Hollywood Zenith

" If you want to leave, I can show you the way out but I will be a little disappointed." Samuel said because he heard that they were making plans to bail out. He wasn't keeping them here against their will but he couldn't just let them go.

They couldn't say anything in return, they didn't know that he could hear them through the door but even more awkward was that they were wearing his oversized clothes while still in the middle of the chaos that erupted last night.

Their tattered clothes as well as the overall destruction of the room was reminiscent of the fact what had happened last night.

" Y-you-" Roberta was shocked to see Samuel. It was one thing to sneak into his room to get a proper look at him but seeing him in bright light definitely made her heart beat a little.

Other girls were the same except for Helga, who firmly remembered every detail. She too felt the same way looking at his handsome face up close last night but there was something different about him today.

She walked up to him, right behind Roberta and noticed that he was showing completely different expression. Last night, as far as she remembered, he looked cold and dignified but now, he was showing a faint smile with a kind look in his eyes. The face remained the same but the overall vibe changed a lot!

" I am Samuel, It's a pleasure to meet you lovely ladies. I know what I am about to say would sound weird but Henri told me what happened last night. I was drunk too so I don't remember much. It's not an excuse but I will not do anything to you guys because it was an accident." Samuel was truthful with his words.

" Not do anything? Have you seen what you did?" Roberta was angry seeing him take the situation so lightly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

" It's alright. We understand but we don't want to get in your hair. Please don't mind her words." Alana hurriedly said because she knew if they start digging what happened, both parties would be at a stalemate. They were just as guilty as him for coming on to him.

" I am aware of it which was why I am not making any excuses. No amount of money would top one's dignity but the least I could do is to help. I will talk to few people so that you don't have to worry about starting in the fashion industry." He bowed slightly showing his sincerity. Seeing him like this, everyone began to have some thoughts about it.

Half of them didn't remember much, those who did feel the change in his personality. Was it an illusion or he was just a really good actor? Helga was especially devastated because she could feel that he was trying to distance himself from her.

Her heart was a mess right now but she composed herself in front of everyone. Last night for her was different from everyone else, it was her first connection to someone that she knew that she couldn't do without. There was also a huge part of the story that she didn't disclose because it concerned only her and Samuel.

" Alright, stop!" Genevieve interjected.

" We are all adults here. I know that part of the problem was us sneaking into his room. Since everyone was drunk, we can't put blame on anyone beside, Helga already told us what actually happened." She rationalized the incident. Even if others wanted to refute they didn't have anything to say for themselves.

" But it was my first time..."

" Mine too." Alana and Katarina mumbled. Helga was also in the same boat but she didn't say anything. Katarina already knew about her circumstances.

" I am not saying we will sweep it under the rug but running away is not a good choice. We all knew that even worse thing would have happen to us. I am a pessimist but I also look at the upside. Since we don't remember much, there is no need to fight about it right now."

Everyone looked at one another not knowing how to untangle such a messy situation. They knew if Samuel hadn't shown up, they might be talking to Pierre who was trying to take advantage of them or worse their small little group would have already broken up.

Katarina and Helga would have to return home because they were here on limited visa. Alana and Roberta also had to think of a solution while Genevieve would have to resume helping out at her family's small hotel.

Right as they were thinking about it, a cheerful cry came through the door. Elise came running toward Samuel with open arms calling his name. Samuel knelt down and lifted her up into his arms but she pouted getting angry at him.

" I am sorry, I overslept."

" Humph! I tried to wake Sami up but no one let me get to your room!"

" Is that right? I will surely punish them for not listening to my little princess!" He patted her head and looked at the girls. Everyone understood that they had to continue their conversation at another time. Right then, Roberta's stomach grumbled. It was loud enough for everyone to notice.

" Let's go eat. You can play with your big sister, there is also a surprise waiting for you today." He said as he dropped Elise on the floor.

The little girl ran up the girls taking their hand guiding them downstairs. Henri was the one that allowed her to go upstairs and call everyone for lunch. Elise readily took the chance because it meant getting away from the staff that were watching her like a hawk.

Samuel gave way for them watching their back as they go downstairs. He looked inside the room again to see the mess thinking whether he should clean it or leave it to Henri but since he was already discovered, there was no much that could embarrass him further.

He did notice Helga sneaking glances at him but he didn't give it much thought and called Henri first. First he asked him to clear up the messy room and also instructed him to order clothes for the girls. They didn't bring luggage with them so it was his job to replace their clothes.

About the size and adjustment, he didn't care and asked Henri get everyone in the store and covert one of the room as a makeshift store for them to use. Since the fashion week was a week away, they would be staying here for few more days, nothing will be wasted.

He was about to go join them but his phone rang. It was Delphina who was calling him.

" Hello? How come the new lady boss herself is looking for me?" He said jokingly.

" Can't I even contact my partner?" She also chuckled over the phone.

" Of course you can."

" Right, I wanted to inform you that our new shares had to be announced today to the regulation committee. I will try to keep everything under wraps but I don't know who might be listening so you team better prepare to make a statement."

" I will inform them about it. What about Alexis? She is not giving you any trouble right?"

" I don't know. I haven't talked to her. We are not exactly friends you know."

" I understand. Just ask her to keep playing the game if possible. There is also no need to worry about the share market for the time being. Just ask your people to keep an eye on your supporters. If news did leak out, few might try to change teams. We can't have them doing such a thing at such a critical point."

" I know. I rallied everyone and made them sign few legal documents. You don't lack money right?"

" For now, it is enough but I think I shouldn't swallow any more shares in fear that others might become vigilant about my intentions."

" I know, it's just a last line of defense. For now there is not much movements from my brother. He is fully assure of his victory but his superficial pride would crumble soon." She was fired up about the party. She just wanted to get over it, after the Group was in her hand she would introduced a number of reforms to dampen the naysayers.

" Right, I heard that you bought a castle in the countryside? How come you didn't invite me?" Delphina finally get to the reason why she called him in the first place.

" The news has already traveled that far? I wonder who is behind all this publicity." Samuel remembered the government people he met yesterday.

" It's just a rumour for now but that piece of land holds a historical value for french enthusiasts. Since the previous owner was a reclusive owner, the place hasn't been open to the public for decades."

" Is that so? I think I understand why these people are itching and bothering me on my short vacation. I think I have to give them a proper visit this time." Samuel began to think of ways to use this circumstances to his advantage.

" I don't care. When are you inviting me over? I would love to see the place!"

" That- I don't think it's right for you to visit the place right now. Why don't we do this after you succeed in taking care of your family problem?"

" Why? I am not that busy right now. Are you hiding something?"

" No! I will call you later I am busy!" Samuel knew that the more he talked the more suspicious it would sound. He promptly hung up the phone and took a sigh of relief.

On the other side, Delphina was annoyed that he hung up on her. She could feel that he was trying to hide something from her. The only reason why he would do that was because he had some 'secret' guests and didn't want her to find out.

" He sure lives up to his status as a playboy. Should we find out who among the group is missing?" Delphina opened her contact and send a short message to one of the groups. They were the most knowledgeable about what he was up to in his private lives.