CHAPTER SIX
1079 Words
Alisha expected that after her announcement, things would begin to round up, but she couldn’t be more wrong.
An investor pulled her aside at first.
“I cannot help but commend you on such a project. But don’t you think it is going to be such a run at a loss? I cannot foresee a way that such a project will generate any income and that seems concerning. Do you want me to work with you to fix that?”
Alisha couldn’t help but laugh. “Thank you for the offer, Mr...”
“Barry. Barry Allen.”
“Barry. Thank you. But no, it is not intended to generate any type of income. It is a strictly philanthropist venture, and as such, we are not aiming to use it to generate anything.”
“But such a large project will cost millions in construction and subsequent maintenance.”
“I am aware of that, Mr. Allen. I'll remind you that The Black Corp is a billion-dollar enterprise. We can afford it. Now if you would excuse me,” Alisha was already moving away from him.
People were interesting. Did it never occur to any one of them that some things can be done simply because one can, and that not everything was a money-grabbing venture? Alisha worked in an industry where everyone moved like sharks, so she shouldn’t be surprised, but there was always that human part of her that wished things would be different.
For another thirty minutes, Alisha was walking around the room being pulled into congratulatory hugs, and people who wanted to be a part of what she was building. At least, there were still some great people out there.
Alisha was grateful for the distraction. She was grateful that she had something else to focus her attention on, and that Kyle hadn’t been able to steal away the joy of the orphanage from her.
It was as she walked to pick up another glass of champagne that she heard the first whispers.
A soft voice. “You know that Charlie? Alisha's husband’s secretary? A friend who works at Black Corp told me that she spends several hours in Kyle’s office and always comes out looking well fucked.”
“What the hell?” the other voice exclaimed.
“Yeah. I feel so bad for Alisha. Imagine having all that money and thinking your husband was being faithful to her.”
Alisha grabbed her drink with shaky hands and walked away from them. The world seemed to swim before her eyes, and she walked carefully to a wall so it could hold her weight up.
How many people had known that Kyle had been cheating on her? How many people had seen her and pitied her because of her ignorance? There was absolutely nothing worse than your betrayal being public to everyone except you.
In that moment, Alisha hated Kyle even more. And because she had something to focus on, she didn't cry. It was as she was walking back to mingle with people that she was approached by a reporter. Alisha narrowed her eyes as ‘The Leek’ approached her.
The Leek was a gossip reporter who focused on writing and making videos of the messy relationships in the world of the rich. Alisha would have to have a conversation with her team and figure out whoever invited her to the party.
“Alisha! Congratulations again.”
“Thank you. How may I help you?”
The Leek laughed. “Straight to the point I see.”
“Well, I just have a feeling you’re not here to ask me about my orphanage, so I’d love to get it over with. Whatever it is.”
“From the look on your face, I have a feeling you already know where this is going.”
Alisha started to panic, and then she schooled her expression by drawing years of experience and gave The Leek the blankest face ever. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Really? Because I just watched you walk past two people who were gossiping about your husband and his secretary loudly enough for someone two streets away could hear them. And you have no idea what I’m talking about?”
“Listen, Leek, if you have a question. Do ask it. But don’t try to coerce anything out of me because you will get absolutely nothing.”
“I’m not trying to coerce anything out of you, Alisha. You're actually one of the few ones amongst the rich that I like. I came to talk to you outside of journalism. I promise nothing from this conversation will end up on my blog. You heard what those people were saying, right?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Yet you didn’t act outraged or surprised. It was as if you already knew it. All you did was get a little mad, and then even that was wiped away. It tells me things about you, Alisha.”
“And what would those be?”
“That you have a good head on your shoulder. I like you, and I think I’d like to help you. My power lies in my ability to tell stories and move people with them. You have a story worth telling? Give me a call, okay?”
At that moment, Alisha was overwhelmed with feelings she couldn’t exactly place. She was sad that her husband was a piece of s**t, but she was also grateful that people had noticed, and they were on her side.
“Thank you. I have to ask though, why are you doing this? You have no reason to help me. We move in entirely different circles and you’re stuck on the outsides of them forever. So why are you being nice to me?"
The Leek flashed her a rueful smile. “I’ve been in this business for a decade, and I’ve watched many women rise and fall. I think some of the fallen ones could have done better if they had a friend or two, and you’re doing too much good work to be fed to the wolves. I'll see you around Alisha.”
With that, The Leek walked away from her and left her in her corner of the room. Two things were clear to Alisha now; someone was talking, and whoever it was was doing it to shame her.
Pity for them, because she was just getting started.
- Writer
