Talia's look at the top*

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ACT 1

THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE

"This is the power, behind power,"
-Bombshell

If you ever stumbled across Cesar, all new to the dangerous stratosphere of the tight knitted high society the first question you should ask is if you ever were in the good graces of him you would have to ask who watch out for. 'Who to watch out for?' in the milieu of perilous glances of women and men of fancy titles and riches beyond the human mind was not to be taken for who was a threat. There perhaps wasn't a word for someone you want to mess with within this small circle of the elite.

They could do far more damage than just what one could consider a 'rich person' would do and make one out of a job, or be banned from certain stores, organizations that might occupy a vast economic pillar for a nation's financial situation. No, for such families who were responsible for global bankruptcy and economic tolls if they pleased, stock markets collapsing in a blink of an eye, controlling historic royal figures and even funding historic European wars-, it was only one's nightmare what they could do to a single person.

Everyone perhaps knew was never to mess with the one on top of the hierarchy. Cesar would say you would be right, it was simple psychology of the hierarchy. Everyone followed it, it was human nature to assert themselves into a hierarchy based on certain qualities.

But the question was who to watch when looking at the top. Of course, one was never to mess with Mikhail Kadamskiynov if one ever got the chance to witness a simple glimmer of his so-called wrath-, if you could even call Mikhail simply having a conversation with the person looking all high and charming like an haute couture model posing perfectly when he was just sitting casually as the poor victim was psychologically getting deteriorated then going insane right in front of him from only his words and perhaps a few files on them if he felt like he wanted effort implicated. But of course, in all his good graces he would happily pay for any therapy sessions to overcome such trauma with any top therapist -any mediocre ones from a local city wouldn't change a single thing- even though it would be a very slow-burning process to undo such things.

Then yes. Yes, he was someone you would definitely you were either with him or in his way. But Cesar would say there was something far worse than Mikhail. For glittery things always distracted a victim from the snakes hiding in the grass.

Cesar was always cautious of Talia from the start, despite her innocent introduction from the start to which he did believe she was ordinary (and was), Cesar knew that would all change within a few years one way or another. Society was going to suck her up dry. He felt sorry for her. And he was right... at first.

When Talia came back, he was inevitably impressed, impressed by the fact that he started to fear her. Talia no longer took part in his younger sister's academic rivalry. She simply took part till she understood the topic and did enough to pass. Nothing more or nothing less yet she still acted like a bit like herself... he thought.

Though she thrived in psychology something took a different course when she was back in the class. He took notice that she never really got as much involved in lessons, staying silent until asked or was chatting to friends. This was only mimicked throughout the rest of her classes and lectures.

Talia was something else, he sensed it. He may have not been smart or cunning as Mikhail, but he still had eyes and he was still smart enough to see the change in Talia. Though she was never the one to rival her fiancee upfront and certainly could never match Mikhail in the battle of conversation. But, she was damn smart, damn smart she had an adroitness to use those with power.

Cesar knew, he knew quite well enough of what Mikhail was like and could be like-, but in his own messed up way he did really like Talia, he did love her a lot. Talia could never tell what was going on in his mind, whether she was in his good graces or not, whether she was ten or twenty steps behind... she still had him wrapped around her finger.

There were small moments where Cesar noticed, eventually piecing it all together. Whenever she wanted big things, she had a way of turning them into small things. She knew how to get things her way if she couldn't get it herself. And it was brilliant-, brilliant in its own messed up way. Though he could use her, she could still use that to her advantage.

Talia was a true embodiment of the saying: you're either with me or in my way. Cesar knew it, much brighter and sooner than anyone else.

She was the one behind the throne, the power behind the power.

---

Dakota's flight back to New York on her Boeing 767-33a/ER (she couldn't use her usual Airbuses and decided to switch her private planes up for financial cost, she would just get something small but she can't afford to look cheap in front of crowds) lounged in her, well, lounge designed personally by Peter Marino. She simply loved it seemed she transported her once boring empty plane like renaissance slash sci-fi interior that looked so futuristically chic.

Though the cherry haired female-only could never imagine the next few events that would lay out next when one of her pilots had frantically searched for her, rushing down the hallway out of breath.

"Mam'!" he cried out in relief. Dakota had instantly uncrossed her legs and put them down on the floor, looking at him with a slightly distressed expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Mam', we have to turn around and land immediately," he informed.

"Why? We just took off an hour and a half ago?!"

