Hollywood Zenith



" Princess Sibylla, the price of this suite is three million U.S. dollars. In addition to that you have to pay the real estate tax, management fee etc which would be seventy five thousand dollars in total. It would include everything, we would also arrange for a housekeeper if you need one. They would clean the room regularly with your permission."

" Will there be any additional problem?" Paige asked on behalf of Sibylla. She was referring to privacy concerns with the maids.

" No, Never, please rest assured, your majesty, our employees are carefully selected, and they will definitely be tight-lipped about what to share in the public." Sunderland was very clear on the company policies.

Sibylla listened to the price; in L.A., this price would be sky-high according to the average limit. It was 2009, and after the recession, most of the properties had seen a steep price fall, but because of their reputation and different facilities, it was very fair in the end.

Besides, as a Swedish Royal Princess, Sibylla didn't have to worry about the cost. Her family was already on board; they would happily arrange it once she asked.

" Alright, I will buy it. Someone will come to meet you in the afternoon. You can talk to them." Even if she bought this place, it would not belong to Princess Sibylla's private property but belong to the Swedish royal family.

"Okay, no problem, Princess; what do you think about the personal furniture?" Sunderland asked. There were only a few essential pieces of furniture as they were usually left to the owner. Even if they provided everything, some customers didn't like it as they had different tastes.

"We will meet again in the afternoon." Her Royal butler would arrive in the afternoon, and she knew all about her taste and preferences.

They took a few hours to tour the place, but the deal was finalized in a few minutes. 

" Mr. Sunderland, is your penthouse sold yet?" Seeing that Sibylla had settled her business, Samuel raised his own question.

"Ah, no, young master, not yet." When Sunderland heard his words, he was pleasantly surprised. It seems that Samuel was also interested in owning a property here. What's more, he was asking for the penthouse? Those were the most expensive in their catalog.

There was an unwritten rule in luxury real estate for companies like them; the higher one climbed, the more expensive it would get to buy it. Also, the per square foot increased tremendously. 

The top floor of their estate was the only single-type suite with an area of a staggering seventy-two hundred feet, but because of the high price, only a few people usually chose to look at it. They also had single bungalow-type properties; most people from immense wealth would buy those over penthouses.

However, Samuel wanted to see it today; Sunderland would agree to it without hesitation.

  When talking about qualifications for appointments, certain people were above those requirements. The company always made an exception or bent the rule for people like him.

Because if Samuel was not qualified, how many people in the United States would be qualified?

" Please come with me, I will immediately arrange the keys to the place." Samuel nodded and followed along with Sibylla, who was also interested in it.

Meanwhile, Paige didn't feel good about it; why did he need to buy a place here? She didn't know, but she was jealous!

" Wait, what do you mean? Is the presidential suite of my hotel that uncomfortable?" Paige said with an annoyed face.

" It's not like that, It's just that I need some place closer to the city beside it's only a year. It's better to arrange a good place, I don't like to impose on you much longer." Samuel said what was on his mind.

" That's what I am saying? Why waste money here? It's a year worth of free accomodation?" Paige groaned.

" Wait a minute! Why is he staying for free while I am paying? There was not even a discount! Aren't we friends?" Sibylla was shocked to learn the truth.

" Really? We are not that familiar! Do you want my company to go bankrupt?" Paige sneered, facing her. She was already in a bad mood, but taking it out of Sibylla was a bad move.

" I don't think you could go broke not charging her, I mean the price is only-" Samuel wanted to speak up, but when he saw her fuming from her ears, he stopped midway.

" Do what you want!" Paige was unhappy, but she couldn't stop Samuel from buying.

Under the leadership of Sunderland, three people took the elevator to the top floor of the building. When the elevator door opened, the entire area belonged to the owner alone. Therefore, there was no reason to design the door; one could enter the inner space directly.

When they first saw Sibylla's flat, everyone thought it was pretty good, but compared with the penthouse, the gap was a bit outrageous. One had a homey feel, but this one felt outlandish and over the top.

The world's top manufacturers provided all the materials used but in a modern and luxurious style. Samuel didn't need to see more; he greatly liked it.

"Mr.Sunderland, what's the price?" Samuel decided after only glancing at the place. Sibylla, on the other hand, was a little unhappy. She didn't like the difference between her house and this place.

But she knew her parents would never agree to buy such a place; they also emphasized owning what one earned, and she sure in hell didn't earn this much money.

"30 million U.S. dollars with a 300,000 US dollars annual management fees." When Sibylla finally heard the price, there was nothing else to say. It was ten times more than her flat, but she knew as their crown jewel, the price was bound to skyrocket! Evil capitalist!

Hearing the price, Samuel thought about it. It was one of the largest investments he made apart from business dealings. There were some cars in that ballpark, but he had never treated himself like this.

With the money in the account, it was only chump change; he decided to give it a go.

" I will be paying a down payment of few million now, but the rest had to be settled by my people in later date. Is there a problem?" He didn't want to seem too eager; besides, it was better to let the professional handle it; in that way, he could save some money on taxes!

Even if one becomes a billionaire, spending conservatively and appearing modest is better. Wealth was fleeting if one didn't know how to manage it! 

"Of course, there is no problem, Mr. Samuel. But if I take the liberty to ask, do you need a loan? We can provide ultra-low interest loans to our customers?" Sunderland knew it was no little money; even the super-rich didn't have many liquid assets.

"No need, I'll pay the full amount in few days." Samuel rebuffed domineeringly. It looked like Sunderland thought he was broke for some reason. Too much modesty was also a curse? 

"No problem, then I am going to prepare the contract now. You can grab something to eat at out restaurant in the meantime."

" Alright." Samuel agreed. They were indeed famished.

It was almost noon. They headed to the Michelin-star restaurant on the second floor while Sunderland went to his office to prepare the documents. Sibylla's butler also conveniently arrived when they were entering the floor, and Sibylla told her to look at the arrangements.

It was a French restaurant, but they served various fusion dishes. Three varieties of amuse bouche called the three jewels, after which full course meal began.

It was a good experience as they discussed many things during their meal. After the end of it, when Samuel paid for it, they informed them that Sunderland had already settled the bill. It was a kind gesture, so they accepted it.

It was also interesting to notice that Sunderland didn't profit much from their deal. Although Samuel and Sibylla were not a master of bargaining, Sunderland intentionally kept the price closer to the market value.

He was playing the long game; with such superstars under the company's properties, it was bound to bear fruit in the future, much less worry about a few thousand dollars for their lunch meal. It was pointless for a businessman to think about small things avoiding the bigger picture.

Samuel and the others waited for a while but decided to visit the private club to look at the atmosphere. Sibylla's butler was also busy inspecting the place, so they ordered a few specialty coffees provided by the club.

Paige was not very keen on conversing, but Sibylla would always pull her in with her silly antics. Samuel also noticed that Paige was more hurt than he expected, so he decided to do something nice to lift her mood.

But knowing her normal things never caught her attention, he needed to think outside the box. While they were chatting freely, Sunderland sent their contracts over. It was not the final draft but some outlines which would determine their final contract.

He also set the final payment date for Samuel's property in a few months giving Samuel ample time, which he didn't really need, but it showed Sunderland cared about their deal.