Madame Mafia

Eloise Apparel Boutique, France a smile broke out on her face. Beautiful, mesmerizing. Covered in deep red lipstick, her angelic features were perfected, sexy as sin. The television was brightly lit, showing the woman's favorite drama channel, and enjoying it was Madame Carlie Eloise.

The master of the boutique she was currently staying at.

She moves like a queen, her orders are law. Inside her own fashion store, she is clearly the ruler. The blue blood that runs through her name, the aristocratic bearing of her lacuna. No one dares stand up to Carlie Eloise Heston, not even a single living man in this world.

That's how strong Madame Eloise's charm is.

"Madame,"a sweet woman called, taking Carlie's eyes off the TV screen. It was Emma, her assistant. She bowed swiftly, offering a respectful salute, before having the courage to state her business.

"I apologize profusely, Madame; I'm forced to tell you this,"Emma said, reluctance in her tone. "A guest is visiting. He would like a meeting with you."

Carlie raised one eyebrow. "Didn't i say i wanted quiet until tomorrow?"she asked in a raspy, sexy no-play voice.

"Refuse, as you usually do."

But the fearful frown on Emma's face confused Carlie even more. "S-sorry, he was so stubborn in wanting a meeting, even though i refused, he was imposing,"Emma said, a reluctant tremble audible in her voice.

The frown on Carlie's forehead deepened. Who dares to impose their will on me?

"Say the name."

"Mr. Avoni Rodriquez, Madame,"Emma replied. Ah, that Spanish gentleman? Who once wanted me to marry his son?

"Is there any chance you can still drive him away, Emma?"Carlie asked while resting on the sofa she was sitting on, taking a sip of her favorite wine that smelled like rose jasmine.

"Sorry, madame. He's so stubborn,"Emma said it with a slouch that deepened her guilt.

'That's awesome.'

Carlie raises her chin, a hint of mild interest shining in her eyes. Emma was stubborn. At least, almost everyone she met couldn't match her. And this time, Avoni Rodriquez dared to stand up to her.

'It's been years, i guess, since someone had the guts to push me.'

It's been years since her absolute decision was challenged by someone's stubbornness. No one has that much guts for brandish opposition. Will Carlie Eloise. Not even Avoni Rodriquez that Carlie knows about and that means...

Rodriquez had something to say and it was so important that he mustered the guts to go to the trouble of meeting Carlie Eloise.

Carlie chuckled hoarsely. This is interesting.

"Alright, let him do the honors,"Carlie said in the end.

Emma looked up. Shock was written all over her face. "Are you sure, Madame?"she asked quietly.

"Didn't you hear what i said earlier?"Carlie asked.

"N-no, ibheard. It's just that,"Emma gave a momentary pause. "It's not usually that you change your mind at someone's will."

Carlie shines her gaze to Emma. Sharpening the tail her eyes shot a snake-like glare at her long-time trusted assistant. "Emma, i don't think this is the first time you've heard this,"Carlie hissed, managing to send chills up Emma's spine.

"What are my words to you?"Emma tightened her jaw, and she deepened her slouch. Scattering as many salutes as she could.

"Orders, madame,"she replied, shaking.

"I'm sorry to have doubted. I assure you, this mistake will not be repeated."

Carlie grinned. "It's good that you understand,"she said. "You can excuse yourself."

"Yes, Madame,"Emma said, no longer daring to argue even once.

The small steps of the woman who left her managed to make Carlie carve an amused smile. 'What an adorable girl,'she thought to herself. No matter how many years Emma worked for her, she always respected every aspect of Carlie.

And seeing the fear of women and men who looked weak in front of her was always Carlie's favorite.

'Danger, i must reduce this bad side of mine. I need to stop bullying the weak. What if she resigns later just because she's scared of me?'Carlie's laughter is in the air.

'I'll have a hard time finding an assistant as competent as Emma again.'

"Madame, Mr. Rodriquez is here,"Emma's voice came back after 10 minutes of silence.

