The studio lights shone brightly, casting subtle reflections on Victoria's elegant dress as she sat with impeccable posture in a leather armchair at the center of the Global News live broadcast.
Beside her, experienced presenter Harrison Vale, a veteran of intercontinental media, smiled excitedly as he faced his guest.
"Miss Lancaster... or should I say CEO Lancaster?" he said with a professional wink, prompting soft laughter in the studio.
Victória replied with a sweet, confident smile. "You can call me Victória. Titles are great in contracts, but here I prefer the lightness of a name."
The live audience, watching via the holo-network across ten continents, had digital hearts racing in real time.
Harrison continued, "Victoria, the Diamond Tycoon group has already become one of the hottest corporate promises of the moment, and all this before even the official launch of its first product. How did this idea come about? Was it something planned years ago, or...?"
Victoria smiled nostalgically, her posture still impeccable, but her eyes softened with sincerity.
"It was totally organic, actually. I was with my friends—Luna, Lumine, and Nikoly—in one of those simple moments, sharing stories and... life's frustrations. And then Luna, out of the blue, said, 'What if we started our own company? Just ours. Just for girls.'" she laughed, charming even the studio technicians. "And of course, we all thought it was great. The idea became a reality faster than any of us imagined."
The interviewer nodded with genuine admiration. "You've managed to build an empire in record time. But tell me... you've been very popular on social media lately, especially after the events surrounding your departure from the Lancaster family. In fact, many fans created a fan club in your honor, did you know that?"
Victória blinked, slightly surprised, but gracefully regained her smile. "Fan club...? I... honestly didn't know. My routine has been so focused on the launch of our first product, the LUX Facial Mask, that I barely have time to follow social media."
Harrison laughed and snapped his fingers.
A hologram opened in the center of the studio, revealing dozens of social media posts, videos, and memes. Comments flew across the screens:
@SylvaQueen42: "Victoria is my spirit animal! Leaving my family, becoming a CEO, and still being beautiful? WINNER!"
@RenascerDoGelo: "Pink Diamonds are dominating everything! I bought 10 LUX just to support Queen Victoria!"
@BillionaireFanGirl: "She stepped out from under the Lancaster shadow and now shines like a true diamond."
Victoria covered her mouth, her eyes slightly teary, but she maintained her composure. With a shy laugh, she looked at the holographic camera, blew an elegant kiss, and said,
"Thank you, really. This... means so much more than it seems. I just wanted to do something for myself. To know that this inspired other people... is a blessing."
The studio was silent for a moment.
Even the producers behind the camera seemed emotional.
Harrisson smiled and commented, "In fact, their official fan club, the Pink Diamonds, have been responsible for a veritable wave of support online. They're promoting the LUX Face Mask frantically, organizing digital events, giveaways, and early reviews... It's a spontaneous marketing campaign by millions of fans."
Victoria placed her hand on her chest, overcome with emotion. "I don't even know what to say... thank you, truly. To the Pink Diamonds, you are incredible. I hope my story shows that no one should have to live in someone else's shadow. And if I can ever repay this support... know that I will do so with all my heart."
The public exploded with messages on social media. Diamond emojis, pink hearts, and phrases like "Victoria is my favorite CEO!" flooded the global holoscreen.
Harrison adjusted his glasses and said with an excited smile, "Pre-orders for the LUX Facial Mask have officially surpassed 50 million units sold in the Phoenix Empire alone. Miss Lancaster, what do you think of this colossal success?"
Victoria blinked in feigned surprise and let out a light laugh before responding in a humble tone.
"Honestly? We girls didn't expect such an immediate impact. When we were developing the product, we imagined a tough battle against established, traditional brands... the kind that have been in the market for centuries. We expected resistance. Fierce competition. But..."
She smiled for the camera as if sharing a secret. "The audience embraced us. And I think that says a lot about how ready people are for something new. Something made with soul, with heart—and with cutting-edge science, of course."
Harrison laughed, crossing his arms. "And speaking of competition... Many companies are concerned about Diamante Tycoon. Some have even contacted us off the record, saying the cosmetics market is on red alert. How do you respond to that?"
Victoria inclined her head sympathetically and placed one hand on her chest theatrically.
"I feel sorry for them," she said with a slight, playful wink. "But Diamond Tycoon needs to grow. It needs to launch products. It needs to make a profit. We have incredible employees, projects in development, constant research. And all of this costs money. I'm sorry, but we'll keep selling."
The online audience erupted in laughter and digital applause.
#CEOComClasse and #VictóriaBraba began to emerge as new trends.
