Hollywood Zenith

" Come on. It will only be for a couple of months before I find a replacement."

" No, I am already doing too much. I can't look after another company."

Samuel tried convincing Abigail to look after the newly established Verdant Foundation. Abigail was definitely more accessible after he appointed different directors for his other ventures, but It was hard for him to make her accept such responsibilities once more.

" I have already talked with Ludivina, and she promised me she is actively looking for someone. You know I want to find someone reliable to avoid repeating the past."

"Ugh"

" Please!"

" Alright! Alright! I will do it. But this is the last time."

" I will remember it!" Samuel was elated that she had accepted the job. There was no one more reliable than her that he could ask.

" Oh, by the way, we are holding a small party at the HQ. As the new director, I would love it if you could give a small speech."

" No! I hate that kind of thing."

" Don't worry. I believe in you." Samuel hurriedly fled after saying his piece. Abigail was left frustrated about why she accepted the job in the first place.

------------------------------------------

A few days after they had their conversation, Abigail stood at the small stage, prepared to address the guests.

" I want to start by stating that I may not be the best person for this job." Her statement was shocking. Was she not confident or just trying to be humble? Everyone thought the same thing.

" With that being said, I still remember the first time someone entrusted me with a big task. That turned out to be a nightmare that I am still fighting today, but-" She paused.

" I met someone special who was valued by worth. I can't be thankful for it; just like now, I entrust everyone here with the same job. Even if you work a menial job, nothing is insignificant as it directly affects your environment.

Why am I not best suited for the job? The answer is simple: I have not spent much time with everyone here, but I will still put in the effort. Thus, I would ask all of you to help me. Help me to erase the dark past and carry this new foundation to usher into eternal light!"

There were a few seconds of silence before cheers broke out from the audience stand. Few people remained from the past, those who were here, Jane personally vetted their backgrounds.

Several children who had gone missing were also brought back, and they were enjoying their friends' company. It was a harmonious atmosphere that exuded peace and serenity.

" Here you are. I can't believe you were protesting so much to take this job." Samuel said after Abigail joined him.

" My wife is only scary from the outside; she has a very gentle heart." Leonard, her husband, also attended the event. They also bought their daughter, who was busy mingling with other kids.

" Leo!"

" See is also very shy- Ouch, sorry, sorry. Stop hitting me!" The couple fought playfully. Samuel left them alone and moved toward where the children were playing and enjoying food.

" Remember, Big brother is a great person!"

" Bwig Bwother?" one of the small girls said with a puzzled look.

" Yes, from this moment. He will rule this land! See this, was it tasty?"

" Ywesh!"

" From now on, you will be able to eat it regularly; doesn't that make him great? Ask Cole if you don't believe me!"

" Yes, he fulfilled his promise. He also brought you all back."

" Really?"

" Yes."

Hannah was teaching the 'new' kids the rule of this place. Apparently, she made Samuel the big boss while she was the commander. She was preaching about Samuel's 'achievements' with a bit of temptation of sweet delicacies.

" Here he is! Brother, tell them!"

Instead of playing along with her, Samuel lightly smacked her head.

" Ow, Brother!" She gave him a fierce look. In her mind, she did nothing wrong!

It was OK to play around, but this was too much. He could see the strange reverence in these kids' eyes. How long had she been spouting bullshit?

" Stop teaching them a weird thing. Listen, everyone, whatever she told you, forget about it!"

" But it is the truth! It's not weird stuff!" She didn't want to back down. For her, Samuel was the best, and she wanted everyone else to know that.

" Anyway, keep it on the down low or else."

" O-or else?"

" Or else, I will not give you your magic wand! You know, the one I recently acquired after so much trouble."

" No! Anything but that!"

" It's good that you understand."

But it seemed to be too late for it. His image was already imprinted on their mind; it also didn't help when they saw his appearance. Hannah had skillfully collected her 'evidence' to show her brother's greatness.

He thought it was best to stay away from this area for the moment. Hannah was taking them toward the field; it was time for the next phase of her play. Samuel shook his head and left her alone; it was good that she was cheerful.

He went toward the food section to get some juice; he was parched after greeting the guests. The waiter served his glass but left behind a small handkerchief.

Samuel thought it was a mistake, but he noticed something scribbled on it; it looked awfully expensive at first glance. He tried to call the waiter, but he saw him moving toward where the children were playing.

He carefully opened it to find something written on the inside of it.

" It was a magnificent job, but it caused me a lot of pain. That business was my pride and joy, just like your sister, Hannah. You don't really want to see her crumble. This is a warning.

PS: I changed my mind. I hope you don't regret your decision now."

As soon as he finished reading it, he glanced toward Hannah in the distance. He frantically started searching for the culprit, but time was running out. He needed to get to her before something happened.