queen of hell

Alondra Aleman.Chief Executive Officer.

[ninetyz]

Beyoncé (2000s)

[alondraxaleman]

“You should talk to Leon Costello, he would probably buy you the heart of the ocean for saying that.” Chanel smiled widely as she made herself a part of Alondra’s conversation. Anything to get the rich and powerful on the side of the Costellos.

Alondra raised a brow as the blonde spoke about Leon Costello; Alondra recognized the woman as the family’s publicist. Chanel something-or-other, Alondra believed. “Is that so?” she asked. “I always thought he was married. I doubt his wife would be so fond of her husband spoiling another woman like that.”

[alondraxaleman]

Eva could picture what the show would like, aside from the designers and what they chose to show, everything else fell into place in her mind. She became silent as the ideas and endless possibilities in her head took off like that of a train barreling down its tracks. When ideas struck she grew silent and reached into her bag for the leather bound notebook she kept in there for occasions such as these. 

Eva wrote fast, jotting down what came to her mind before she gave her thoughts on the fundraiser to Alondra. Advertising the fundraiser would be easy, the Aleman name had started to carry its own weight in Chicago now. Reaching out to a local garment group, if the city had one, and universities that gave fashion design, technology and merchandising as a degree  there would be a slew of local talent who would jump at the opportunity to showcase there work… And if there wasn’t a garment group then this fundraiser could also by a tie in to a Chicago garment group, name can change, that the Aleman family, specifically Alondra, could head. 

“I think this is a brilliant idea, Alondra.” Eva followed her statement with a broad grin. “You could tie this fashion show into a nonprofit based around the very concept. Hear me out on this, what if along with fashion show you create a haven or hub for designers where guest lecturers, speakers and a full time staff mentor and work with designers as they either begin their journey of creating/conceptualizing a brand to life or help designers who have a brand make it marketable to buyers for department stores and boutiques as well as help assist with their brand development, business plans, pitches and so much more. The fashion show could become an annual fundraiser where the designers a part of the nonprofit group showcase their work. What do you say to that? Your name attached to this that provides education and opportunities for Chicago’s fashion community and cut & sew manufacturers of all industries.”

Alondra smiled as Eva detailed her plan. The chef hand delivered their meals in the middle of her remarks and she raised a brow as the philanthropist spoke. Impressive. Though, Eva had a talent with charity and Alondra wasn’t surprised by her strategy. Her mind and heart was why she kept the woman around. 

“Fantastic idea, Ms. Calderon,” she said, before taking a small bite of her salad. “Supporting young aspiring entrepreneurs, specifically in the fashion industry, would be a phenomenal tie in to the event.” 

They could transform the ballroom into a stage for the show, hire local models to show off designs and sponsor up-and-coming designers. “Would you be willing to run point with me for the event? The two of us together could throw something quite spectacular, don’t you think?”

[alondraxaleman]

“It was indeed a success and I do have a few things in mind for your next endeavor.” There was still more to be done to make an impact on this city. If the Aleman family and their philanthropic debut was anything to go off, this city wanted more from them. Not just their money but their name, recognition and a space inside of the world they inhabited. Eva graciously smiled at Alondra as she spoke, “That would be very kind of you to do so. I’ll only eat if you will share a meal with me and we can discuss my ideas and any you might have.” 

“Perfect,” Alondra replied, beckoning over the head chef to put in an order. With their food being prepared, Alondra guided Eva to a seat at a table in the bar area so they could have a more formal chat about work. “I’ve been thinking of a fashion show fundraiser,” she said. “Bring in local talents like Sofia Costello with Rose Couture.” Alondra smirked, cogs spinning in her pretty little head. “What do you think about that?”

[alondraxaleman]

You're Invited to Chanel Albright's 90s/00s Themed Birthday Extravaganza!

August 1, 2020. 7:00PM. Sapphire. Come dressed as the VIP pass says or you will not be admitted to the event nor permitted anywhere near Sapphire. 

xx

Mia 

[yourmarycrawleyforalleternity]

Best of Matthew & Mary  → 22 / ?

↳ Downton Abbey  | season 3 | christmas special

[alondraxaleman]

Passing off a cheap drink as the high standards set by Alondra herself was a gusty move. Eva could guess at what ran through the other woman’s mind now that Alondra knew what had been done in her establishment. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Eva asked not knowing what else to do except sit there and watch Alondra poor the cheap liquor down the drain. It felt odd just to sit on her hands and do nothing. 

“No need to bother,” Alondra said, at the mention of help. “Perhaps I can get the chef to whip you up something to eat? Maybe we can discuss future philanthropic endeavors, considering our debut was such a success.” 