"I know miss but we have instructions from the air traffic control from ICAO* and the minister of defence to turn this plane around and land in the following coordinates."

*The International Civil Aviation Organization btw if anyone was wondering.

"I want to see this for myself!" Dakota stormed her way with immense worry washing over her. Was this her father's doing? Was this someone else? No, it couldn't be, no one she knew could ever have had this type of control. Once arriving in the cockpit and seeing Anthony her other pilot looking up as he talked to the air traffic control.

"I have Miss Dakota here over. Permission to make a decision, over?" the pilot asked.

'With all due respect, you don't really have a decision over, make it quick over'

Anthony looked up and turned around to see Dakota plastered with fear on her face with heavy breaths as she leaned against the chair. "Do you have any idea mam'?" Anthony asked.

"I have no idea honestly, but we should do as they say," Dakota confirmed, "Do you know the location where we're landing?" she questioned.

"Honestly I've never even thought there were coordinates, the location must be small as hell but it is just off the coast of Cornwall, miss," he answered, "New flight pattern they've given us and everything."

"Alright," Dakota affirmed trying to look firm, "Let's go."

---

"Hi is this the administrator's office, this is Talia speaking," Talia said through the phone whilst fishing her hand into a packet of lentil chips as a few words spoken through the phone put against her ear.

"Yes, my pilots just informed me there was a warning about a part of the flaps of my plane... mhmm yeah, you see were about to land an hour or two ago so I'm just wanted to inform you that due to safety protocols she thought it would be best to land earlier than usual since as I said before we're able to make an emergency landing... yes, yes you know just better safe than sorry... mhmm... yes I just wanted to inform you that I'll probably arrive just a few hours late than expected... yes, I do prefer to stay and see what's wrong as I do use this plane a lot and if I need to make any important calls... it's just a check... no, no need to send another plane it's alright... thank you so much, bye."

After the plane descended Talia yawned and walked to the bathroom (which was also connected to her walk-in closet) to have some view of her appearance. Her hair was definitely messy, the top of her hair was loose and looked like a floppy beehive. How she looked appearance-wise was essential to her, should she blast out a matrix-like or devil woman Mcqueen look? No, she didn't want the person to shit her pants. She could have gone with a sweet royal Giambistta dress-, wait she that dress at Mikhail's or was it back in her grandfather's estate? Bloody hell why didn't she bring that Alexis Mabille-.

Before Talia could stress any further Talia found a blouse and beautiful beige linen suspender pants. Talia only smiled pulling the pants out and inspecting it.

"This could work."

---

Though the early night's mist seemed to settle contently on the small island, Dakota's plane -by some miracle had managed to land with its sheer size- just landed and the moment she got out she was escorted by a gangly looking woman with sunglasses (even though it was nighttime) who instantly looked like some who popped out from the Matrix with her short hair slicked back.

After making the brief interaction, Dakota was then escorted to a car where she marvelled in wonder. On the far top hill, centred near the east side stood a beautiful futuristic sleek house that instantly reminded her of Edna Mode's house from the Pixar movie Incredibles. When she walked in, the hallway looked inevitably surreal. The same design was only to be kept till she walked down, instantly making her feel this warm ambience in such a cold space.

The space was huge, the first floor was open to the second floor with a staircase that almost looked like it was levitating as it enveloped around a waterfall. Entranced in its beauty the room was designed like an Egyptian palace with the sandstone on the walls looking like the building was built right in mountain in Cairo, the beautiful colours that replicated ones of a pharaoh's palace, the statues that were placed cleverly around the space, and but of not the least the huge Egyptian sandstone tablet placed on the wall to her right. Though, it wasn't over yet. Only with a genius implementation of modern-futuristic design, with a huge window stretching from the bottom of the first level to high above the staircase leading to the second level perfectly captivated the view. The sandstone digging out of the white glossy walls, Dakota only could describe it like a pharaoh's palace right onto a museum.

Dakota took her seat on the single lounge that was circled with two longed custom made chairs that revolved around a large circular table. Taking her seat the female still couldn't shake off the fact that she had an erupting myriad of emotions gushing from her limited-edition sneakers to her head. She didn't know what to be intimidated of, the fact that she was forced to turn her plane around by the ICAO, the people or even the house itself.