Carlie looked up, staring at the middle-aged man in a thick coat who  am now standing next to Emma. The smile on the woman's face broke out, as friendly as possible. Although, in the end, it only looked like a commanding grin, like a queen.

"Please take a seat, Mr. Rodriquez,"Carlie's voice boomed. "And i beg you to tell me your business right away, that you had the audacity to insist on a meeting with Carlie Eloise."

The cynicism in her voice was thick. Avoni Rodriquez gulped bitterly. In front of this 25-year-old girl, even his 50-year-old self looked smaller than her.

True to Carlie's word, Avoni sat down on the sofa, directly opposite Carlie's. And the first thing he felt was a gaze as sharp as a dagger. Carlie's eyes were always piercing. Behind her beautiful gray eyes was an intense cynical charm and no one could be caught by this gaze without averting their eyes.

"So?"Carlie asked again, hinting at her undying patience.

Avoni gulped down his bitter spit once more. "I want to talk about tomorrow's event,"he said, even as he vibrated like a broken radio.

"Model and Designer Grand Global Award,"Carlie continued, clearly knowing the event Avoni was referring to. "The biggest award event for models and designers is held every five years."

'And at the same time, it was the award i dreamed of the most.'

"What's up with that?"

Avoni dripped a drop of sweat, his fear written all over his face. "Tomorrow, in one of the nominations, your name is listed. It's for Best Designer of the Decade,hhe said, explaining something Carlie clearly knew.

"But alas, Madame, You will lose the award."

Avoni's words instantly raised Carlie's legs to rise from the sofa. "Is that an insult?"she hissed, glaring furiously.

"Your guts a little bigger than i imagined, Rodriquez."

Panic registered on Avoni's face, and  obviously, he was trying to gather his courage, which was now starting to unravel. "I'm sorry, madame. There was not the slightest desire on my part to cast aspersions on your name."

Avoni got up and bowed as respectfully as he could. "Today i come only as a warning. You will lose tomorrow, defeated by Tiffany Emerald,"Avoni continued.

Carlie hissed angrily. 'How much does this man want to insult me!? I'm going to lose to my own rival!?'

"And when that happens,"Avoni said again, though frightened by the burning anger that was being directed at him.

"Please, whatever happens, i beg you not to oppose her, Madame. My deepest plea to you is not to defy Tiffany Emerald, even if she defeats you, madame."

Carlie was disgusted by his words.

"What right do you have to require Madame Eloise to obey your words!?"snarled Carlie, glaring with merciless fury. "I hope you realize what you're saying and to whom your words are being directed, Rodriquez."

"And i hope you bring a strong base—a concrete base—to prove my inability to receive the award you are referring to!"

Avoni was getting more and more frightened. "S-sorry, Madame. I can't say that."

Carlie laughed haughtily, laughing at Avoni. "So what, with no evidence, no data, do you come here, proclaim my defeat, and emphasize that i'm helpless? How small am i in your eyes, Rodriquez?"

"Madam-"

"Get out!"Carlie snapped, like a legal ultimatum. "Before my subordinates kick your ass out, put your feet up, and excuse yourself! You don't insult me in my own home, Rodriquez!"

Avoni raised his face, looking at Carlie in a pleading manner. "I beg you, Madame, hear my plea. I beg you, do not touch the Tiffany Emerald, no matter what. You can still win awards tomorrow, but your life is not something to be risked."

Carlie gritted her jaw. 'Life?! What bullshit is he talking about now!?'

"Remember one thing, Rodriquez, my words are orders,"Carlie snapped.

"Now, get out!"

The Next Day: Eloise Apparel Boutique, France.

"Madame, as always, your hair is beautiful and soft as velvet,"Emma's words were something Carlie had heard many times. She always said that every time she curled Carlie's hair. "It's super pretty."

Carlie smiled softly. Compliments were sweet food for her. "I hope you realize that i gave you the same salon treatment as me, so your hair is not much different from mine either,"she said.

