Hollywood Zenith

" Finally! After driving this bad boy for some time, I feel like we are meant to be together!?" Darren was in a good mood. He was able to somehow convince Samuel to let him drive the Spyker.

" Don't be too excited. This is only one time thing, I can't believe you were throwing temper tantrum inside a running car. But it would not work a second time." Samuel reminded him once again.

" Forget it! Are we there yet? It is unusual for you not to tell me about our destination beforehand. Did you forgot about our top of the line navigation system?"

" It's mine! not ours!"

" Fine, fine."

" Che, eyes on the road. We are headed toward-, wait, first stop at the store." Samuel pointed at a small shopping centre in the distance.

" You want to buy clothes? Just tell me what you need I will get it delivered." Darren said.

" This is not our final destination. I want to check up on my Verdant Orphanage but we can't go empty handed right?"

" Didn't you hear me? I could get it delivered. Beside It will be dark before we reach it."

" I know that's why hurry up! I will let you taste something amazing today!"

" I like the sound of that. You better have made reservations at a unique place to impress me!" Darren was someone who had eaten at every famous place in this city. He had spent his whole life here; not even food trucks escaped his gluttonous frenzy.

" Yes, You would surely be surprised."

Although it was a small shopping district, it had a fair number of stores. From toys to designer stores, one could find whatever suited their taste. Samuel first wanted to get some sunglasses; it was annoying that his recent fame hindered his movements.

" First let's head toward that store, 'Sunglass Hut'? Yeah, I want something to cover my face."

" Okay." With a screeching sound, the car stopped abruptly at the storefront, it was a little cramped to call it a parking place, but Darren's skills were no joke. He parked it without a scratch.

" If you have that much talent why don't you drive properly."

" You couldn't tame a beast with grass!"

" Stop with your nonsense! Let's go."

It was almost evening, which meant many visitors at this hour. Some returned from work, while others visited eateries to satiate their hunger. No matter who they were, the black Spyker instantly caught their attention.

It was not a wealthy district where such cars were standard, but the few people with discerning eyes noticed Samuel's car's rarity. Some car enthusiasts were bound to be among them that began discussing themselves.

" Isn't that Spyker C12? I never thought I would be fortunate to witness one on the road."

" Is it that impressive?"

" Of course, I heard most of these models are stored in four glass walls because of their low count. But here someone dared to ride it without a care in the world."

" But how come such people are here. Did someone that rich live here?"

" Wait! Isn't those two men are heading toward the 'Hut'."

" You are right. It seems like we will have some trouble soon."

" Yeah, we should stay far away. They must have heard about it by now."

The two young men they were admiring before became the subject of their pity when they looked at their destination. It was still bright outside, but they knew that darkness would soon envelop this place. It was confirmed that the 'Rose' was a beautiful flower, but one had to always remember that roses came with thorns!

....

....

....

" Welcome," a pretty store employee greeted them sweetly. A redhead blue-eyed beauty? Her features were complemented by a curvy figure and a slim waist. Darren was already smitten; he quickly adjusted his hair and prepared to make his move.

On the other hand, Samuel was dumbfounded; she reminded him of an interesting fact. It was said that when you meet a redhead with blue eyes, you look at the rarest colour combination of all human beings.

Around 17 per cent of people have blue eyes, and when combined with 1-2 per cent having red hair, the odds of having both traits are around 0.17 per cent. It was strangely on par with the odds of being born with 11 fingers or toes.

What would be the number if she was also born with extra fingers? Samuel was almost intrigued by such probabilities but suddenly remembered when he was almost ousted as a mathematical genius!*

" Fuck! I don't want to go bald like those pesky researchers!" He shook his head, trying to forget those unpleasant memories.

" Watch and learn partner!" Darren was brimming with confidence.

" Excuse me... you are blocking the door." On the other hand, the girl was worried about something completely different. Darren reacted instantly and took the lady's hand. He knelt down, with his head down and eyes closed, and he was ready to say his piece.

" How come her hand are so rough?" He thought as he felt the texture. He rubbed some more to confirm it. How sad of a life this girl had lived to have such a hand? He was truly touched!

"Brat! How much longer are you planning to caress my hand?"

" What? Who are you?" Darren was startled. Did he see it wrong? Was she only an illusion? But he spotted the girl peeking from behind.

" Ah, My lady, can you tell me your name?" He ignored the middle-aged man and asked the girl directly.

" It seems like you are here to cause trouble. Are you also from the silver group?"

" Man, can't you see I am talking with her? Why are you butting in?" Darren was losing patience.

" If you want to talk to my daughter, you naturally had to ask my permission. It's common courtesy, haven't you heard about it?"

" Oh, it's father-in-" the man smacked him before he could finish. Receiving such a sudden blow, Darren's large body lost its balance, and he fell down.

" Baby, bring my sons here." The man said to her daughter; naturally, she followed his instruction and went to the back of the store.

" I learned a lot. Now, if you keep embarrassing yourself or do something stupid. I myself will beat you and tell aunt about everything." Samuel thought it was enough. Darren must have learned his lesson.

" But I was only trying to talk to her." He was already sulking. Great!

" Fuck! I keep forgetting that you are still a rich brat! first sexual harassment now are you going to force these people to talk to you? It seems like you need do some repenting!" Samuel was furious. This lecherous bastard only brings troubles his way.

" Dad, here." She handed him a black wooden box. The man opened it and brought forth its content.

Two pitch-black pistols. Was there any need for such firearms due to a simple misunderstanding. Nonetheless, Samuel became alert. In such a nonsensical situation, there had been a reason for his aggressive behaviour.

" I am sorry for my friend. He is a little thick skulled but he means no harm to you or your daughter." Samuel stepped forward.

" It is too late for that. I will at least acknowledge your courage at the face of the barrel, but I want you to leave the store right this instant." The man was adamant. Maybe he was too soft with his approach, which had led to this situation.

The store, which was hustling and bustling a few months ago, was basically a thing of the past. With constant harassment from the Silver group, even his regular customers left. He was at his last straw.

" Sir, you have misunderstood our intentions. We are just regular customers."

" Shut up! Do you honestly think I will believe your lies? Rich brats are buying in my small store. Don't you think the place directly opposite me is more suited for your taste?" Upon hearing this, Samuel also noticed a top-of-line sunglass store just a few blocks from there.

It was true that his hasty decision, which didn't have any ulterior meaning, was perceived as a threat by this old man. Samuel could easily take care of the man without breaking a sweat. Although the man looked to be an ex-soldier from his build, he was no match for him.

But he didn't want to use force on innocent people regardless of the circumstances. Like that masked fella said, 'with great power comes great responsibility'; he had to follow some code of conduct.

" Why are you dilly-dallying? Get the hell out! We don't have anything to sell to Silver group!" Seeing the man's resolution, Samuel sighed.

" Dad? I don't think I have ever seen them here. Maybe-"

" You stay quiet. You don't know these kind of people. Didn't I tell you all men are bad? When are you going to get that in your head?" Quite the overprotective type.

" It looks like we have to look somewhere else. Let's go." Samuel made up his mind.

But then, a chilling female voice called out to the man holding the pistol.

" Ara, It looks like you are again threatening our customers."