ARIA LAWSON
1368 Words
The city of Los Angeles was wide awake, filled with the hustling and bustling of workers rushing into their offices to begin the day's activities. It was a very sunny Monday morning. Aria Lawson stepped out of her sleek black Mercedes C300 that brought her to her company. She stood in front of the towering glass headquarters of her company. Their company's name “ARIA LUXE” shone beautifully under the morning sun. The sunlight reflecting sharp and blinding, just like the reputation she carved for herself.
On the outside of the building,things were calm and peaceful,but on the inside the building was in a total frenzy. Assistants rushed through the marble lobby,voices hushed as they exchanged quick reports, carrying stacks of documents. Elevators chimed constantly, conveying employees who moved about ensuring reports and work files were delivered and orders carried out before the big boss arrives. The atmosphere was tense,the air was heavy with tension - a kind of tension that only came when everyone knew she was arriving.
The big glass doors of ARIA LUXE opened and Aria Lawson stepped in.
Click. Click. Click.
The sound of Aria's heels echoed in the silent lobby. Heads turned, conversation died, and in a second silence swept across the lobby as she walked in. The world seemed to fall into rhythm with her steps- commanding,deliberate and sharp.
Her tailored navy blue suit hugged her fall frame fittingly as though it was made just specially for her. Her sleek black hair fell perfectly against her shoulders,not a single strand out of place. Her face was stiff with no slight trace of a smile .
Her eyes were cold and calculative as they scanned across the lobby, unreadable, making people shrunk back as though the weight of her gaze pressed on them.
Following her behind was her personal assistant David, carrying a large stack of files and a tablet.” Miss Aria here is the schedule for today”,he said breathlessly as he struggled to keep up with her brisk pace. “The promotional team is ready with their report,and the finance team report is already on your table. Uhhh… three other proposals await your approval-”
“Summarize “ she cut in coldly,not breaking her stride.
Assistant David faltered, flipping through papers nervously.”Yes-yes..uhh proposal me is a merger opportunity with Ferris Group. The second proposal involves a chain of-”
“Send the full details to my email”,she cut him off again. “I don't have the time to listen to you stutter”.
Her voice was low-but commanding. The ice in it was sharper than any scream. As she walked, employees along the corridor lowered their heads,even further as she walked past them. They all knew the rules-precision, efficiency and perfection.
Anything less was unacceptable.
She walked into her office like a queen. Her office was a kingdom itself with interior decoration that stood out,made perfectly just for her. Walls of glass overlooked the glittering city below as she looked across the vast city. Other buildings were located at different sections of the city as far as her eyes could see. The polished ebony desk was filled up with files, folders and different proposals that awaited her approval.
She said into her hair and crossed her legs,”Bring in the board”,her voice rang out as she ordered Assistant David
Moments later,her department heads and directors filed in,their faces all pale filled with fear . No one dared make the mistake of coming late.
Assistant David hurried to the head of the table,his voice shaking out of fear,”M-Madam,there is some…news,co-concerning Whitestone Holdings-”
Time seemed to have stood still as everyone held their breaths. Every director stiffened. They all knew how important the business project between them and Whitestone Holdings was to their boss and any bad news would cause disaster .
She looked at Assistant David fiercely, her gaze narrowing “Speak clearly”. David swallowed hard,”They- they've withdrawn their partnership” he said at least and shut his eyes out of fear. “The contract termination letter arrived this morning”,he added hurriedly.
The director's eyes widened in shock and fear, but no one dared say a word.
Her fingers tapped against her desk, steadily. She didn't show any reaction,her face blank and unreadable. Finally ,she raised her gaze and looked at them.
“Whitestone Holdings dares to walk away from me? “ She said softly, her tone calm but laced with venom beneath. “After months of working hard to earn their trust and working hard on this project,they think they can just leave in the middle of this project?. Do they think my company bends at the whim of cowards?”.
One of the directors stepped forward nervously,“Ma’am if I may say..this development could…cause turmoil within our shareholders,there are already rumors-”
“Rumors”,she echoed,leaning back in her chair. Her lips curved slightly but there was no humor in it .” Tell me ,what is more dangerous, Director Ray? A company leaving,or weak men who panic at the first sign of trouble?”,she said, directing her question to the director who stepped forward to speak.
Director Ray swallowed back and stepped back in shame.
Assistant David stepped forward timidly,”Maybe-we perhaps explore alternatives ? Other investors-”.
“Of course we will,” she snapped . Her words were harsh like a whip and several people flinched. “ Arrange a meeting with the finance team immediately. And you-” her eyes pinned sharply at Director Gray”-call the press and arrange for a press conference . By noon,I want an announcement already drafted out. I'm going to make Whitestone Holdings regret turning their back on my company. “
“Yes ma'am “. Director Gray replied, swallowing hard.
Suddenly she stood up and slowly walked to the direction of the window. She looked over the city sprawled beneath her like a conquered land that was alive,rich with ambition. She folded her arms,her reflection against the glass a perfect image of control-an empress.
Betrayal. She hated that word. She hated those who thought that she could be discarded like some trash and she would never allow anyone - partner, shareholder or rival - to think she was some toy that could be thrown away after playing with it.
“Alright everyone you may leave and get to work. Bring me a list of other potential companies I can partner with and do it quickly. Write convincing proposals that will be able to attract them to partner with us and no lapses. You may leave “ she said waving her hands at the directors and head of department.
Quickly without wasting time they all ran out as if being chased by something.
For a few seconds she stood in silence looking across the window as if looking at something in particular.
Assistant David's voice broke the silence,his voice shaking “Ma'am…there's one more matter” He placed a gilded envelope carefully on her desk. “An invitation to the Sterling Gala tomorrow night”.
She finally turned away from the window and turned to look at the envelope on the table. Its golden crest glimmered under the morning light.
The Sterling Gala. Every investor worth knowing would be there. Influential families, powerful CEOs,the elite of the elite . If Whitestone thinks they have cornered her,then she was sorry to disappoint them. This gala night would be the perfect place to find a replacement.
Her lips curved slightly into a menacing smile that sent shivers down Assistant David's spine .
“Prepare my schedule” she said coldly, picking up the invitation between her fingers. “Let the game begin”.
The wild thought they had seen her strength. Tomorrow night,they would see what true power looked like.
Little did she know that tomorrow night would not only bring business rivals and shareholders into her path-buy would also cause her to cross oath with that one person capable of shaking her world apart and establishing the beginning of something new… something beautiful.
- Writer
