**Few Minutes Ago Before Cece Approached Aliya**
**Aliya's POV**
After unbuttoning my dress, I glanced at Amanda, the CEO, who was now distracted by the makeup artists trying to match colors for the models.
"Not fun at all," I said as I looked back at the VIP, Reuben, who was speaking with his sister, the manager.
"I wonder who would be more fun—the CEO or the manager?" I thought, comparing them both. "Who would react faster to what I'm going to play? Who should I go all in for to have my back now that I know the importance of everyone?" I questioned myself, still making comparisons. I had risked everything to be in this position, and I was determined to do everything possible to secure my future.
Deciding to follow Amanda's order, I moved closer and saw Reuben's manager approaching. "I know that energy she's coming with; it reminds me of my caretaker at the orphanage whenever she wanted to embarrass me in front of the other kids."
"You are the manager, right? This is for the VIP; he seems thirsty," I quickly said to her, cutting off whatever thought she had.
"O... okay," Cece managed to say as she took the water from me.
"Thank you; you saved me from the stress of this. I'll go back to what I was doing," I told her, ignoring whatever she might have to say.
She watched as I walked past her toward the designer clothes that would be needed for the shoot. Cece returned to Reuben and handed the bottled water to him.
"She didn't hesitate to come close to you, knowing she might not get this opportunity again since she's new here. I guess not everyone likes you as much as you think," Cece told him.
"That makes it more interesting," Reuben replied, gulping down the water. When he glanced in my direction, our eyes met, and neither of us looked away.
"Aliya," a voice called out, and I felt a touch on my shoulder. I turned to see Miss Felicia, the secretary, trying to get my attention.
"I'm sorry; I must have been lost in my thoughts," I said to her.
"I know you're new to all this, but you need to focus more than anyone else," she told me.
"Yes, Miss Felicia," I replied.
"The CEO wants to see you in the dressing room," she said, pointing to the specific room.
"Okay," I said as I quickly left her presence. "I wonder how she took everything," I thought to myself.
When I entered the dressing room, I saw Amanda sitting at the table, going through a portfolio I recognized as mine.
"There isn't much information about you or your family," she said.
"I'm an orphan," I responded.
"You must have had a tough upbringing; life is unfair," Amanda remarked.
"Yes, it is," I replied, unsure of where she was headed with this conversation.
"I hope you aren't greedy for things you can't afford or control?" she asked, locking eyes with me.
"I'm not fully aware of what you mean," I replied.
"People who have nothing often fantasize about things they can't attain or control. I suppose it's normal because we're all human," she explained. "I heard you've worked here for a long time and recently got promoted. I'm sorry I didn't notice you before and had to send you on an errand," she added with a grin.
"Thank you," I said, knowing she wasn't sincere.
"You don't need to unbutton your dress to try to attract the company's VIP. I thought I should tell you this in person because it is not acceptable in my organization," she explained.
"I'm sorry, ma'am; I was just feeling a bit stuffy and nervous. I needed some fresh air," I told her.
"I know you're lying. I saw how you were looking at the VIP. Don't do anything stupid if you want to hold onto your position. If you get on their bad side, it won't end well for you. Consider this a warning as your boss," Amanda said firmly.
"I appreciate your concern; not many people care about me," I smiled.
"Good. Now go and continue your work as if your life depends on it. Many people would go to great lengths for this position," she whispered in my ear.
"Thank you, CEO," I said as I quickly left the room with a grin on my face.
"Now That I've gotten their attention, I wonder who I left the best impression on," I mused to myself.