Chapter 12. A life-changing ruin

Chapter 12. A life-changing ruin

Leilani Zhang's black Bentley pulled up in front of the enormous building that belonged to Dior, one of the most influential clothing brands in the world. The moment she arrived, reporters swarmed forward like hungry zombies. The camera shutters were snapping mercilessly at her. Her dress was quite eye-catching, a two piece cloth, comprising of a crop wrap top and a long feet-length skirt. The material was hundred percent cotton and was comfortable. This was proven by her elegant and smooth catwalk.

The reporters were asking her so many questions, pertaining to her presence at the Dior's fashion contest.

"Miss Zhang, will there be a collab between Royale and Dior after your presence here?"

"What do you think of being a judge at Dior's fashion contest?"

"What's your plan for agreeing to the invitation? Do you want to hold two top companies in your hands?"

Leilani paused at the third question. She turned to the reporter who had spoken. "Why would I do that?"

The reporter took a step back at her sudden demeanor.

"Is there a reason for me to do that?", she asked her eyes locked with that of the reporter's.

Another reporter shouted from another end, "That's because every business person wants to have enough profits".

Leilani looked at that reporter. "Profit or not, I stick with EssDee. Not because it's the #1, but because I'm loyal".

With that she turned in her heels and went in. There was an uproar after she replied. She just declared her loyalty to EssDee.

In some part of the country, Mr Lim smiled as he sipped from his teacup. He was watching the Dior's fashion contest with the members of the board and Leilani's declaration of loyalty awed everyone present.

"She's not a disappointment", he said smilingly. The other executives nodded in acceptance.

At the TopLine financial, Stephan sat behind the wooden desk, going through files that were submitted to him. A knock came in the door, tearing his eyes away from the files.

"Come in", he permitted.

Jack walked in. "Boss", he said and bowed in greeting. Stephan dropped the files and leaned back into his seat.

"Any news?"

"Here's the CCTV footage from the underground parking lot and the ones from the elevator", he said handing him a USB drive.

Stephan looked at it. He took it and slotted it into his tablet. He watched the videos closely, one after another.

"There was a guy in the elevator but he hid his face well".

"I want you to get me information on every staff working at Royale. Including her assistant".

"Yes Boss", Jack responded without asking questions. He was quite surprised that his boss was being interested in Miss Zhang's business and couldn't fathom why.

"Also, place some of our people there as well. And around her villa. Do this discreetly. I don't want her suspecting anything".

"Yes".

"You may leave".

"Yes Boss", Jack said and left.

He looked at the videos again trying to note every and any loopholes.

"She wasn't just saying it. There was really someone".

He cursed himself for not believing her when she said that there was someone. He had seen the pills in her bag from last night and from that year too... He couldn't believe that she was still taking it...

"How tough it must have been, Lani", he said with a heavy sigh.

His phone chimed and drew him from thoughts of her. It was from his grandma.

Come home for dinner tonight.

He sighed at the message. He didn't want to experience the ordeal from some days ago. It was his grandma that was asking so he couldn't even decline.

At the Dior's fashion contest, everything was going smoothly. The contestants were doing the tiled floor a generous and well practiced catwalk. Their well designed dresses swayed with each move they made, making the audience swoon with awe.

The aim of the fashion contest was to elect a brand ambassador for the year. Both male and female. It was a postion well vied for and a lot of people would do whatsoever to get it. From where she sat, Leilani was looking at the contestants closely, however the fifth contestant from the females seemed to catch her interest. The fifth contestant didn't have much that made her stand out but she stood out for Leilani. It wasn't because she was pretty or whatnot rather, it was because there was a problem with her. One that would ruin her forever.