautiful. Can we be friends?" Diana asked.
"Um, yeah sure." She nodded.
"Let's get to math – before you start making friends."
Isabella's driver honked and she hurriedly got into the car.
"Hey, Isabella! Please give me a lift." She was bewildered to see Rafael.
"What's wrong with your car?"
"It needs to be fixed." Isabella sighed.
"Okay, come in." She opened the door and Rafael got in smiling like a happy little kid after recieving a chocolate bar. He slammed the door.
"Thanks, Isabella." She nodded, her eyes fixed on her phone screen. The engine was ignited and the car sped off.
"Who are you texting?" He peeped into her phone screen.
"Gabriela. I'm asking her how the meeting was at Flores Corp."
"Did you tell her about your sister jailed in China?" Isabella shook her head.
"Not yet. She's busy with a project and I can't tell her my problems. That would be distracting."
"Good idea." There was a minute silence before Isabella tossed her phone aside, her gaze on the road.
"What do you think about Veronica Lander? The new girl." Isabella sounded interrogative.
"Um...she's pretty."
"Oh. You're right. Prettier than I am?" Rafael chuckled silently.
"Yeah - " Isabella felt crushed. Flirts were never to be trusted.
"To the world. What I see is different. I can't fall for two girls. Although, I was a jerk and fucked every girl that came my way in high school but since I set my eyes on you, you've been the only beautiful girl in my heart."
"Oh." Her blush was evident.
"Crap. I still don't trust you." She folded her arms.
~~~~~
Soon after, the car pulled to a halt at a mansion standing tall and strong, lights and flowers beautifying the environment.
"Wait...is this your..dad's mansion?" Rafael was surprised.
"Yeah." Isabella alighted. He followed and shut the car door.
"Really? You never seemed like a really rich kid, though. I'm impressed." Isabella rolled her eyes.
"Aren't you going home?"
"Nope. I thought I said that earlier." He followed Isabella into the building.
As Isabella stepped into the opulent sitting room of her father's mansion, she was enveloped in a warm, golden glow that seemed to dance across the intricate patterns of the hand-woven Persian rug beneath her feet. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut roses, their delicate petals arranged artfully in a crystal vase that sat atop a gleaming mahogany console table.The room was a masterclass in luxury, every element carefully curated to exude refinement and elegance. Plush velvet sofas and armchairs, upholstered in rich jewel tones, were arranged around a crackling fireplace, where a marble mantelpiece supported a stunning array of family heirlooms. Above, a majestic crystal chandelier sparkled like diamonds, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls.
Isabella's gaze drifted to the dining area, where a sumptuous feast awaited.
The table, set with fine bone china and crystal glassware, groaned under the weight of silver pladed dishes, each one overflowing with delectable treats: succulent roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and an assortment of decadent desserts. The aroma of roasting coffee and baking wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of fresh flowers to create a heady bouquet that left her senses tingling.
Every piece of furniture in the room seemed to scream royalty, from the intricately carved wooden chairbacks to the gilded accents that adorned every surface. The walls, adorned with priceless works of art, seemed to whisper stories of a bygone era, when elegance and refinement were the hallmarks of society.
"What's your plan? Fucking me because you've got a chance?" Rafael laughed hysterically.
"Bad girl. I can't do that to you. You're obviously mine so I don't need to rush."
~~~~~~~
Michelle flung the door close and exhaled. She plopped on the sofa tiredly and tossed her bag aside.
Fatigue was all over her peaceful face.
"You must be tired." Damien walked out of the kitchen with a glass of water and offered Michelle.
"Thank you so much." She gulped the liquid.
"You're always welcome, babe." He sat.
"How was it?"
"Cringe – awkward, any other weird, bizarre word for the interview. They didn't ask me for my skills, though. I didn't visit their kitchen. They just dismissed me."
"Don't get discouraged, Michelle. I'm sure you'll get through this."
"Mom called...she wants us to have dinner with her tonight." Damien's eyes widened.
"Us? Did you tell her...about me?"
"Of course. She's really curious about you." Damien grinned.
"Her daughter held me captive. She deserves to know that." Michelle smiled gracefully. Damien stared into her eyes, professing his love for her with the contact.
Michelle felt shy and buried her face in her hands, giggling excitedly.
"You've done so well, Michelle Jackson. And I have a surprise for you." Damien whispered.
"Surprise?" Michelle was intrigued. Damien nodded.
"Are you ready for it?"
"Yes!" She exclaimed, her voice laced with joy.
"Then close your eyes." She shut her eyes and Damien waved his hands before her sight.
"I hope you're not looking..."
"I'm not." Damien went to the other sofa and took a file under the pillow. He presented it to her.
"Open your eyes and check this out." She tore open the envelope and what the document read – her eyes twinkled and a big smile spread across her face.
