Chapter 4 Tiffany Beaumont

The following day, my designer arrived at the house to take my measurements. However, as I had to head to the office, I instructed her to accompany me there to complete the measurements in my office.

Entering the office building, my employees greeted me and swiftly returned to their tasks. Shelly approached, taking my bags, and handing me a cup of coffee as we proceeded towards my office.

"So, what kind of dress are we looking at for this event?" the designer inquired, adjusting her tools, immediately after we entered the office. I sigh, knowing that this won't be easy.

"I'm thinking something elegant yet modern, maybe with a touch of sophistication," I explained, mentally envisioning the attire for the event.

Shelly chimed in, "Yes, something that stands out but isn't too flashy."

"Exactly," I agreed.

"Okayyy" She smiled and began flipping through various fabric swatches, presenting different options. "What about this rich green silk? It has an elegant feel but still maintains a modern touch," she suggested, showcasing the fabric.

I inspected it, envisioning the dress. "Hmm, that could work. But green isn't my color"

"Yeahh..."

"Navy blue or a deep shade of burgundy, is more of Madz color" Shelly quipped.

"Alright, so Navy blue it is then." The designer says, taking something down on her note

"I was thinking of having a very low V-neck," I suggest

The designer paused, considering the request. "A low V-neck can be stunning, it adds a touch of allure to the dress. Are you comfortable with that level of plunge?"

I nodded confidently. "Yes, I am. It's not like I'm out to please anyone. And you'd be measuring Shelly too. She'd be coming with me as my plus one." I grinned winking at Shelly who blushed.

She chuckled "Understood. We can certainly incorporate that into the design. It'll accentuate your neckline beautifully."

"Great," I murmured appreciatively as the designer gracefully stood, tape measure in hand. With precision, she methodically took measurements, starting from my neck, tracing the curves of my chest, defining the line of my shoulders, capturing the contour of my waist, and hips, and even down to the length of my legs and the proportions of my arms.

After a few more measurements with Shelly, she smiled "Perfect" She then went back to her notebook and began writing things down before sketching down the details of the low V-neck design. "To achieve the right balance, we'll need to pay close attention to the depth and the cut to ensure it's flattering and comfortable."

"Absolutely," I agreed, "I trust your expertise to make it perfect."

The designer smiled, "Thank you, miss Hartley."

"No, call me Madison."

"Madison, I'll make sure you and Shelly here are the bell of the ball." The designer smiled

I cringed. "I don't want to be the bell of the ball Emily, it's just a charity event. But thank you so much for accommodating my idea," I say "I can't wait to see the final creation!"

With a smile, the designer assured her, "It's my pleasure, Madison. I'll ensure it's nothing short of stunning."

As the designer left, Shelly and I exchanged excited glances. "Well, that was productive," Shelly remarked.

"I know right?" I chuckled

"Thank you ma'am for making me your plus one," She said teary-eyed.

"Don't be so modest, Shells," I teased with a smirk. "Who else but you?"

She blushed, giving me a quick hug before stepping back. "So, there's an update from Williams Plc ..."

"What's the update?" I inquired eagerly.

"Williams just confirmed-they're on board with the deal!" Shelly exclaimed with excitement. "And they'll also be going to this event. And I think that would be the great time to discuss things and stuff." She shrugs

Ooohh, "That's fantastic news!" I exclaimed, "When do we finalize the details?"

"They're sending over the agreement tomorrow for us to review," Shelly explained, her enthusiasm evident. "Looks like our hard work paid off!"

Relieved and overjoyed, I stood up, enveloping Shelly in a big hug. "Your hard work. But how did you manage this?" I ask and she blushed

Don't tell me... "No way!"

Shelly laughed, her cheeks blushing at the implication. "Yes, way! Turns out the PA to the Williams is quite the charmer," she smirks "And he vowed to put in a good word. Looks like it worked, considering we're signing the contract tomorrow."

I chuckled, but a hint of concern clouded my expression. Did Shelly feel obliged to resort to something she wasn't comfortable with just to secure the deal? "Shells..." I began, trying to broach the topic delicately.

"No, ma'am ," she interjected, anticipating my worry. "You didn't push me into anything. I genuinely had a good time with his PA and his dick was huge" she giggled "So, it's fineeee" She smiles and hug me.

"Okay, if you say so." I gave her a teasing grin.

* * *

"Alright, Shells, what's next on our schedule?" I ask

Shelly sighed, her expression shifting slightly. "You have a dinner with Tiffany Beaumont."

My eyebrows raised in surprise. "Tiffany? Why on earth does she want to see me?" I ask, rolling my eyes. I wasn't in the mood to sit in front of that bitch and listen to all the nonsense she has to say.

"I'm thinking..."