Emma laughed. "Still, Madame. Madame's thick, black, and tanned hair, i can't compare,"Emma said.

Sincerely, from the heart. "Yours is just perfect."

Again, praise, high praise and it's not Carlie who doesn't enjoy praise. Showered on her. She let Emma do her hair like a woman.

That's desirable because Emma has trained with famous stylists. Instead of her assistant, she can sometimes be the best hairdresser Carlie could ever want.

And when her hair was done, a smile of satisfaction spread across her face. On Carlie's face. She never disappoints.

"You are charming, Madame,"Emma praised her once again. "At the show, you're the hottest star. I'm sure of it."

Carlie laughed. "Don't i always do that at any event?"

Emma joined in the laughter. "You're one hundred percent right."

A moment of silence falls. Emma tidies up Carlie's dressing table, which is littered with makeup tools, while Carlie takes in her appearance in the mirror. Perfect, flawless. Beauty beamed from her face, and charm was etched into every curve of her body. Tonight too, the center of the show will be hers. Carlie is sure of it.

Madame Eloise had imprinted an angelic beauty on her, and no one could deny her absolute charm.

"Madame."

Emma's call once again made Carlie turn her head,"what's wrong?"

Emma took a deep breath, then exhaled in exasperation,"i'm sorry if it's offensive, but i can't get rid of the thought of what Mr. Avoni Rodriquez said yesterday."

Carlie's brow furrowed,"you agree with him?"

Emma raised her face. "N-no! Of course not! I'm sure the winner of the award is you madame. In fact, everyone believes the same thing. The best designer for the past five years belongs to you, Madame,"she said, shaking briefly in astonishment. "It's just that..."

"His words about life bothered me a little. Maybe..."Emma paused. "He knows something we don't."

"Like?"

"I don't know, Madame. I don't know either,"Emma whispered softly. "I was just... afraid something would happen to you."

A smile broke out on Carlie's face. A sweet smile, a playful smile. She took Emma's hand, startling the tiny woman, and brought her into Carlie's arms. The little girl was like a tiny dog in Carlie's arms. Even the top of her head was only as high as the woman's mouth. Compared to Carlie, Emma was like a dwarf.

An adorable runt.

"Your worrying about me is always too much. You're starting to sound like you're my mom, Emma,"Carlie chuckled lightly. "Calm down, nothing will happen. His talk is just a bunch of bullshit and you don't have to worry about what he says."

Emma was silent for a moment. "But, madam-"

"Shh,"Carlie whispered softly. "Do you think anyone would dare smear my name?"

Emma was once again silent, thinking deeply. No, no, no. No one has dared, out of all the people we've met. Emma shook her head slowly.

"Then the same thing will happen today. Trust me, okay?"Carlie asked gently. And slowly, Emma nodded in the warm embrace of her mistress.

Carlie smiled with satisfaction. "Now get your act together, and don't whine to me like a weak rabbit again. We'll be late if we give in to your every worry, Emma,"Carlie laughed.

Emma instantly straightened up and bowed obediently. "Yes, madame."

Model and Designer Grand Global Award Party Hall, France.

The spotlight never flickered so much on other visitors as when Carlie Eloise stepped out of her limousine. A flock of her bodyguards immediately secured the road, keeping the paparazzi from getting anywhere near their employer's body. Her chauffeur came out to open the door for her, as well as her beautiful assistant.

Carlie and Emma got out of the car, stepped onto the red carpet, and were instantly showered with the attention of the dense crowd. Every camera captured Carlie's face, every eye on her.

For all the invited guests, they clearly felt that the air had changed significantly. The queen had arrived, bringing with her an army of charmers. And the tension in the air rose dramatically as Carlie's graceful stride made its way into the event space.

"Madame,"Emma whispered, calling her softly. "Excuse me, i'll take my seat at the assistant's table right away,"she said, bowing respectfully.

