Hollywood Zenith

" I was hoping you will also come with us. As, you know that it is far but I think it will be good to get together and have some fun together, it will be a good experience for all of us. Hannah would also be happy if you came. " Samuel directly invited her, ignoring the surprised faces of others. He has already made up his mind.

Iblis clenched her fist, hearing Samuel's proposal. She felt conflicted about the situation; on the one hand, she didn't want her friend to suffer, but on the other, she might be over her head about the case by overthinking. She is still not ready to entertain the idea that Samuel might be a good person. Sometimes emotions drown the facts about reality, but as a sheltered child, she has yet to experience life lessons.

" I-i, is it okay? I know Hannah would be delighted, but I don't want to intrude on your holiday. Besides, you have yet to discuss it with her." Adele said, still processing the situation.

"It's completely fine. The more, the merrier; besides, it will be first for all of us. I would be happy if you came along. I discussed it with her briefly, and she was okay with the idea." Samuel said, assuring confused Adele.

" If you say so. Ok--" Adele was halfway through agreeing when Iblis interjected.

" I will also go." Iblis announced abruptly.

" What? Miss I don't think your father would agree on this. You know how overprotective he is about you. Also it will be foreign environment, we cann't guarantee you safety. " Karolina refutes Iblis by reminding her about her family circumstances.

" You don't have to worry about that. I will talk to father later; as Samuel said, the more, the merrier, right Samuel? " Iblis looked at Samuel with a piercing gaze, seemingly trying to tell him to accept.

Samuel seeing her conviction, got stuck in a complicated situation.

He wanted to deny but seeing as everyone was watching him closely and Adele making a happy face at the thought of Iblis accompanying them, he had to decide. He still did not know much about the Iblis' family, but if she could convince them, he doesn't have any problem with it. But he has to factor in unknown variables and definite erratic circumstances that may arise because of her presence.

" Ok, but you have to get permission from your family. I don't want to be accused of kidnapping you later down the line, " Samuel gave in.

Oscar thought about objecting but felt helpless about the situation. It was getting out of his hand, and now it seemed like he had to consult the family's elder. Constant interaction between Samuel and Iblis could lead to greater friction between the Rothschilds and the Hanson family. The fire could be ignited, leading to further hatred and skirmishes.

Neither Karoline nor Samuel knew about the complication and how it would unfold a tragic situation down the line. Karoline was actively trying to gain support through the Rothchilds' family name and didn't know about the past, while Samuel didn't think much about the situation. To begin with, he just wanted to have some free time and spend it with some of the people he cared about.

While Oscar and Karoline weighed their option, Adele's family remained shocked about the situation. Penny and her mother felt conflicted; it was too much for an ordinary family. As Samuel described his plans, arguments, and conclusion from start to end, they didn't know how or when to interject in the conversation.

The whole situation is foreign to them; with their family, it was impossible to visit an attraction park near them, much less in another country. Only recently, Penny and Adele mended their differences, and the thought of sending her daughter abroad was frightening for her.

When Samuel sensed the alienation in her eyes, he knew the reason. He knew how protective parents can be about their offspring, which was hard for him to understand. He knew the ins and out---the theory, but it cannot be compared to actual experience. He failed and neglected Adele's parents' role in the situation.

" Mother," said Adele, concerned about the look on her mother's face.

" I am sorry. I should have asked you first. If you don't want me to go, I will not go." Adele said, looking straight into her mother's eyes.

" That's--" Penny said but stopped midway. She is confused; she wants her daughter to enjoy her life but is also concerned about her well-being. She only met Samuel a few times and only knew little about him through her conversation with her daughter. She knew he was not a bad child, but anything could happen abroad, and she would not be there to protect her daughter.

" Aunt, I know what you are thinking. You are concerned for Adele. I know we only met a few times, and you still do not trust me, but I promise that no harm will befall her as long as I am around. You may not believe me, but I will plan thoroughly and think of every countermeasure to ensure her safety. " said Samuel with a resolute voice, displaying his confidence. Penny eased a little bit, her mind settled a little, seeing the severe look on Samuel's face.

Silence permeated for a few seconds while everyone held their breaths. They were waiting for the verdict, and Penny's mother also left the decision to her daughter. She is not concerned about Adele much; during the brief conversation with Samuel, she already judged his character. Old people have a keen sense of intuition due to decades of experience. Living in a harsh environment amplifies those traits bringing them near to absolution.

" Ok, you can go, but I want hourly updates and daily reports at night. " Penny said after making up her mind. She felt that though it is risky, her daughter must experience life.

" Adele may have strayed in the past a little but it is not all her fault. I am also a big factor for that incident. Beside, I could not deny her when she makes that pleading face while demanding something. " Penny thought.

Samuel and the company cheered after Penny's declaration. Though she played hardball but constant attacks finally broke her defenses.

" Now, I have to play the same game again at Moore's household." Samuel thought and sighed about his predicament.