"Your guess is as good as mine." I say "Probably another attempt to undermine and gossip about our company. But I'm sure I can handle it. I'll be fine."

Shelly frowned, concerned about me because where there is a Tiffany, there is drama, hurt, or a hidden motive. "Just be cautious, ma'am. You know how she operates. Keep an eye out for any hidden agendas."

I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I will, Shells. Don't worry. It's just dinner, after all."

Later that day, I gathered my belongings and made my way to the meeting with Tiffany, my guard up, Although I couldn't shake off the feeling that there might be more to this sham of a dinner than meets the eye. As I stepped into the opulent and very fancy restaurant-Typical Tiffany-I spotted her seated at a table, waving me over.

Tiffany's parents were ranked among Manhattan's top ten billionaires. So she had that rich girl privilege of always spending her daddy's money on things that were 99.9% of the time not worth it. Our unfortunate acquaintance dated back to high school and it even grew more unfortunate when I realized she wasn't too happy with me attending the same Ivy college as her. What a cruel fate to always make our paths cross.

Similar to Tiffany's affluent background, my parents had also been part of Manhattan's elite billionaire circle. However, tragedy struck when an unexplained, horrible accident claimed their lives while I was still in my University years. The life Chelsea and I were supposed to have crumbled like cards.

I had to work my ass off to see myself throughout my remaining days in college even though I had to drop out midway to save Dad's company. I managed to save the company but I couldn't save our home all thanks to the piled-up debts father owed which still incurred interest.

Arriving at Tiffany's table, I refrained from pasting on a forced smile-it simply wasn't necessary. "What do you want?" I questioned curtly.

Tiffany smirked, observing, "Clearly, you've got a stick up your ass. But sit down, Maddie." she gestured to the empty chair opposite her, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Cut the attitude, Tiff," I retorted, sliding into the seat with a sigh. "I don't have time for your games today."

"Games? Oh, honey, you're the one taking everything too seriously," she taunted, leaning back casually. "I just wanted to catch up. Is that too much to ask for?"

Rolling my eyes, I replied, "Fine, catch me up then. What's the latest gossip in your world?"

Tiffany grinned mischievously, leaning in closer. "Oh, you won't believe what I heard about Mark and Rachel..."

"Just get to the fucking point Beaumont. Unlike you, I have a life" I snapped.

Her eyes pierced with hostility before morphing into a twisted grin. "Fine. I heard you got invited to the charity event."

I scoffed, "So? You heard, or your obsession with me keeps you spying?"

A dark glint flickered in her eyes. "You won't be attending that event, Maddie."

Okay, now wtf?

"What the fuck did you just say?" I demanded,

"I said you won't be attending the charity event. Simple." she smirked.

"Did your sources also tell you I take no orders from sluts?" I retorted sharply, my frustration boiling over.

"How dare you!!!" She seethed as she stood up to glare at me, her composure faltering at the insult.

I matched her intensity, standing up to face her, though my 5'8" stature fell short against her towering 6'0" frame, amplified by the tall heels she wore. "No, how fucking dare you?!" I ask, "What gives you the fucking right to order me around Beaumont? Do I look like one of the lackeys you order around and I'd be at your beck and call?"

Her eyes flashed with fury and disbelief. "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into Hartley. No fucking idea at all."

"Oh, I fucking know exactly what I'm getting myself into" I shot back, refusing to back down. At this point, I was beyond pissed "I don't fucking owe you any fucking thing"

"I could ruin you Maddie" She tsked and sat back down

"Right, because my name isn't Madison."

"I will destroy you."

"And you think I'll just sit back and watch it happen? I glared at her.

"Sure..." she smirks "Just as how you just sat down and watched your parents die right? What did you do then?"

"You crazy bitch!!" I yelled, my rage boiling over. Grabbing the nearest cup, I hurled its contents at her face. She got up and screamed which earned us more stares from the people around. Yes. Very good. It was wine and it stained her perfectly styled hair and pink gown.

"How dare you Maddie!!!" she screamed, attempting to strike me. I intercepted her hands mid-air, my voice filled with venom.

"Don't you ever in your fucking life mention the name of my parents with that vile mouth of yours, if not, you would be seeing your tongue on the floor beside you. Stupid girl"

Leaving her fuming, I gathered my things and stormed out of the restaurant. Her shrill demands to pay for her ruined dress echoed behind me, but I couldn't care less. Memories of my parents flooded back, the pain raw and piercing. Why did she feel the need to dredge them up? I entertained thoughts of far worse retaliation like clawing her face or disfiguring her nose so she'd get a nose job done...but knew restraint was the better choice. She wasn't even worth the wine spilled on her; she deserved far worse.

She deserved to be thrown into a tank filled with shit and flogged with nails.