Hollywood Zenith

" How is everything?" Samuel asked.

" Everything is under control. I checked with the others nothing seems to be out of the ordinary." Steve, who was riding shotgun, replied.

" Hmm, Keep a close eye. We don't know what to expect."

" Yes, sir."

They drove for half an hour before reaching their destination. Samuel went to see the small eatery, Little Red Clock, the Moore family restaurant. He had already informed them about his visit.

Samuel walked inside with only Steve, as too many people would gather unwanted attention.

Besides, he didn't want to look like some thug walking with ten bodyguards. It was not very busy too, which helped.

He also prepared a simple disguise, a large cap, and oversized tees; for now, those were enough to hide his identity. It was something he had to get accustomed to eventually because of his recent fame. He didn't want to be swarmed for no reason.

" Sami, you are here. They are already waiting for you inside." Penny, Adele's mother, said with a smile she was managing the front desk at the moment.

" Thank you, Aunt Penny. I will see myself in."

" Alright."

It was only a short conversation, and both parties seemed hesitant to ask further questions. Recently, the atmosphere between them had become quite awkward because of Adele.

While Samuel was walking inside, Penny called out to him.

" Thank you for the presents. I know it's late, but they appreciated the gesture."

" You are welcome. Sorry for not dropping by."

" It's okay. You don't have to worry about it. Now, go; I don't want to keep you here." Penny urged him to go inside.

" Yeah, I will find you before heading out."

Before Penny could ask why he left. She could only keep on guessing; it seemed something important.

------------------------------------

Aaron and Carol were surprised when they heard from Samuel. He had informed them that he would be quite busy with his recent movie, but they unexpectedly got a call from him.

Samuel specifically stated that it was nothing serious over the phone, but his insistence was nonetheless puzzling.

Soon, Samuel, along with Steve, met up with the couple. Carol went ahead and prepared a wide variety of foods, it was just before lunch, and she knew that her boy would be hungry.

" Mother, you don't have to cook so much. I don't think I could finish even a quarter of this." Samuel said while looking at the table.

" You look so thin. You have to at least eat this much; l feel like you could collapse any moment!" Carol insisted.

Samuel looked at Steve for help, but the latter said without hesitation.

" I already ate lunch."

" Is that something you say when looking at my pleading eyes?" Samuel thought. He smelled great conspiracy lurking behind his swift reply.

" Lady Carol is right! I even saw a young master skip lunch because of his schedule." Steve said with a straight face.

Carol grasped. " That's final. I will not let you leave until you finish the whole thing."

Aaron silently prayed for the little boy. He had quite an experience with his wife's tyrant nature. Sami could only bite the bullet and follow her order. It was the only way out.

Carol watched as Samuel ate his food; seeing his pitiful appearance, Aaron decided to help him.

" So, What did you want to talk about? You sounded quite serious over the phone." He asked.

Sensing an opening, Samuel wanted to put the spoon down, but Carol intensified her glare.

" I will eat it. I will eat it. Don't look at me like that." Samuel thought and resumed his meal.

" It's about the movie premiere. I like for you to be there." For now, he slowed his eating pace looking for another opening.

" Premiere? Sure, I don't have any problem with it." Aaron said without hesitation. He was confused about it; it didn't sound as important as Samuel eluded it as.

" I would love to! You may not know yet, but I have come to like the books quite a lot. It has become Hannah's favourite bedtime book too." Carol also agreed.

" That's fantastic. She will definitely like the movie then." Samuel was elated. He wanted all the people he loved to be there. The more, the merrier.

" Yes. Tell us the date and time, and we will be there."

" I will."

Samuel was worried for nothing. He resumed wolfing down his meal; about half of it was still left.

Steve, who witnessed their whole conversation, sighed. Samuel, who came to accept his wealthy background, overlooked a crucial detail.

" Sir, I think you left out something important." Steve reminded.

" Huh? What are you talking about?"

" You forgot to tell them about the venue," Steve whispered as a model employee; he didn't want to embarrass his boss.

" Right, Mother, I forgot to mention that the premiere will be held in the states. I hope that is okay." Samuel was abashed.

" States? That's-when?" Aaron wanted to ask more before deciding.

" 9th of November. We have plenty of time to prepare." Samuel could sense hesitation in his voice.

" Hmm"

" Isn't it okay? It's been so long since we went somewhere. It could be our short vacation; we could go a week early and explore a little." Carol was unfazed by Samuel's sudden revelation.

" Great, you don't have to worry about anything. I will arrange everything!" Seeing a chance, Samuel pushed forward.

" But what about our store? Closing it so close to the festive season would affect our business."

" We could put an early notice or have someone look after it. You could ask one of your Uncles; I am sure he would be happy to do it."

" You are right. Uncle has been staying at home since his retirement; he could do it if we ask him. There is a problem left, Hannah's school. Won't it be bad if she falls behind too much?"

" Honey, you are thinking too much. She would be excited; remember, she has been pestering us to go to Disneyland. Imagine how happy she will be when you tell her about it? Attending the movie premier along with a visit to an amusement park, it's a win-win situation." Carol knew how her husband obsessed over details.

Being a businessman, it was common for him to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on something.

" Alright, I will make preparation." Aaron accepted it. He couldn't refuse after thinking about his daughter's delightful expression. Her happiness was his top priority.

" Steve asks Drac to prepare everything."

" Yes, sir."

Just then, someone walked into the room; it was Hannah, who was dragging a little kid with her.

" Brother, when did you come?" She rushed toward Samuel as soon as she saw him. She gave him a hug while the unknown boy watched from a distance.