"Sorry I'm late," came a voice that echoed across the room, turning around came to an ethereal figure gracing her presence in a simple white blouse with large sleeves and vintage-looking suspender pants. Dakota in all her years of being exposed to such heights of fashion couldn't help but be slightly obsessed by the look. The pants were perfectly cut out and hugged her waist but looked breathable and comfortable, how the blouse's large sleeves dynamically gave the person this angel fantasy touch that was only complimented by her hair bouncing and swishing gracefully with each step she took with its 90's fluffy hairstyle that just brushed her shoulders from the volume.

And though Dakota wanted to rave on about her face, how unique it looked yet so simple the features of her face somehow complimented her outfit even though her face was bare. Matches with the setting around her it looked like she was transported to this steam-punk fantasy game, with the female looking like some chic archeologist goddess.

"Hi, I'm Talia. Again, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting," Talia gave a gentle smile as she shook her hand.

"H-, hi," Dakota stammered completely taken by this celestial looking person, "I'm Dakota-,"

"Dakota Marie Jukic," Talia finished crossing her legs, "You were on your way to New York, you just visited Mull island hours ago."

Dakota's mouth was opened, speechless in fact. Talia only then chuckled charismatically, "I'm sorry, my bad," she feigned a laugh. "I like to know stuff," she tilted her head giving a smile watching Dakota adjust her sitting position nervously.

"Um," Dakota cleared her throat, "I have to say I love your outfit," she tried to change the awkwardness - her awkwardness- of the atmosphere. "I'm quite obsessed with your look, wherever did you get the blouse?"

She's so boring Talia baffled "Clearance rack, dollar shop" she simply said, "And if you're going to ask about pants, Armarni. My boots, all my shoes in my plane are mostly from Clarks."

"Oh," Dakota simply stated. Her outfits completely jarred with her all designer look. Looking around she quickly marvelled at the space once again, "Is this your place?"

"Uh, yes," Talia answered looking around.

"It's truly beautiful, I've never seen anything like it."

"Thank you, I personally designed it," Talia picked up her cup from the table debating if it was cool enough to drink or not.

"R-, really?" Dakota looked at her in shock.

"Yes, the inside took longer than the outside to come up with. From the hand drawings to blueprints and even digitally I designed it," Talia revealed.

"Really?!"

"Yes, architecture is a passion of mine so I put it to use," Talia answered putting her cup down as she looked back to Dakota.

"Is the island yours?" she questioned.

"Technically yes, when my grandmother on my mother's side passed away of leukemia I was bequeathed this," Talia said with a hinted tone of sadness.

"I'm so sorry."

"It's alright," Talia chuckled.

"Whoever carved that?" Dakota pointed to the huge slab of sandstone on the wall with carved hieroglyphics in it.

"Actually, I was gifted that by one of my auntie and uncle. My family are huge benefactors to the Singaporean museum, for this new Egyptian exhibit they found this. the directors didn't have enough space in the museum to even put this so my relatives paid a good price for this. I've always been fascinated by Egyptian history, quite the fan. This slab was actually from a recovered part of the palace built by Ramses the 2nd."

Dakota couldn't believe her eyes, this valuable piece of history, the artifact itself worth probably more than millions of dollars based on its size was just sitting casually on her wall. "So-, w- what did you say your family does again?" she blurted it out and instantly regretted it. Talia was mentally rolling her eyes, what was it with people becoming so nosey with what she did and what type of class her family came from.

"My mother is a doctor, dad's an IT engineer," Talia simply replied. Does she want to know what her family does too? By the looks of it no, Maxim is never the one to exploit such things. I might as well cut to the chase.

"I suppose you're wondering why you're here, or why ICAO stopped you. But let's cut to the chase shall we?" Talia smiled softly, "I don't want to intimidate you and understand if you do have that impression of me but..." Talia paused as something dangerously mysterious swirled in her eyes. "I do know you were talking to your long lost biological father Maxim Kadamskiynov who had an affair with a Scottish descent woman during his college days when she was studying journalism around eighteen years ago even though he was married. That affair resulted in you Dakota, I know that have two brothers who would not like you if they found out or even meet you.-"

"H- how do you know all this?" Dakota's eyes widened slightly tearing up in her choice of words.

"- I also know you're trying to reconnect with them desperately but Maxim won't allow it despite your refutes. I also know you're struggling financially with your private bank account number also being 257 782 109 290 to be precise correct?"

"H- how do you know that?!"

"-And also... wait that's all I have," Talia chuckled lifting her cup and sipping it delicately.

"Who the fuck are you?" Dakota almost sounded like she shrieked, except it was far angrier.