"Damien..." She was breathless. She blinked multiple times wondering if this was actually a dream.
"Is this an approval from...Lumi's Kitchen?" Damien nodded.
"Oh gosh...I can't...I've never..I've never imagined...how did you..." She stuttered. Damien chuckled and cupped her face to calm her down.
"I submitted your letter via online. And they approved after reading through and seeing the dishes you could make."
"And the test?"
"I took the test for you." He grinned. Michelle's eyes popped even wider.
"It says here that they want me to resume next week."
"Yup, as you can see." She tossed the file and wrapped her hands around him.
"Oh, thank you so much, Damien." Tears streamed freely down her face.
She felt like the happiest girl. Her dreams were slowly but surely coming to reality with her sweet boyfriend's help.
"I never imagined starting as a chef in Lumi's Kitchen. It's such a big restaurant. I never knew my skills could get there."
"Anything to make you smile, Michelle." Damien broke the hug and stared at her lovingly.
~~~~~~~FLORES CORP~~~~~~
The seminar hall at Flores Corp was abuzz with the who's who of business and academia. The parking lot outside boasted a lineup of luxury cars, a testament to the wealth and influence of the attendees. Inside, over a hundred guests, including students from The White's Academy, were seated like a panel, facing the podium stage with anticipation.
Gabriela, a vision in her sleek black elenzga office dress, sat among the dignitaries. Her curves accentuated by the fitted dress, she exuded confidence and poise. Her makeup, her usual classic Latina style, highlighted her striking features, and her hair, styled in a regal bun, added to her overall elegance.
As the MC took the microphone, the room fell silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Flores Corp seminar! Today, we honor the visionaries who drive our world forward. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Alejandro Flores, and other esteemed business leaders!"The room erupted in applause as the rich businessmen were introduced.
Then, the MC's voice boomed, "And now, please welcome Gabriela, heiress of Flores Corp, who will deliver a speech and present the project!"
Gabriela rose from her seat, her dress shimmering under the lights. The audience burst into applause, with murmurs of admiration for her beauty, smartness, and elegance. She made her way to the stage, her stride confident, and took the microphone.
Gabriela stood confidently at the podium, a projector screen behind her lighting up with the title "Revolutionizing Commerce: AI & Cybersecurity in the Digital Age". She smiled warmly, her eyes scanning the audience before beginning.
"Good morning, everyone. Today, I'm excited to share with you how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of commerce, and the critical role cybersecurity plays in this evolution. From personalized customer experiences to predictive analytics, AI is reshaping the way we do business."
She clicked a remote, and a 3D robot mascot appeared on the screen, animated and engaging. The audience chuckled, intrigued.
"Meet 'Ada', our AI-powered sales assistant. Ada can process vast amounts of customer data, anticipate needs, and provide tailored recommendations, increasing sales conversion rates by up to 30%. But as we leverage AI, we must prioritize cybersecurity. A single breach can erode trust and cost millions."
Gabriela's presentation flowed seamlessly, covering AI-driven chatbots, machine learning algorithms for threat detection, and strategies for safeguarding sensitive data. She highlighted the importance of encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits.
"Now, I'd like to share some additional tips for sales and advertising in this digital landscape," she said, smiling.
"Firstly, leverage social media influencers who align with your brand values. Secondly, use AI-powered analytics to understand your target audience's preferences and tailor your campaigns. And thirdly, prioritize customer experience – it's the new marketing."The audience was captivated, taking notes and nodding along. The businessmen exchanged impressed glances, recognizing the value of Gabriela's insights.
Alejandro Flores, beaming with pride, couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Gabriela's smile, her gestures, reminded him so much of his late wife, Esmeralda. His eyes welled up, and he discreetly wiped away a tear.
Jennie, seated beside him, gazed at Gabriela with a subtle scowl, her expression masked by a veneer of politeness.
Miguel, Isabella, Diana, Carissa, and Michelle, however, were openly admiring Gabriela's expertise, applauding enthusiastically. As Gabriela concluded, the room erupted in applause, with nods of approval.
~~~~~
"Hi, Gaby!" Michelle greeted her excitedly.
"Its my first day back in school since we've been working on the project." Gabriela was in the car.
"Okay. You're gonna meet someone." She said in a singsong voice.
"Who?"
"The new girl - Veronica Lander."
"Hm...." Gabriela's other phone buzzed in her bag.
"I'll call back soon. Let me answer this." She hung up and answered Miguel's call.
"Hi." She grinned.
"Hey. Are you going to college?" Miguel asked.
"Yes. Michelle and Isabella said there was a pretty new girl. Can't wait to meet her."
"I'm ill. Please come over." Gabriela's eyes widened in shock.