As the team landed in Puerto Rico, they admired the tropical beauty of the place.
Waiting for them at the terminal was none other than their host, Mrs. Lola Cruz, a middle-aged Puerto Rican beauty.
An iconic global fashion guru known for her famous designs and impeccable style.
She was dressed in a traditional mujer jíbara dress. The dress featured a flowing floral-patterned skirt that billowed gently around her ankles, while the white blouse was embroidered with colorful patterns.
"Bienvenidos a todos, estoy feliz de verlos," Lola exclaimed, her voice full of joy.
She could recognize Bruno and a few old employees.
"Bruno.... Charming.... Long time no see," she said in her accent.
Bruno stepped forward and leaned to kiss her on the cheeks in greeting.
She blushed and giggled dramatically.
"Well, he has older women swooning too," Jessie whispered to Beauty.
Lola took one look at the group and flashed a gracious smile.
"You have the most beautiful models and stylists too," she complimented.
Before Bruno could reply, Ferdinand stepped in, claiming his position as the manager.
"We're honored," Ferd replied, extending a hand.
"I am Ferdinand, the new manager."
Lola accepted the handshake.
"Oh, you are?" Lola's eyebrow arched in surprise. "I thought Bruno was the manager. But never mind. It's a pleasure."
She gave him a small smile, signaling for her team to step forward.
Her team stood beside her, dressed in complementary outfits that echoed the cultural theme.
Three ladies and two young men smiled widely at the guests.
Each of them wore variations of traditional attire and held tropical flower arrangements and small baskets of fresh fruit as part of their warm welcome, ready to offer the guests a taste of Puerto Rican hospitality.
"Aquí en Puerto Rico, las flores simbolizan la alegría y la hospitalidad" (Here in Puerto Rico, flowers symbolize joy and hospitality), Lola informed them.
F&F staff nodded with smiles, already excited by the cultural tour as they accepted the baskets and flowers.
The ladies used that opportunity to give Bruno a peck one after the other.
Giggling and whispering to themselves as they walked back to their positions.
Beauty noticed and rolled her eyes.
"Thanks for the beautiful gifts. We love and appreciate them," Ferdinand replied.
"Glad to hear that. Please follow me; we will take the bus over there. Bruno's private car is ready too."
Ferd followed her, trying to subdue the urge to complain about the special treatment given to Bruno.
He is the young boss anyway, he muttered to himself enviously, and the others trailed behind.
As they all walked through the airport, Bruno slowed down so that Beauty at the back could walk with him.
I will do my best to act cool; she makes me feel airheaded most times, he thought.
"Hey..."
She ignored him, too nervous to say a thing.
Why is he suddenly trying to initiate a conversation?
Also, she was, in fact, very upset about the kisses those ladies gave him.
Jessi noticed the two at the far back and smiled. She, however, decided to give them some space.
"Beauty..."
"How may I help, Sir Bruno Hathaway?"
Bruno tried not to laugh, amused at the attitude.
"You paralyzed my arm last night. I warned you to adjust to the extreme."
"Which I did. What exactly is your problem?!" she snapped.
Every head turned back and glanced at them curiously.
Bruno froze in the spot after her outburst, then chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck.
While Beauty pouted and kept walking.
Jessi made a naughty expression while Kathy rolled her eyes. Her hatred for Beauty has increased but also her fear.
---
Arriving at Lola's property, they were awestruck as they stepped down from the bus.
The lush valley was surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea and swaying palms; her house sat atop a small hill overlooking the paradise-like surroundings. The rolling hills and dense rainforest canopy painted a picture of natural wonder.
Exotic birds flitted through the trees while the gentle rush of a nearby waterfall added a soothing soundtrack to the environment.
"This place is so beautiful," Beauty whispered to Jessie.
"Well, I'd still prefer a fancy hotel," Jessi muttered under her breath, unimpressed.
"Welcome to my paradise," Lola announced proudly as they entered the house.
"Paradise? More like 'parasite,'" Kathy thought wryly to herself, though she kept her thoughts to herself.
Lola turned to the group.
"Please bear with the accommodations; two people to a room. I didn't realize you'd be such a large group," she pleaded.
Jessi wasted no time.
"We could always stay in a hotel," she suggested hopefully.
Ferd, however, shot her a cold look without answering her request.
Jessi grumbled under her breath.
"Worst manager ever. He acts like he's Hathaway himself," she fumed, silently cursing him as she threw him a glare.
Kathy wrinkled her nose as she glanced around the place.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Manager, but I really thought we'd be staying in a five-star hotel, not... here."
She folded her arms.
"I hate that I agree with her," Jessie whispered to Beauty.