Chapter 8 Sabotage

The day of the VADE magazine's grand party (VMGP) finally arrived. The hall had been fantastically decorated; Jolene did a wonderful job combining the colors to give something original and out of this world. It is also a red carpet event that hosts top celebrities, actors, MBA stars, artists, fashion designers, models, you name it! And the media was there to film the whole thing. Jolene almost fainted from seeing so many celebrities that she had only seen on tv, different from the ones she had seen in previous VMGPs.

She wore an elegant, silver, off shoulder jumpsuit that brought out her beautiful shape and matched her skin tone, her hair and make-up were done by a professional. The party was in full swing, Mr. Sinclair wore a black designer tux that has been exclusively made for him by one of the top designers. Kiana who hung onto him like a handbag, had on a long silver gown with a slit from her waist down which made sure to show her leg when she walked or posed for a picture. She stuck to Craig like chewed gum to a highschool bench, wanting to use him as a means to meet the big stars and hopefully hit some kind of jackpot. Mr. Sinclair knew she was a gold digger but he made certain that she wasn't gonna be getting any gold from him.

When he was signaled, he walked up to the stage alone with a mic in his hand and stood in front of his guests. Cameramen and women took pictures of him, and the attention of everyone was on him as he gave his speech: "Before I start, I want to thank everyone for coming. Johnny, congrats on the big win... Mark, my man! If I begin to mention everyone's name, my speech will take longer than y'all can endure, so I'll round up asap so Nicki can go back to taking pictures".

The audience laughed. Jolene admired his charisma and confidence as he spoke.

He continued: "There was once a time that I never pictured myself standing right here in front of you, but today, I have the privilege of inviting you to my small corner of the world and having my invitation honoured. Dreams do come true, and that is today's theme, dreamland: the birth of all things great!". There was a round of applause from the guests. When the room went quiet again, he continued: "Now, y'all have been throwing compliments my way the entire evening for the job well done, but I do not regret to inform you that I had nothing to do with it, all your accolades should go to my assistant and her amazing team... Jolene Moore, everyone!".

Jolene was as shy as a bride on her wedding day. The applauses were for her, the cameras were pointed her way and her favorite celebrities were smiling at her... It was a dream come true!

Kiana smiled deviously and mumbled to herself: "Pride goes before downfall...this should be interesting". She looked up and gave someone a signal.

Just then, the ornaments that were hung up the ceiling began to fall to the floor. Someone was almost hit in the head if not that they moved away quickly. The guests started to panic and ran to protect their heads. After a while, it stopped. Everywhere was ruined, and the hall looked like a dumpster. The cameramen made sure to take shots of the now ugly-looking hall. Jolene did not know what to do or say, she could not even face Mr. Sinclair. She just stood there, unmoving.

"Craig Sinclair! Is this why you invited us here, to be maimed?!" Asked one of the MBA producers who came with his wife.

"Where is the fucking exit?!". Asked a celebrity as they saw that the entrance had been blocked by a heavy sign board that fell from the ceiling.

Mr. Sinclair was too ashamed to speak but he swallowed the shame. "Please everyone, calm down. What's a dream without a little nightmare, am I right? Everything will be sorted out!" He tried to sound as positive as he could.

Jolene went backstage too ashamed to look anyone in the face, she entered the workers' room and began to cry, her colleagues tried to console her but what can they do? Mr. Sinclair stormed into the room, everyone thought he was going to fire her. She thought so too. "Excuse Miss Moore and I, please". He requested, with authority dripping from every word. They left the room, leaving him and his assistant. Jolene stood biting down her lower lip nervously, tears rolling down her cheeks as she watched him walk over to where she was standing. Her make-up was ruined but that was the last thing on her mind. "Miss Moore, why are you not fixing the mess you made?"

"I'm sorry Sir, I disappointed you...I'm sorry". She bowed her head and started crying again.

"Miss Moore, I did not come here to see your tears. Now, find a solution or we're gonna suffer a huge loss".

Just then, someone opened the door. "Sir, a guest is looking for you". Came an employee's voice from the door.

"I'll be there". He answered and focused back on her. "Thirty minutes". He left the room.

Back in the hall, Kiana took a mic and walked up the stage, gave them a huge, charming smile. "Good evening everyone, I need not ask how y'all are doing. I know you're all still waiting because of the respect and admiration you have for my beloved Craig."

The moment she mentioned the word, "beloved", the media started taking pictures of her. Some were recording her speech for their blogs and various news channels. Craig Sinclair had never been known to be in a relationship, so maybe she is his love interest... Kiana continued: "That girl Jolene Moore is an attention seeker, she does everything in her power to get noticed by everyone. How in the world could her decorations fall like that? It means she did not fix them well. I want to sue her for putting your lives in danger but if you all have forgiven her, maybe she can plan next month's VMGP".

"If that girl plans the next party, I won't be attending". Said music producer, Carl Dickson.

"Me neither!" Chorused some other persons.

Mr. Sinclair stood watching the whole show. He was furious at Kiana, but he let her make a complete ass of herself until he got bored of her drama. He then walked up the stage and stood far from her, he addressed them: "I apologize to everyone for the inconveniences our little act may have caused you. Miss Moore thought it would be a good idea to prank you all just a little as a way to introduce our main theme for tonight, 'The prankster'...."

Some kids with painted faces and graffiti cans in their hands ran into the hall from the backstage. They were dressed like many of the celebrities present there. Their little dance moves in front of everyone earned them an "aww" from the crowd.

Almost immediately, the walls slid up and disappeared into the ceiling to reveal a white wall behind it with graffiti designs like works of art on it. The ceiling changed into a starry night sky and the floor turned to a moving image of the Aurora Borealis.

Jolene came out with a bright smile on her gorgeous face; fresh and simple make-up that highlighted her features. "Thank you all so much for being patient with us. The girls backstage and I have decided to gift each and everyone one of you a box containing pieces of The Rayre Lingerie collection by Ray Hernandez!"

The crowd went wild. Who doesn't want the RH collection? They all clapped, forgetting Kiana who was still standing there. One of the reporters dared to ask; "Mr. Sinclair, the beautiful supermodel, Karina has claimed that you both are lovers, is that true?"

Mr. Sinclair frowned. "No. Thank you. Enjoy your evening, everyone!". He walked down the stage and went to interact with his guests.

Jolene walked away too. She didn't want to be caught anywhere near the flames of Kiana's anger.