"Are you sure you're not going to sit with me, Emma? If i wanted to, of course the organizers would let you,"Carlie said, replying, also in a whisper.

But unfortunately, Emma shook her head. "Thank you for the offer, Madame, but i will decline,"Emma said politely.

Carlie let out a disappointed sigh. "Alright, you may excuse yourself to leave."

"Thank you, madame."

Carlie raised her chin, at which point Emma left her behind, leaving all the attention on her. Every designer, every model, and every artist who was invited to the event gave her a respectful look. Carlie garnered all the attention just from her breath in the air.

And this attention is a pleasure for her.

Even her limbs walked like a queen welcoming her throne. Many people greeted her on the way. Some she recognized, Carlie greeted, many she didn't, she ignored. Carlie's time to sit in her chair was certainly not eternal.

And no one ever objected, even if Carlie ignored them.

"Good evening, madame. As always, you are beautiful as an angel tonight,"the greeting of a middle-aged woman, with a frown creasing the side of her face, rang out as soon as Carlie reached her seat.

Carlie's smile softened. "Good evening, Mrs. Jasmine Beaumont. It's been a while,"Carlie replied politely.

She was the daughter of the owner of a digital company that had gone bankrupt, and now, under the auspices of her grandfather's design company, she was a professional makeup artist. Carlie's mind replayed the woman she recognized.

She used to be the daughter of Carlie's uncle's competitor, so despite her age, Carlie still remembers her.

"Unfortunately, it is true, Madame. I was looking forward to meeting you again after so many years.,"the woman said it again and Carlie only replied with a formal smile.

People started greeting her in droves. Paying compliments, saying pleasantries, going to great lengths, even to the point of looking pathetic, and trying to get Carlie's attention and gain a place of honor became her favorites. 'Position enthusiasts,'Carlie thought.

But lucky for her, before long, the event hall lights were extinguished. And all that was left glowing was a spotlight aimed right at the stage, creating a round light to be made there. The show was about to begin and people finally began to close their mouths, focusing on the stage, which now had an MC there.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your presence in this Model and Designer Grand Award that is held once every 5 years,"said the emcee, with an unusually practiced tone and a perfect smile.

"And with this simple greeting, please enjoy the event today."

The applause was loud. Filling the entire room with a roar of cheers. A famous model had won an amazing award, and after she made a short speech of thanks, the whole room erupted in congratulatory applause.

Whether sincere or not, and now that the event has started, hours long, after many performances of singers and catwalks up there, and with so many trophies being handed out, Carlie's wait would finally be satisfied. The entire audience erupted in a roar of applause, never so loud before, when the words.

"The Best Designer of the Decade,"appeared on the screen.

An award with Carlie's name on it.

The woman in her chair felt the gazes of the people who were immediately focused on her in unison. Some openly, many silently. They were all convinced that, in this nomination, Carlie would be the winner.

A pat sounded from beside her, again, Miss Jasmine Beaumont. "I will congratulate you in advance, Madame,"she said softly, whispering.

"Tonight's most prestigious award will be yours."

'Of course,'Carlie thought.

'Of course i can't say that, can i?'

"Don't flatter me yet, ma'am. What if, apparently, reality does not match the expectations that most have expressed?"asked Carlie, smiling gently.

Jasmine Beaumont shook her head. "That will not be possible, Madame. This award is only rightfully yours, everyone in this place knows that to be the case."

Carlie smiled once again. Everyone, except Avoni Rodriquez and Tiffany Emerald.

Slowly, Carlie fixed her gaze on her. To the table that was diagonal to hers. The table that Miss Emerald's ass was sitting on. Out of the corner of her eye, Carlie scrutinized the expression that the woman was wearing, but what she found there managed to make Carlie clench her jaw for the umpteenth time in the past two hours.

Confident, haughty smile, and the chin lifted, showing her own confidence. Tiffany was different from Carlie's other competitors, who were now sweating mercilessly in their seats, hoping for a miracle victory, though it seemed unlikely as Carlie's name lined up with theirs.

