Hollywood Zenith

" Yes, father. I have something to ask. But promise me that you will hear me out till the end." I said.

Iblis's father, Kester Haston, is a well-respected individual in the family. He took over the head of the family fifteen years ago due to unfortunate circumstances. At that time, the family was toe to toe with the Rothschild family, but his consistent efforts resulted in a permanent decline for the Hanston family.

Before him, his father maintained a cordial relationship with the competitors and actively supported joint ventures to enrich all parties but not Kester, he wanted to reign supreme, and the only way to do that was to undermine the other party.

With the support of his followers, i.e., other less prominent families, Kester took charge of the undertaking but paid a heavy price in the end. Kester's powers took a huge hit because of it, but he never lost hope. His mind grew resentful with each passing year, and he started searching for ways to get his revenge on the Rothchild family.

His plans, which he recently concocted, will come to fruition soon. Iblis doesn't know this because her father always sheltered her and raised her locked inside the family home.

She has recently been given permission to attend the Institute as a bargaining deal for accepting the wedding arrangement.

" Father, I want to accompany my friends abroad and need your permission," I said, closing my eyes to shield my view from upcoming verbal lashing.

I have always followed my father and knew quite well how he behaves. But this time, I have to take my chances for my friend--my only friend.

" Hmm, go on, Explain yourself, I will listen to your circumstances first before deciding." Kester said in a calm tone which was unusual for him.

" Yes, When I started my classes---" I recalled my encounter with Adele and the circumstances but left everything about Samuel out of it. I know that If I ever mention anything about a boy accompanying me, he would flat-out reject me.

" You may go. Take Karoline and others they will protect you. " Kester said and dismissed me.

I was ecstatic but didn't show it on my face. Father never liked it when I lost my composure; I still remember years of etiquette classes and reforms to maintain my image as a proper lady.

I left with happiness in my heart; this was the first time my father approved of something on my own accord.

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" Give me the detailed report about all significant people my daughter has been in contact with in these two months, especially her 'friend,'" said Kester. Kester called Karoline, who was in charge of the protective detail assigned to Iblis. She is also responsible for recording important events in day to day life of Iblis.

Karoline explained the situation and her finding about Adele; she also explained about Samuel but left out his family name on purpose. She is not ready to lose her trump card yet and wants to keep it under wraps for as long as possible. She also stated how the circumstances came to be but kept it vague.

Karoline could guess the reason for Iblis' erratic behavior when it comes to Adele and Samuel, but saying it out loud would be problematic, especially to an overprotective parent. She doesn't want to trash her employers' reputation, not in the current climate, where everything depends on her performance.

She knew it was a dangerous game she was playing, but she had no choice in the matter. Besides, the mere mention of the boy has put Kester in a precarious position.

" What? a boy? How could this happen? What were you doing all this time? You could have easily suppressed him. Am I wrong?" Kester became distressed. He knew how Iblis grew up, and he facilitated that; but with an unknown factor, it could all be destroyed if certain measures are not implemented.

" I could, but we could incur the wrath of the other party. This boy seems to be special. I have already implemented protective measures and also put resources to find his origins, but so far nothing came up. I have also observed his and young miss interaction, there is nothing to be worry about yet." Karoline replied, which seemed to put Kester's mind at ease.

" The keyword is 'yet'. Monitor the boy, I don't want him to become a hinderance for Iblis's engagement. How is the preparation for it? " Kester asked.

" Everything is going smoothly. I am corresponding with the head butler to upgrade the security for the occasion. What about the young lady? " Karolina asked hesitantly. It was not her place to judge her employer but spending time with Iblis made her feel sorry.

" You don't have to worry about it. My daughter is not like other girls; I will inform her after she returns from her trip." Kester said proudly. He has always been the one to make decisions for his daughter; besides, her fiancée's family has been a long supporter of his cause.

" Alright. I will take my leave. I have to prepare for the upcoming journey. " Karoline said and left the study room. She wanted to help Iblis somehow, but her dire situation needed her unwavering attention.

" Maybe my choices could influence Iblis's fate. What if I told Samuel about it? No, I make any risky move. I have to stay patient." Karoline thought as she walked away from the door.

" A Boy? I guess I have to meet him." thought Kester.

Meanwhile, Iblis, in her room, began her preparation for the trip. She has never explored outside the general vicinity of the estate. She has gone out only a handful of times, usually escorted by her security details. This time is different; with Adele and Samuel, she could act more freely. She is just like a caged bird finally allowed to venture outside.

" How many bags should I pack, ten should be the minimum." She whispered to herself and began her work.