[alondraxaleman]

“Did they think you would not have noticed?”

“I don’t know what thoughts were going through his mind ordering cases of this shit,” Alondra said, shaking her head as the smell of cheap liquor filled the room. Absolutely vile. “He won’t be making that mistake again.”

[alondraxaleman]

“Well Miss seemed a little too juvenile, and I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.” He offered, still smiling despite her tone of annoyance. Getting back out of the pool, he walked over to where he’d flung his shirt and picked up a towel to dry off a little.

“We’ll start with a drink and go from there, then. How’s that sound?”

“Fine,” Alondra agreed, unable to turn down a beverage. “Make it expensive and strong,” she added, shooing the man off to the bar. “From now on you can address me as Mrs. Aleman. Just be grateful my husband’s out of town. He doesn’t take too kindly to anyone who upsets me. No matter how trivial the offence.”

[alondraxaleman]

"I need to fire the bar manager,” Alondra said, dumping the cheap liquor down the drain. “Serving garbage like this is just unacceptable.”

[alondraxaleman]

“I wouldn’t say bumbling, that canon ball was pretty solid.” He offered the woman a smile, hoping it would ease the tension. Sebastian knew his great deal of women and he could already tell this was one that wasn’t easily wooed or impressed so his usual tactics most likely wouldn’t work. Still, it didn’t hurt to try.

“My apologies, ma’am. I could get you a towel to dry off and some type of drink to make up for it, if you’d like.”

The boy’s smirk wouldn’t be able to get him out of this mess as easily as he hoped. Alondra was going to make the most of the situation; she was bored and wanted some entertainment. Watching men squirm was a great pass-time. 

“You’d be wise to never ‘ma’m’ any woman younger than fifty again,” she said. “A drink is the least you could do.”

[alondraxaleman]

Sebastian had spoken to a few people, had a few drinks, and had enough food to keep him full for the rest of the night. He was enjoying himself, finally beginning to feel at home again, and enjoying the power his name brought him. It would only be that more enhanced once he passed his bar exam, but in the meantime: fun.

Whipping his shirt off, he tossed it on a chair and then made a quick leap towards the pool, bringing his knees in to his chest for a canon ball. Once he resurfaced, he looked around and realized he’d managed to splash someone nearby. Chuckling, he shrugged somewhat apologetically to the person he’d splashed.

“Sorry, did I get you there?”

Alondra was drinking poolside, lounging in one of the chairs by the edge of the water. She wasn’t terribly interested in attending any sort of party, but it was an opportunity to people watch. Maybe something exciting would happen, but Alondra had her doubts. 

When she was splashed with cold pool water, accosted by some blond bro in the pool. “Yes, in fact you did,” Alondra said, venom in her voice. “Are you in middle school or just some bumbling idiot who doesn’t know to be mindful of his surroundings?”

[alondraxaleman]

“And that’s why it’s going to be ranked the number one hotel in all of Illinois.” Ambrya commented, nodding along to her own remark as if to double her support in the claim. She stopped for a second at the mention of her properties being used by Alondra’s husband and brother before attempting to continue as if there hadn’t been a pause. To claim complete ignorance on the subject would be a lie, though Ambrya continued to try her best in not knowing the whole truth of what the Aleman’s decided to use her money and properties for. The less she knew the better. Both for legal matters, as well as mental.

“I was thinking maybe something along the lines of a test video. You’d be able to have all the products available and then basically have fun testing them all out and giving your honest reaction and thoughts.” It would be a risky move if the line ended up being a dud, but Ambrya was confident enough in believing it wouldn’t be. She’d spent too much time and effort on making sure it was good quality with an assortment of colors and uses all while remaining in a reasonable price for it to be anything but amazing.

“And then of course we could also have a shoot of you in a few different full looks to show off the versatility of it all.”

Alondra beamed as Ambrya discussed her plans for promoting her new line; she’d gladly film a video and pose for shoots. She could continue to push her narrative as a powerful woman in business, keeping the Aleman name on the lips of influential people across the country. 

“Sounds amazing,” she replied, a smile dancing on her lips as she sipped on her mimosa. “Is there a theme to the line? A through-line I should consider when filming?” Alonda wanted to ensure her colleague’s success. Ambrya’s good fortune would only benefit the Alemans in the long-run. 

Longevity was Alondra’s current goal. Gabriel and Joaquín would handle their competition, but once Chicago belonged wholly to them, they needed a strong foundation of legitimacy to stay on top.