Even when the list of nominees was mentioned and Carlie's face appeared on the big screen, the cheers and applause were overwhelmingly for her. Everyone came to support Carlie alone.

But even so, Tiffany Emerald's resilience did not falter for a second.

Carlie's eyes narrowed sharply. 'What exactly was this woman up to?

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,"someone said it from behind the mic, diverting everyone's gaze.

At the event. An up-and-coming male model stood on stage, clutching a letter in his hand, and greeted the crowd with a distinctly professional tone in his voice. He will announce the awards this time.

"After a long wait, we've finally come to the end of the show, to the pinnacle of awards. With the most prestigious award we could hand out, of course 'The Best Designer of the Decade.' There was another round of applause. "Of the five renowned designers who placed their names in the nominations for this award, i will respectfully read out the winner."

And instantly, the tension was palpable.

Everyone covered their mouths, keeping their voices down, until their breathing was audible to each other. All eyes were on Carlie, instead of the model standing up there, staring at the woman they believed would win the award, and wanting to see firsthand the expression Carlie would show later on in her victory.

But the tense atmosphere was broken for a moment when the model on stage's forehead furrowed, staring at the answer in the letter she held in her hand. The man fell silent, looking perplexed beyond belief, before he finally regained his straight face.

He stared at the strange answer he saw. Carlie was speechless. 'What's going on?'

"Well, i've now got the winner's name in hand for this nomination,"he said, a quiver of doubt evident in his voice. "And i will announce congratulations to..."

The hall erupted into tense silence again.

"Miss Tiffany Emerald! Congratulations on your victory."

And not a single roar of applause was heard on the spot.

Everyone flinched, shock-painting their every expression. Even more so was Carlie's expression, which was now indescribable as to how shocked she was.

'A what!? Tiffanny, who won? How come!?'

Everyone once again looked at her, this time with a look of confusion printed on their faces. As if asking in doubt,"Madame Eloise, Defeated?!"

But ignoring all the stares coming her way, Carlie instead stared at another woman. The woman who was beaming with happiness, beaming with confidence, showing her victory sign, standing up, and getting ready to grab the trophy on the stage.

The woman caught a glimpse of Carlie Eloise Heston.

Implying a look that seemed to say,"how does it feel to be defeated by me?"

And instantly Carlie's jaw clenches, her hands clenching into fists, not caring if her acrylic nails dig into her palms. Because anger was now burning inside her, anger at being humiliated in the midst of so many thousand eyes watching, now throughout the hall.

'What has that woman done?'

'Is this bitch trying to fight me!?'

"Sir, our plan has succeeded. Miss Emerald wrote to thank you shortly after receiving her award,"said a tall, broad-shouldered man, bowing to another man who was stockier than him.

The smile on the second man's face bloomed. A sly smile, full of cruelty.

"Good, good job,"he said in a husky, sinister tone. "Let her have what she wants. Before i make her powerless to contradict me even once more."

The first man's smile returned. "Yes, sir, as you requested,"he said.

"And what are you going to do about Madame Carlie Eloise? She won't keep quiet after getting these results, sir."

The second man was silent,"madame Carlie Eloise?"

"Ah, don't you know?"asked the first one again. "She is an Indonesian woman, the owner of a boutique that is now a global name. You may not know her because you don't deal with the beauty world much, but everyone at the event believes she should have won the award."

"She is the daughter of Mr. Gerald Heston. One of the royals who now ranks among the 10 richest men in the world."

The second man once again stood still, in silence, for a long time. It was tense. But the sly smile he printed after that was a hundred times more sinister. The first man even flinched stiffly, because no matter how long he had worked under his employer, he had never gotten used to his evil aura.

"Interesting!"the second man chuckled hoarsely. "I wonder what Miss Heston, the daughter of that noble family, could do to me. That is, if she dares to step foot into my nest."

"Let him find out about us,"