"I told you not to sound scared, well you know sound like your intimidated," Talia sighed annoyingly. "Alright I'll play," she put the cup down and intertwined her fingers putting her palms on either side of her crossed leg on top.

"My name is Talia, again, I'm sure Maxim should have mentioned me. I'm your 'sister'-in-law," she answered.

"As in my brother's-?"

"Yes," she cut off, "I'm your brother's soon to be fiancee."

"Wow," her stormy eyes widened as she was trying to take it all in. Talia despised those eyes, they were the same. Same as his.

"Maxim doesn't know that I'm meeting you here, or the fact that I know your... relation to him," Talia looked at her with such a venomous look but her face seemed so soft-, angelic yet something uncouth hiding under her exterior.

"What do you want-?"

"oh no," Talia chuckled, "I think that question is something to be asked of you. What do you want Dakota? Now before you answer, I do know what you're going to say. it's so blindingly obvious. But are you sure what is not swayed by the fact from recent events?"

"I'm sorry?" she said discombobulated by her words.

"Well, I refrain from talking about your mother because it is a tragedy what happened-, and my condolences do go to it, but... ever since then you've had a loss of financial support. Think about it, your mother was a beloved person with a high social platform that immediately extended to you. Because of that, your social standing had caught the eye of Verena. She needed media presence to establish her own platform and you're another extension of her, we'll call 'power'.  Since then you've established more opportunities to build your own social standing.

But think about it Dakota, ever since you lost your mother. And I hate to put labels but your mother was your financial support. That's where your fame emerged. But since that's gone you have no social media presence and people realise you are just a girl whose mummy's money is gone. Everything has gone downhill for you, Verena doesn't see you as important of use anymore-,"

"Verena would never think of me like that, we've known each other forever."

"Oh, but that's the thing. She only keeps close to the things that last Dakota. Why do you think she's best friends with Miranda Xiao? Her parents have solid ground money. Her boyfriend Lucien as well. Why do think she's the first to invite them? I thought she's known you longer? But Miranda only met Verena in middle school. Let's face facts Dakota she's traded you up for her."

"No-,"

"What about Camille, she has a bigger social media presence than you now. Even though she's a 'self-made model'. Why was she so close to Verena and Miranda at her fashion debut party, she was even backstage before. Where were you? Aren't you in Verena's tight-knit circle? She use to keep you near her before, tell you her close opinions."

"Shut up!" Dakota cried.

"Dakota, can't you see? By five years my some miracle you'll be some nobody, less is the most expected. It's common for humans to try and please the one with the power to become an extension of it, and it is common for that power to have extensions to not pose as a threat. But you Dakota, you're not a threat? You're becoming someone who can be trampled on. You have no stable financial assets. You can suck up as much as you want but you're not going anywhere. You'll just be seen as someone society pities."

"Are you done degrading me?" Dakota scoffed wiping away her tears, "Are you having looking down at me. But you know what? Talk bullsh1t all you want. I don't give a damn-,"

"Well look at that! Someone's taken anti-bullying classes," Talia cackled, "But that's the thing Dakota, you're gonna start caring, in fact, you do now. Ever since Maxim had interacted with you you've been attached to him like a leech. You have nothing to lean on, everyone is shutting you out so your head is telling you to hand on to the one person you're biologically bonded to despite the fact he abandoned you eighteen years ago. If your mother hadn't died in that car crash you would still be financially abundant, not dismissing the fact that Maxim abandoned you all those years ago."

"That's not true! I wouldn't have done that!" Dakota rebuked furiously.

"I'm just spitting out facts, your head is just too confused with emotions that your only creating an illusion to satisfy you," Talia affirmed.

"Stop twisting sh1t up you fucking witch-!"

"Oh, your the one twisting the facts," Talia laughed leading her head on her hand as her elbow leaned on the headrest of the chair. She just simply watched Dakota endless crying. "Look Dakota, I'm not here to create a problem, in fact, I want to make a solution," Talia said in a gentle tone.

"What?" Dakota spat busy trying to wipe her tears.

"I'm here to offer a proposition," she smiled. "I'll financially support you, I can make companies turn to you, beg for you. I can make you more successful than Verena or any of her associates combined-,"

"Friends," Dakota interjected.

"Sure, whatever. I can make you financially independent that you won't even need me within eighteen months," she offered.

"And how are you supposed to do that?" Dakota inquired.

"I'm sure you know Camille right, your friend?" Talia began, "Who do you think made her so successful?"

"You? You think you made her so successful?" Dakota baffled.