[alondraxaleman]

“Impressive,” Joaquín said, grabbing the bottle of tequila that Alondra handed over. They were building quite the reputation in Chicago, and it was important that their business continued to be successful. Though, whenever it came to the legitimate portion of their business, Joaquín never doubted Alondra for a moment. The news about Paityn Costello, however, was interesting. Her return had caused a rift between both families. 

Good.

Joaquín grabbed two shot glasses, placing one in front of Alondra, the other in front of him. He unscrewed the bottle. He poured them both a generous amount of tequila, the liquid almost spilling over. 

“Shots,” he decided for the pair of them, smirking a little. He’d never been a man of many words, though around family, it was a little different. "This time next year, we won’t be sharing Chicago with anyone else. Cheers to that.”

Joaquín knocked back the shot with ease, and quickly went to pouring himself another.

Alondra took her shot, the expensive liquor burning her throat in the most pleasant way as it slipped down. She smirked, taking in the words her brother-in-law said. This time next year, we won’t be sharing Chicago with anyone else. Their plans were falling into place and Alondra was eager to expand. With the Costellos and Sinclair’s out of the picture, their businesses, legitimate or otherwise, would boom. 

“We should discuss what happens next,” she said. “Though, I suppose we should wait for Gabe’s presence to really get into it.”Alondra sighed, relaxing into her seat. “There’s no harm in taking a night off for celebration, right?”

[alondraxaleman]

Alondra Aleman felt on top of the world. Her hotel was receiving reviews she could only dream of and her husband’s master plan was falling perfectly into place. She was in the mood to celebrate. There was a person she thought deserved congratulations of the success the family saw. Her brother-in-law was integral to her husband’s, and in turn her own, longevity. 

“We are fully booked until October 2021,” Alondra said, presenting Joaquín with a bottle of the most expensive tequila she could get her hands on. “Our scapegoat is serving his purpose and rumour has it Paityn Costello punched her sister-in-law square in the face wearing nothing but a towel.”

She smirked. “Care to make a toast or should we just take shots?”

@joaquin-aleman​

[alondraxaleman]

“Oh I was just telling you about how my cosmetics line was going. We’ve managed to get past the little setback we had a while ago and now things are moving forward and we should be setting up promos for it at any time.” Ambrya was speaking excitedly, clearly passionate about her work. It was one of the many projects she had on her plate and she couldn’t wait to finally see it come to fruition, so much so that she was talking about it at any chance she got regardless of other peoples own business needing attending to.

“Maybe you could be a representative for the line, you’ve got such beautiful skin. I bet the line would look great on you.” Quickly taking a bite of some of the food that was in front of her, she nodded towards Alondra and then held her hand in front of her mouth as she began to speak with the food still in it. Uncouth, but oh well. “Is everything okay, by the way? With the hotel?”

“I’d be happy to lend my face for the cause,” Alondra replied, adoring the idea of publicity for the family. The woman in her company was idealistic and naive but Ambrya was useful in her own right. Properties and assets aside, she was charming and could carry pleasant conversation. 

“Oh, yes, all is well, but you know me. Always striving for bigger and better things.” She smiled softly, taking a bite of her salad and a sip of wine. “Now, tell me. Do you have any marketing ideas for your latest line? You’re welcome to use our properties for location shoots if you wish. The least I can offer considering how my husband uses your space.”

[alondraxaleman]

Livia knew who she was working for, and the last thing that she wanted was to waste Alondra’s time. “He’s a mentor,” Livia began. Her former professor didn’t know exactly what Livia did – nor would he, but he was a great resource to have. “He has some connections that have proven to be pretty… beneficial for the business. He has an address book that I’ve been dying to get my hands on for the last couple of years.”

This address book was, of course, all underground. Other chemists who dealt in the same type of business as Livia – maybe even at a higher level. It was good knowledge to have, though Livia would understand if Alondra couldn’t be bothered with sponsoring a scholarship. There’d be other ways to get it.

“I know how busy you are. I wouldn’t bring it up if I didn’t think it was worth the effort.”

Alondra nodded, “fine. I’ll bring your proposal to Gabriel. I’m sure we’ll be able to find a few hundred thousand to contribute to the minds of the future.” She paused for a moment, her cogs in her brain spinning. “While you acquire that address book, I want you to do some digging. See if you can find some...recruits, so to speak. Being so new to Chicago, good help is hard to find. Do you understand?”

The business needed to grow; legitimate and otherwise. There was power in numbers; the Costello and Sinclair families had the luxury of home field advantage. Alondra wanted to change that fact.