CREME DE LA CREME

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐧: she's what now??

After a romantic celebratory lunch with Cameron, Anastasia, much to her dismay, parted ways with him and drove back to the manor so she could get ready for the conference. When she gets there, her parents and Alicia are home, but she's not paying them any attention. There are more important things on her mind than their bullshit.

Entering the manor, there's pure chaos happening. Alicia is ranting to Celine about how she needs the perfect dress for the conference. Good god, she can't wait to make her family look stupid. They, right along with the entire world, are going to learn that she is not just the party-going, money-spending socialite they think she is.

Her plan of trying not to be seen fails because of the loud as fuck double doors. 'These fucking doors- they get on my damn nerves. Ugh, let me go get ready.'

But before she can even move, here comes Celine. What does she want now? Anastasia says nothing as the two women stand face to face. Honestly, what even is there to say?

"We need to talk."

Anastasia shakes her head because no the hell they don't. There's nothing to say here. "I don't think we do. There's no law that says I have to speak to you. I need to go get ready for the Serene Beauty press conference."

"You're going with us, Anastasia. I need to keep an eye on you."

The beauty mogul shakes her head again. She's 24 years old. Celine needs to realize this and stop treating her like a child. She's a grown-ass woman, for fucks sake. This shit is ridiculous.

"No, you don't. You just want me around so you can prove a damn point. I'm tired of this shit. Get it through your head that I'm not a damn child anymore. I turn 25 next month. I'm thriving! Good god, open your eyes. I'm driving myself there. End of story." She throws her hands up in the air and goes upstairs, wanting nothing more to do with this entire conversation. Now she really can't wait to make them look stupid.

———————————

The Waldorf Astoria hotel is one of those places that you'd go to and find yourself never wanting to leave.

THE HOTEL LOBBY

This is an urban oasis in one of the world's most glamorous cities. Perfectly set where Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards meet, this elegant hotel represents the best in California lifestyle and luxury. Designed by the legendary Pierre-Yves Rochon, you'll find world-class service, lavish accommodations, and excellence in every detail.

Its lush gardens and coastal California décor set the tone for a relaxing retreat. Every hotel element is richly designed, from the three-story lobby to the delicate Lalique crystal.

THE ASTOR BALLROOM

In the Astor Ballroom, loiters a swarm of reporters- based in California and beyond, waiting to find out the well-concealed identity of the person responsible for Serene Beauty. Michelle and her team are setting up posters and displays, along with a PowerPoint presentation.

Cameron, Jesse, Olivia, Mercedes, and Jasper file in. Cameras are flashing, of course. Guests are in awe of the group of successful entrepreneurs and models. Sauntering in behind them are Tristan and Sloane Prince.

"Wow, this is gorgeous. I feel like I should start coming here just for the hell of it." Vanessa says as she and Vince enter the room.

He smirks at her. "Need a date?" She shoves him away which makes him laugh. "Vanessa. Come back!! I need you!"

"You're annoying me. Go away."

Jesse grabs a glass of champagne for him and Olivia. She grins as he hands it to her and nuzzles her cheek. Mercedes is taking pictures of one of the posters- why? Simple explanation. Her face is plastered on it.

Jasper smiles, staring fondly at how cute she is and then taking a look around the room. "Damn. There's a lot of press here. Anastasia deserves this turn-out."

"She does. Maybe after she reveals herself to the world, people- along with her annoying ass family- will see that she's not just a socialite who spends money and parties all night." Mercedes says, glaring at Celine- rightly so. She can't help but think about last night and get mad all over again.

"Thinking about the shitshow last night?"

She nods, putting her phone in her Saint Laurent purse. "It's Celine's fault. She better not come up to me. This is Stassi's moment. I'm not going to cause a damn scene."

Jasper nods and sweetly kisses her knuckles. "Good."

Speaking of the elder woman- she, Giselle, Catalina, Alicia, Thomas, and Allen enter the room. Mercedes can see the grin on Sloane's face falter. 'Shit, Celine stay where the fuck you at. We don't need you causing anymore chaos.'

Michelle makes her rounds, needing Mercedes, Olivia, and Vanessa on stage.

"Cameron, where's Anastasia?" Celine asks from behind him. He slightly flinches because he hates it when people do that- the only one allowed to do that is Anastasia because he just knows it's her. "She's supposed to be here with us."

Cameron turns to Jesse who's raising his eyebrow questioningly. Anastasia is here. This is her event. He wants to say that so bad but she'll find out. So the only response he gives to that is a shrug. He just wants Celine to get the fuck away from him.

"Good afternoon to the press. My name is Michelle Lane. I am the creative director of Serene Beauty. I work closely with the person behind this successful company. We all have been gathered here for one reason. Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we all have been waiting for, I present to you, the CEO of Serene Beauty- Miss Anastasia Hildebrand!"

ANASTASIA'S OUTFIT

Loud cheers and gasps ring out through the spacious room. Celine's eyes widen as she watches her youngest daughter, looking every bit of the successful and wealthy businesswoman that she is, walk out on the stage. She briefly hears Thomas utter something about Stassi not telling them.

Because y'all are assholes. Of course, she didn't tell you.

"I'm sorry. She's what now??"

"Anastasia, my little sister, is the proprietress of my favorite beauty brand?!? ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Alicia loudly asks. Who knew that she was even capable of knowing such big words?

Anastasia smirks at them and steps on the podium with her best friends standing to her left and Brielle, Elizabeth, and Michelle to her right.

LET THE SHITSHOW COMMENCE-