"Oh, sweety. Camille and I were friends when we were younger. I stayed there for a month with my mum and we were house guests. Tell me, how do you think a ten-year-old becomes an overnight fashion sensation when her parents were mediocre landowners for shopping centres. One word to Karl Langerfeld back in the day and she was the most sought out fashion model. And how do her parents just change into some of the most famous entrepreneurs overnight?" Talia informed. "I was only eleven and I did that, so you can imagine now what I can do."

Dakota took a long pause of thought before bursting into laughter causing Talia off guard. "You really thought I'm that money-hungry?" Dakota admonished making Talia raise a brow.

"Yes," she answered blankly, "I ruder terms yes, did you not listen to what I just said."

"Well, I may not be as high and mighty you might think you act but listen here. I'm not going anywhere. You're also scared."

"I'm sorry what?" Talia refrained from showing any glimpses she felt uncomfortable.

"I go to high school at Wentworth, I'm not blind to when to know someone feels threatened," Dakota tried to look confident in her posture. But Talia still looked like she was comfortable, she looked so at ease, in fact, her face read 'she was bored.'

She really is a Kadamskiynov, even in the tiniest Talia thought, "Why do you think that?" she questioned giving an amused eye.

"You scared, this new person, half-sister is coming out of nowhere. I'm not sure what you hiding or why you have an intention to get rid of me but listen here. I'm not going anywhere. Do you have any heart in you? Can't a girl just meet her family?"

"You think just because of a biological accident that makes you family?" Talia chuckled, "You think they're just going to welcome you with open arms. Just because you share some blood doesn't mean your family. That they are going to accept you. Do you think Maxim is going to act the same in front of them just because he acted like a nice dad alone with you? Have you thought about that?"

Biological accident Dakota rang in her head, those words hit her like a bullet.

"Listen here and listen good, this is for your own good. I don't care how many times you have to get that inside your head but we're doing this for your own good," Talia chided.

"Sure, 'my own good'. Are you sure it's not yours?" Dakota raised a brow.

Not bad Talia laughed, "If you ever set foot you'll understand. But until then I suggest you forget any connections."

"Is that a threat?" she scoffed.

"If that makes you stay away sure," Talia joked.

Dakota only shook her head. "For the record, I don't care anymore. I don't care about my platform or whatever you said. I have a family now-,"

"That's what you think, but you're only using it as a resort mechanism."

"Stop saying what I'm doing! I know what the fuck I'm doing!" Dakota got up.

"Do you really?" Talia snorted a little.

"Well, you know what? You can talk sh1t all you want like you said I have my associates."

"And I have mine," Talia smirked only to be soon dropped, "But, let me tell you this. I'll be quick and frank. I can ruin your life just like I can make one out of you. Not only that I can ruin your 'associates' lives and entirely blame it on you. I can make a living hell for you, and don't just think I can just shut a few doors down from you, Dakota I can do so much more," she leaned forward.

Dakota was thinking for her life. She didn't know what she meant by making her life a living hell but the fact that she had her plane turned around by ICAO could be just a fraction of what she could do. But then again she could be bluffing. Dakota's shot up when she heard Talia slide a piece of paper towards her, it was a contract.

"I can make you big, but only for your disclosure of Maxim perhaps never even exist. I'll stay out of your wind if you stay out of mine," Talia laid out a black pen on top of the contract. Dakota paused lingering her eyes at the piece of paper as Talia rhythmically tapped her finger waiting for her response.

"No."

"I'm sorry?" Talia jeered.

"I'm not signing it," Dakota affirmed.

"You're making a big mistake," Talia added.

"I honestly don't give a fuck."

"Your utterly ignorant," Talia scoffed, "Is this your final decision?" She asked.

Dakota only got up, picked up the piece of paper from the glossy table and ripped it up into shreds making sure each tear was long and quick so the noise would echo across the room. "Self-explanatory," she shrugged getting her phone and began to walk out.

Talia only began to stifle a laugh, as she bent down to grab her phone and dialled Mikhail's number.

"If that's your decision I only beg of you to prepare, all hell is going to rain loose."

HEY HEY HEY!

SOOO...

ONE, I'm really glad this chapter came to me quickly, I enjoyed writing this and the ideas came to me really fluently.

TWO, opinions. Please tell me what you think is going to happen? Why is she going to call Mikhail?

THREE, just opinions and feedback about the chapter. Also, what did you think of Talia?

PLEASE COMMENT & VOTE!