Two days later, Zahara’s office erupted in celebration. She had received an email bearing the official gold emblem of *Malaika Empire*.
It praised her “exceptional creativity” and announced that also was one of three finalists who would present their collections at the grand fashion show the following week.
Juma, stood with her when the message arrived, pulled into his arms and spun her around.
“I told you!
’re a genius! has recognised your talent.
Father will be thrilled.”
smiled. A thread of fear remained inside her, but pride quickly smothered it.
“This is only the beginning, .
The victory be mine, and the contract be ours.”
To celebrate, took her to *The Milan Galleria*, one of Nairobi’s most exclusive luxury shopping centres. Its boutiques sold international designer clothes, shoes, and handbags at prices most people were afraid even to ask about. told to choose anything wanted.
As they entered a famous French handbag boutique, stopped abruptly.
“Amina?” said, astonished to find his former fiancée there.
before a display of limited-edition bags, studying a blue handbag. wore simple, beautifully cut clothes without loud logos or attention-seeking jewellery.
laughed and walked toward her.
“Well, well.
Look who wandered a shop for with money. are lost?
The second-hand market is on the other side of the city.”
turned slowly. Her face stood calm.
“I came to look at handbags.
Is that a problem?”
stepped forward, shaking his head in amusement.
“ this isn’t a shop for looking.
That bag costs thirty thousand dollars. could work all your life and still fail to afford the strap.
Stop embarrassing yourself and go home.”
The employees recognised Mfanyakazi as a wealthy customer and began watching as though both wanted her gone. The store manager approached with a polite smile that did not reach his eyes.
“I’m sorry, madam. These pieces reserved for special clients with appointments. If are planning to purchase, please do touch them. The leather is delicate.”
delighted in the humiliation.
“The manager is right.
Don’t dirty other people’s things, .
Fortunately, I’m in a generous mood today.
I’ve reached the final. perhaps should buy my sister a cheap little bag from outside so can have something to celebrate too.”
looked out of to Juma, then to the manager. A faint smile crossed her face, though none of understood it.
“The final, Zahara?” explained softly.
“Congratulations.
I hope the designs submitted appeared truly yours.”
stiffened.
Her heart lurched.
Amina know about the sketchbook?
recovered quickly.
“Of course they’re mine!
’re jealous because you can’t draw a straight line.”
did answer. turned to the manager and produced a black card marked only with a small gold emblem—a private banking card issued to a tiny number of elite clients.
“I’ll take this bag,” she explained, indicating the thirty-thousand-dollar piece.
Then glanced along the display. “And every other bag on this front shelf.
Pack them and send to this address.”
The manager recognised the card.
His manner changed instantly.
The merchandise on the shelf worth more than half a million dollars, but the payment authorisation left no room for doubt.
“Yes, Ms . My apologies for the inconvenience,” he remarked, bowing his head.
“We prepare everything immediately.”
stared at him in anger and disbelief.
“What doing? doesn’t have that kind of money.
That card must be fake.”
The manager turned to him.
“Mr please do not harass a customer.
Her payment has been verified.
If wish to be served, may wait.
Otherwise, I must ask to step aside.”
and stormed out.
“Forget it,” told her.
“ ’s spending money from that mysterious boss of hers.
Once we win the Malaika Empire contract, even this manager will regret how he treated us.”
Inside the boutique, sat while her purchases appeared prepared. sent Sofia a message.
*Review the ownership of The Milan Galleria and its investment terms. make sure none of our stores gives or preferential treatment again.*
Corporate legal counsel finalized global licensing agreements to distribute the new apparel line across international luxury boutiques.
The formal operational documentation for chapter 6 was reviewed and archived into the permanent record.
Promotional billboards were erected along major city boulevards announcing the imminent retail launch of the new collection.
Runway spotlights continued illuminating the presentation hall as soft African instrumental music heightened the unique atmosphere throughout the auditorium. Invited VIP guests remained thoroughly captivated by every phase of the landmark event.