Hollywood Zenith

Hannah got along well with Donald and, surprisingly, with Patricia too. Maybe because she presented her with sweets, but it was unexpected.

" I will come to pick you up tomorrow. Will you be alright on your own?" Carol asked her daughter.

" Yes, mother."

" Don\'t make trouble and go to bed before midnight. I don\'t want you yawning your way to school tomorrow."

" Don\'t worry, Mother, I will look after her," Samuel assured her.

" Alright, Also, don\'t let her eat too much. She will upset her stomach."

She reminded me about several things before leaving. Samuel took Hannah inside; while they walked, Hannah began telling him about her visit to the library.

" Brother, I looked at your drawing. I didn\'t know that it took so much effort."

" You must learn it; if you practice enough, you could draw better than me."

" Better than brother? I think it\'s impossible for me." She said with a sad face. She definitely tried in the past.

" Haha, maybe not right now, but you must work hard. If you have any questions, you can always ask me."

" Really? You promised! No, takebacks." That cheered her up.

Life inside the estate was as peaceful as it gets, occasionally, one could hear distant shouts coming from the training area, but it would be dampened by nature sounds coming from the garden.

At dinner, Hannah was introduced to another family member. She was a little shy, but others took it as one of her charms.

Laura and Mary, in particular, took quite a liking to the little girl. Because of Hannah, the head chef, went all out today, making every kind of dish, and giving a wide variety of gourmet for dinner.

Hannah was initially hesitant, but she began gulping down food after Donald\'s awkward encouragement. Samuel had to stop her before she upset her stomach.

The next few hours were girl time, as the ladies of the house took Hannah around the home. Each wanted to show something that would excite her the most.

Samuel left them to their own devices as he joined the elder\'s table and talked about his day-to-day life. He would give constant updates about his companies to not worry them too much.

He mentioned the problem with manpower.

" I think you should visit one of my associates," Kenneth asked.

" Won\'t it be better if he interviews someone from our company," Donald said. He was never interested in business, but regardless if Sami faced some problem, he would like to give some advice.

" Samuel would not take that approach. Right?" Robert asked while looking in Samuel\'s direction.

Samuel only nodded, which prompted Margaret to lash out.

" I never could understand. Actively trying to avoid family\'s help. Do you have to be so adamant?"

" It was never about that; I don\'t want anyone to doubt my accomplishments in the future."

" What about the matter with HKSBC? Why didn\'t I see such resolve then?" Margaret doubled down.

" What can a little kid do in front of a banking conglomerate? Grandma, do you want others to bully me?" Samuel said with an innocent face, plainly contradicting himself.

" What? Now, you are acting cheeky. I see; those acting skills are doing wonders."

Everyone laughed, seeing the pair arguing. Margaret wanted to put some sense into his head but failed miserably.

" I will inform them about your visit. Just prepare your requirements beforehand."

" Can they find reliable people?" Samuel asked.

" That is for you to find out. Their only job is to connect two clients. But they could guarantee the qualification of candidates." Robert said.

Margaret could only accept this outcome before they moved on to other topics.

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A few hours before midnight, Mary gathered Samuel, Hannah, and Peter for late night party. Only some days do they get to have a new member staying the night.

Samuel was well aware of her pattern as she did the same when Eun-ja first came to visit. At that time, too, she dragged everyone to hold a party disguised as a late-night talk.

" Now that everyone is here, we will hold the 354th group session. Peter, don\'t lie down! As a senior member, you have to welcome the youngsters."

" Do we really have to do this again? My whole body is sore; I really can\'t do this tonight." Peter was frustrated as a battle maniac. He had to push his limit constantly to improve, and for that, he needed his beauty sleep.

" Don\'t be like that; look how excited little Hannah is. Are you going to ruin the night by complaining?"

Peter sat up begrudgingly. Looking at the puppy eyes of the little girl, he had to endure as an adult. Even if it was for a childish reason.

" Aun-, Sister Mary, what is tonight\'s theme?" Samuel almost fumbled and called her Aunt again; hopefully, Mary didn\'t notice it. Meanwhile, Hannah stared at her with anticipation.

" Scary Stories! Hannah, do you like Scary stuff?"

Hannah didn\'t know how to respond. She didn\'t get much chance to enjoy herself like this, which made her get along with the idea. She nodded--

" I am fine with it." She sounded confident.

" Sister, Are you trying to scare the kids? I know Samuel would be fine, but you are responsible if you scare the little girl, alright? I will not have anything to do with it." Peter declared outright. As the second youngest, he knew from experience. Kids might look mature on the outside, but one can not deny that they are just little kids trying to fit in.

" It will be fine. Hannah, I will stop when you tell me to, okay? Peter, you go first." Mary reassured the group.

At that moment maid entered the room and handed me some snacks and soft drinks, nothing too heavy. It seemed Mary had planned everything. Mary handed everyone their share before turning off the lights; she placed a small light source in the center to illuminate everyone\'s faces.