Taking advantage of the trend, Harrisson posed a more controversial question. "By the way, official information indicates that 90% of employees hired by Diamante Tycoon so far are women. Does the company prefer female employees?"
Victoria let out a genuine laugh, tossing her hair back charmingly.
"Look, it was a strategic decision, but also a very personal one. Our management team, which, by the way, is made up of brilliant women, conducted an internal survey. And the data was very clear: women have been systematically undervalued in the job market for centuries, especially in leadership and innovation positions."
She paused for emphasis. "So, yes. We prioritize hiring women. Because someone has to open those doors. And if we have the power to hire, why not use it to change the game?"
Harrison nodded respectfully. "Fair enough. Now... speaking of numbers, the world currently has a global minimum wage of $50,000, and the Phoenix Empire has a minimum of $150,000. But Diamond Tycoon... offers salaries starting at $300,000 during the three-month probationary period, and rising to $500,000 per month upon permanent employment. It's the highest base salary in the world. Why?"
Victória smiled and leaned forward slightly, her eyes shining. "Because our employees decided to invest in us. They left their old jobs, believed in a new, emerging company, led by young women, and in a hypercompetitive market. That takes courage. That takes vision. So, it's only right that Diamante Tycoon give back with the best it has to offer."
She lifted her chin confidently. "Well-paid employees work with dignity, freedom, and passion. And that's what we want to build here. A culture of excellence. And excellence starts with respecting those who make the wheels turn: the workers."
Harrison looked into the camera and let out an awed laugh. "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know about you, but I would buy ten masks right now just for the CEO."
The studio erupted in laughter.
Victoria laughed too, covering her lips.
Harrisson smirked, adjusting his glasses, activating a new tab on the background hologram.
"Miss Lancaster, we have received privileged and verified information that Diamante Tycoon recently acquired an underground property on the polar continent of Cryon, legally recognized by local authorities. This is a territory with abundant diamond deposits and..."
He paused theatrically, his eyes twinkling slightly, and continued in a grave voice. "...a secret archaeological database related to the Arcane Age. Is it true?"
Victoria, who until then had maintained the serene smile of a controlled executive, raised a finger to her lips in a contemplative gesture. Her expression was calculated but not cold, like a queen pondering whether to share a secret with her people.
"After an extensive meeting with Diamante Tycoon executives..." she began, her tone slow and engaging, "we concluded that investing in the Cryon property would be a strategic and visionary move. Why?"
She smiled slightly. "Diamonds. Diamonds aren't just luxury items; they have industrial, technological, and... perhaps even mystical applications, especially with studies on energy conductivity. For an emerging company like ours, with ambitions to expand into new segments, including less explored ones, this acquisition was a natural one."
Harrisson leaned forward, clearly intrigued. "But the Polar Empire is known for its severe restrictions. No foreign company has been allowed to operate or mine there since the ecological scandals two centuries ago. How does Diamond Tycoon intend to exploit the site?"
Victoria elegantly crossed her legs and replied with diplomatic calm. "Yes, the Polar Empire has strict laws, and rightly so. Therefore, Diamante Tycoon opted for an agreement that involved strategic international collaboration. The Phoenix Empire, with which we have stronger diplomatic ties, will take over the mining and logistics operations of the Cryon property."
She paused, then dropped the bombshell with the subtlety of a UN veteran. "In exchange, our company shared with the Phoenix Empire full access to the archaeological database on the property, a relic that, according to records, contains original fragments from the Arcane Age. Texts, maps, runic devices…"
The host's eyes widened and he let out a low whistle. "You gave the Phoenix Empire an Arcane Age base?"
Victoria smiled mysteriously. "Diamond Tycoon believes that historical knowledge, especially from an era that redefined the world, should be preserved by governments and academic institutions, not hoarded by corporations. Our mission is advancement, not monopoly."
Social media exploded in real time.
#VisionaryVictory
#ArcanaEraRevealed
#DiamondIce
#CryonGate
On the screen, the holographic chat vibrated with comments:
"She's a CEO, a diplomat, and now an archaeologist too?"
"She donated a secret arcane base just to mine diamonds?! I LOVE A POLISHED VILLAIN."
"Now that's a masterstroke. Alliance with the Phoenix Empire = profit AND security."
Harrison concluded with an incredulous laugh. "And they say young CEOs lack strategic vision... Miss Lancaster, the world is officially watching you. And your company."
Victoria simply lifted a glass of water and smiled at the camera. "Perfect. We're keeping an eye on the world too."