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CHAPTER 24
Scarlett got to the cafeteria with Liliana's arm hooked to hers. She and the employee had gone through the introductory stage on their ride in the elevator.
And from the little time in that metal box, Scarlett was able to get that Lily- as she wanted to be called, was a very easygoing and cheerful person.
Their elevator ride had been the catalyst for Scarlett's insight into Lily's easygoing and cheerful nature, dispelling any nervousness Scarlett might have harboured.
As they strolled into the bustling cafeteria, heads turned, and all eyes seemed to fixate on Scarlett, especially since she had been the morning's newbie saved by the boss and his assistant. And the rumours spread faster amongst the employees of the company, than on the internet.
Scarlett was not the center of all that attraction.
"Hehe. You have gained quite the fame under a few hours of working here," Lily teased as she lead them both into the cafeteria.
"And it's definitely not the kind of fame. I thought I could be spared from the embarrassment of the morning. In fact, I don't want any attention," Scarlett whined in a low voice.
"Oh no, sweetie. It's not all embarrassing talks."
"Really?" Scarlett turned her head sideways to Lily, her face with shock.
"Yes, really. This is the table we will be eating at," Lily said as they got to their destination. "Guys, this is Scarlett. Luckily, I had a chance to invite her over or else she will be eating her lunch alone in her office."
"That's not cool. Eating lunch all by yourself gets too lonely," a guy among them spoke up.
"Yeah. You can come to join us anytime, Scarlett. I'm Ace by the way," says another guy.
"Thank you, Ace and everyone else," Scarlett replied with a warm smile.
Lily proceeded with the introduction. "So, that is Kevin, Ace, Sarah and Tamara. We are close buddies in here."
"That sounds wonderful," Scarlett remarked.
Before Scarlett could delve into her lunch, the table got surrounded by curious coworkers, each wearing different expressions. Scarlett knew at that moment, a different kind of 'interview' was about to begin.
"Hey, newbie. Welcome to the company. What's your name?" One asked.
"I'm Scarlett."
"I heard you have your own office beside the CEO's own office. Must be cool." Scarlett only smiled at that.
"Where did you get your hair done? The last time I tried, it was awful," another said.
Scarlett brushed her hand through her hair and replied, "Actually, it's natural."
"Seriously? I thought it was a wig."
"It's not."
"Wow. It suits you well."
"Yeah, she is really a beauty."
Amid the compliments, Scarlett hadn't noticed the impending mischief. Suddenly, a loud SPLASH broke the conversation, and gasps filled the cafeteria.
Scarlett's mouth hung open in shock as she felt something wet drench her. Her once-perfect hair was now coated in orange juice. All eyes turned towards the perpetrator, and Scarlett slowly turned to face her.
Natasha stood with an achieved smirk hanging on the side of her lips. A can of empty juice in her right hand and one resting on her hip.
"Oops!" Natasha feigned shock. "Sorry my hands slipped."
The group of women that followed her all burst out laughing, their laughter echoing through the cafeteria like a chorus of mockery. They patted Natasha on the back and praised her for what she did.
Scarlett clenched her fists and bit her cheek to maintain composure. She took in deep breaths and tried to shove the rising anger down.
Natasha then took it further. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't feeding is lies. Look on the bright side though, orange juice looks good on you too."
Another round of laughter ensued, and Scarlett knew she had to escape the embarrassment. Without a word, she stood up and left the cafeteria, leaving Natasha and her taunts behind.
As Scarlett departed, someone dared to question Natasha, "Tasha, what's your problem? Why would you do that?"
"Shut up, Ace. It's none of your business," Natasha responded with spite.
Ace abruptly stood and stared her down. "Don't shut me up. Just because Scarlett had a bit of attention doesn't give you the right to spill on her. You're not the only one with a pretty face here. So get over it and don't take your tantrum out on a new employee," Ace glared at her before exiting the cafeteria as well.
Natasha's face grew red with anger and embarrassment. "What are you all looking at? You want some juice too? Get out of here!"
In fear of being the next target, those gathered around Scarlett's table quickly dispersed.
"Pretty hair my foot," she mumbled before stomping her way to her table in the middle of the room.
Although she put on a haughty unconcerned look, she was actually jealous inside. She had heard of the new employee at the company and what happened on the first floor.
But what followed were the talks of how much of a beauty the newbie is and how she is well-endowed with womanly curves and whatnot.
And of course, she got mad about it. She is the acclaimed queen bee of Stone Enterprise, the only beautiful woman the one whose name everyone sings praises to. Not some newbie secretary.
So as soon as she heard Scarlett- the newbie was at the cafeteria, she sought to see for herself the person everyone dared compare to her.
Then she walked in on the scene. Everyone gathered around a table like bees to honey, the same praises being repeated.
They were giving someone else their attention and words that were supposed to be hers. She couldn't think of any other way to put Scarlett in her place and then all who they should fawn over.
"I'm going to check on Scarlett, see if she's okay," Lily stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the cafeteria floor, and she hastened towards the exit with concern etched on her face, leaving her friends at the table momentarily.