Hollywood Zenith



" I didn't expect Mr Joshua to personally receive me. It's a pleasure to meet you." Samuel stuck out his hand for a shake. He had already entered the massive castle on the outskirt of Paris where the meeting was happening.

Joshua, Jake's father, was taken aback for a few seconds before he hurriedly put forward his hand. " No, the honour is all mine. I hope you had a smooth journey?"

" Yes, it's not hard to find this place. Fleur castle has a rich history, and now that I have seen it with my own eyes, they were not an exaggeration." He said truthfully, it was not comparable to his family estate, but the castle covered a wide area, and there were some modern buildings at the back along with other facilities. 

With an enormous fountain surrounded by a well-maintained garden, it was a welcoming place. The castle was also a testament to the Arjo family's strength as it was granted to one of their heirs, so others should be scattered around the city too.

" Yes, Miss inherited the place on her eighteenth birthday and hired the best people to renovate it to her liking." Joshua knew quite a bit about the place as he had been coming here since Delphina took the helm of the VITA group.

" Is that so?"

" Yes, please follow me. I will guide you to the meeting room!" Joshua said respectfully. His perception of Samuel was utterly shattered; he always thought Samuel would lash out if he found he was Jake's father or at least show some contempt, but there was nothing.

Being in the business for many years, he knew it was abnormal behaviour. Learning about Samuel's history clearly, told him he was not a simple man; how could a simple person create an empire in his teen?

" Please."

Samuel followed him while looking around, as he thought earlier the castle was very nice. He believed Lucie had managed to secure him one. He could use it to send his parents on a vacation or a base of operation whenever he visits Europe. He knew the girls would love a castle like this!

Soon they stopped in front of a large door manned by two tall bodyguards, Samuel could tell they were highly skilled at a glance, but for him, it was not a problem. But he did think if it was necessary because he came alone. Were they expecting someone?

" Young master, this way." Joshua urged him to go first, which he did. He could sense a few people inside, but there was no immediate threat. Joshua followed, and he made sure to close the door behind him.

When Samuel entered, he expected it to be bright inside, but instead, it was sombre. The medium-sized room was beautiful, but there was no prominent light source; he surveyed and noticed no windows in the room, only a vast chandelier as the source of illumination. 

It was a perfect place if they wanted to harm him, granted they didn't know about his powers. He could sense ill intentions, and right now, he was getting none of that; it was near impossible to mask one's heart, especially when they were facing someone like him.

So it must be the latter; they wanted a secretive place to hold the meeting, which told Samuel that the possibility of surveillance was highly likely. Whatever case it was, there was no reason for him to fear anything.

He finally looked at the people inside, three ladies who appeared to be the same age. Two attendants and a young lady, which must be Delphina. She was sitting down, observing him as he did the same. 

She had blonde hair, like many Europeans, cut just above her shoulders, with a kind smile and a beautiful face. She didn't look like a typical businesswoman, but her eyes were stern, which meant she had reasonable control over her social expressions.

" Welcome, Mr Samuel; I am glad you can make it." She didn't stand up; she just signalled him to sit.

" It's a pleasure, Miss Arjo; I heard you wanted to see me." Instead of being angry, Samuel liked her direct approach. He sat down opposite her, and Joshua took his seat beside Delphina quietly.

" That's right." her expression changed for a second, hearing his tone. She was clearly older, but he showed no respect toward her, even going as far as to say she was calling for him, which was true, but she also heard his wish for this meeting.

" Well, I am here. You can tell what you need." Samuel crossed his legs and leaned backwards, completely changing his earlier attitude. It was necessary to signal them that he held the upper hand in this meeting.

" I called you here to apologize for the incident regarding Joshua's son Jake. It was only a misunderstanding; he will be dealt with according to the law. Joshua has given full permission, and I will give you a satisfactory result." Delphina said, ignoring Samuel's actions. 

They were in the wrong this time, but she still had her pride which was harder to shed aside. She hoped for peaceful negotiations, but now that her family learned about it from her brother, she was not obligated to do anything.

" That's it? If I didn't have proof, my career would be over. I know he is the son of your subordinate, but the way he treated his colleague still disgusts me when I think about it. A simple apology and a slap on the wrist will not cut it." Samuel said seriously.

" Of course, I know, which is why I have instructed my team to scrub the internet and contacted many media companies personally; they will soon retract their statement and run the news in your favour. It will die down in a few weeks." Delphina could only swallow her anger. She had never seen such an arrogant man, but what he said was the truth, so she had no way to refute him.

" I came here expecting a lot; It seemed like Miss Delphina thinks I am a fool. I am returning now, but I don't think it will end." Samuel shrugged and started standing up.

" Insolent bastard! How dare you talk to a young lady like this!?" One of the girls shouted angrily.