Hollywood Zenith

With a series of claps, Russell announced through the studio's microphone.

"Thank you, I am finally feeling like we can do it." Adele left the booth and smiled broadly while receiving everyone's compliments. Even though she was apprehensive at first, she was grateful for Samuel's rescue in her time of need. It indeed lifted a heavy burden off her shoulders.

" You better; I feel like we are onto something special here. I can't believe the company was about to let you go!" One of the technicians said with enthusiasm.

Russell knew more than anyone else how to evaluate music after years of experience in this field. It was precisely why he chose to sign the contract with Adele in the first place.

"Alright, enough with the flattery; get back to work. We need to clean those last notes as soon as possible." Russell implored.

" Ah, Yes, sir." He scurried away hastily, hearing the big man.

" I know you hate it, but it was bound to happen after they knew your connection," Russell said after seeing the strange look on Adele's face.

" It's not bad, but It has become harder to discern what they truly feel about my songs." Adele could only sigh thinking about it. She knew it was bound to happen after the word got out.

" There you go self-doubting again; I will be here to give my honest opinion. You can count on this old man!" Russell reassured her again. In his opinion, it was not wrong; the industry was not kind to strangers and nobodies.

" Thanks for everything."

" Don't make it sound so bleak. Now, get some rest over this weekend. I don't want to push you, but we need to finish the album before the timeline."

" I know."

They talked for a few more minutes, syncing her schedule, Adele wanted to work the weekend, but Russell turned her down. He needed to think about everyone's well-being, including the staff, who would surely protest the thought of working on Sundays.

They only need to be consistent, and it will all be over soon. He could ask them for a few overnighters before the release date if push comes to shove. Everyone began to leave, and Adele also headed toward the bus stand.

While moving toward the entrance shocked to see a big crowd. It was so dense that one couldn't distinguish what was gathering around. Out of curiosity, Adele moved toward the center only to find Samuel standing with folded arms looking around.

At that moment, their eyes met, and while Samuel was smiling, the same couldn't be said about Adele. Adele hoped he didn't pay attention as she backpedaled out of the crowd. It was embarrassing already, so she didn't want to add more fuel to the fire.

When she thought she was safe, someone grabbed her arm while halting her stride. She turned around to see Samuel was already standing behind her. The next thing she knew, she was already dragged toward his car while bystanders gave way with curious gazes.

Was it a daytime kidnapping? Maybe, but the girl didn't resist, so people stayed out. The woman who was thinking about approaching him instantly got depressed, seeing the young man was waiting for a girl.

Adele complimented the young man's demeanor, so the collecting groans, and demoralizing shouts were heard from the back of both men and women. Adele was too shocked to care, while Samuel didn't mind their silly antics.

Sensing the show was over, the crowd dispersed to make way as Samuel sped his Aston Martin away from the displeased crowd, but not before Adele caught a glimpse of her colleague's sly faces.

...

...

...

" Did you really have to do that?" Adele exclaimed in frustration.

" What? What are you talking about?" Samuel was utterly oblivious to her situation.

" That! It was excessive, to say the least!"

" I really don't know what you are talking about?"

" I hate to say this, but your face gives me a headache sometimes!" Adele was not yet clear with her thoughts. She was grumbling, thinking about what was to come when she would head to the studio next week.

" Face? What's wrong with my face? I was inconspicuous today with my getup, hat, and everything!" Samuel took off his disguise and threw them behind his seat. Luxury sportscars really had to think about storage for a change!

Adele started listing her complaints and was surprised to notice Samuel being quiet. She thought she had gone a little too far with her grumpiness, but when she sneakily looked at his face, she saw him holding his laughter.

" Really!? Samuel!" It made her even more mad that he thought it was funny. She could only retaliate with light punches to his shoulders. She was careful as he was driving, but even if she seriously punched him, he wouldn't have felt a thing.

But it didn't stop him from being dramatic!

" Ouch! Wait- stop! I am losing control!" He swirled the monster a little like a drama queen.

" Argh! I am sorry!" Adele yelped. She was surprised that being this effective was never her intention, but she began to regret her decision.

" Hahahahaha " Samuel began laughing again without any restraints. It was funny and cute to see her reaction to all of this.

" You- I can't believe you!" Being made fun of twice broke all barriers, and in the end, Samuel had to pull the vehicle to the side to incur her wrath. After a few minutes of back and forth, Adele calmed down.

" Never do that again!"

" Alright! Alright! I promise!"

Samuel started heading toward the city while Adele focused on good things. It was mostly about how great it was at work and praised the new team that Samuel had arranged for her with Russell at the helm.

" Everything is going great, but I was thinking about adding variety to my debut album," Adele asked.

" What do you mean? Like a different composer?"

" No, not like that; I know adding features on debut albums is not a norm. Who would want to feature on a new artist's album? It's risky, I get it, but I have been thinking about it."

" I see. Do you have someone specific in mind?"

" A male singer would be good. The problem is I don't know anyone; I just don't have such connections."

" Yet"

" Huh?"

" Such connections yet. I am certain people would be lining up for a feature in the future." Samuel smiled as he said it. It was not empty words; he knew how dazzling her career would be in the future.

"Are you making fun of me again?"

" No, I am serious. Also, I have the perfect person in mind for such a feature!"

" Hmm? Who?"

" Me!"

" Pff! You are many things, but I don't think you are a singer!" Adele chuckled, thinking it was one of his antics again.

" Don't underestimate me! You might not know it, but I have been training my voice secretly!"

" Yeah, right. Personal training? You can do better than that to impress a girl!" Can anyone be a singer overnight? Adele didn't think so!

Samuel didn't say anything but, in return, started singing one of the already recorded songs from her debut album.

~Daydreamer 

With eyes that make you melt

He lends his coat for shelter

Plus, he's there for you

When he shouldn't be

But he stays all the same

Waits for you

Then sees you through~

His soothing voice surprised her; she knew this song by heart and wanted to make it the opener for her album. She wrote the song herself, which was why it was very close to her heart.

Ultimately, she couldn't help but clap involuntarily after his performance. She was lost for words as she never would have guessed he was telling the truth.

" Do you believe me now?" Samuel asked smugly.

" I- I never knew." She fidgeted, not knowing how to respond, as she was awestruck.

"Now, Why don't we decide on the payment first? My services are not cheap." Samuel joked, but he got surprised when Adele kissed him out of the blue.

" Thank you." It was quick as she muttered out her emotions while settling down in her seat again.

But Samuel was not satisfied; such a sneak attack and he would not retaliate? Impossible! He slowed the car and went in for more.

"Get off me and watch the road!" Adele protested.

"I am quite the multitasker, don't worry." He replied with another sly remark as she eventually gave in. They had already stopped for a few minutes for the PDA session. Samuel was raring to go, but he controlled himself.

He could already see that she wanted the same thing in her eyes. Their house was out of option, so Samuel made a split-second decision and headed straight toward his Surrey estate. This was the same estate that the Queen gifted him on his birthday.

There were only maids and butlers living there currently, so the house would be empty for sure. It was a long drive, but with Samuel behind them, they zoomed past all the traffic while Adele looked at him in silence with utmost anticipation.