Hollywood Zenith

" It seemed like it worked. Most of our noble friends came." Laura said.

" It looks like it. But it's never that simple." Robert replied.

" What do you mean? They are not looking for trouble, are they?"

" I don't know, but we should discuss it later. I should address the crowd first." Robert tapped his glass a few times to get everyone's attention.

" Everyone, it is my pleasure that you can come to celebrate my son's eighth birthday. I know some unsavory things are floating on and about, but this shall pass. Please enjoy to your heart's content during your stay!" He didn't bore them with all the details, but they got the point.

Thus, the party officially began, and as the main 'man' of the party, Greyson was held up in a mandatory meet and greet. Eleanor accompanied him along with Nathaniel, who surprisingly got along great with him.

The elders of the house were busy with other old people, and not many young generations were present at the party. Samuel was stationed in the 'gift' section, where he came to find out what the Queen sent for his little brother.

' Estimate' was the name of the Irish thoroughbred horse she sent for his birthday gift. Learning more about his history, Samuel discovered he was from the long line of winning racehorses. His bloodline made him a highly sought-after racehorse.

Horse racing was a lucrative business with a market value of over a hundred billion dollars. The most expensive horse ever sold was valued at seventy million! The estimate would surely be worth a few million dollars.

" What are you thinking about?" Someone asked from behind.

" Oh, isn't it Ron and Hermione? Care to do some magic to relieve this poor gentleman of this miserable fate?" It was Emma and Rupert who came looking for him.

" I heard you deserved it. You know they are all talking about you." Rupert said.

" By the way, the reception area suits you. I can't imagine why they repeatedly line just to be close to you." Emma chuckled. It was true; Samuel was the perfect mascot for lonely ladies, frequently making rounds to gather his attention.

" Shh, you met the girl's squad. Do you think they take prisoners?" Rupert laughed.

" Right, I forgot. I have to say you have collected an interesting assortment of 'friends.' Where are they, by the way? I can't picture you guys apart." Emma looked around.

" To my knowledge, I don't know what you are insinuating. But I just told you I am merely an actor unless them if you don't believe me look over there." Samuel pointed at the middle of the hall.

It was charity dinner all over again; they were swarmed by potential suitors despite knowing they were Samuel's friends. Mostly because they introduced themselves as friends; there was no way around it without exposing their difficult relationship with him.

" Aren't you worried? I mean, as far as I can tell, something is definitely going on between you guys." Rupert asked.

" I don't think he has anything to worry about. You keep forgetting our friend trumps them all in every measure possible." Emma commented with firm conviction, which made Rupert wonder.

" Are you one of those people too? I can't say I am surprised."

" Nah, I can't handle so much flair. I prefer someone mundane."

" You know I am standing right here! What about Tom? I don't see him." Samuel asked to change the subject.

" He was unavailable. I met this person; he said he was your friend." Emma asked.

" You must be talking about Darren. Before exploring further, I must warn you he is neither 'mundane' nor 'low-key'; I will go so far as to say you should stay ten meters away from him if possible!" Samuel exclaimed.

" Why? He was cute. You should have seen his face while he was struggling to introduce himself."

" I am telling you. I have known him since childhood; he is the slimiest bastard I have ever seen!"

" Seriously, Is that what you think of me? I am disappointed." Darren popped up out of nowhere.

" W-when did you get here? I was describing one of the directors that approached me today." Samuel started making things up.

" If it weren't for making a scene here, I would have challenged you to a duel! I knew you were jealous, but how can you talk crap about me behind my back?" Darren was furious.

" Duel? Crap? Both of us know that's not true! How many glasses of champagne did you have? You are not making any sense."

" Miss Emma, why don't we go over there? We should leave this bastard to wallow in self-pity while we enjoy a drink together." Darren extended his hand.

" Eh? Sure, I don't drink, but I can accompany you."

" My pleasure."

" What's just happened?" Rupert asked when they left.

" That bastard happened! You should monitor them just in case something happens. It would be awfully awkward if she got involved with him. You can handle it, right?"

" I guess, but they are adults; I don't think they need supervision."

" It's all the prevent future heartbreaks and to exonerate ourselves from the misery of being a shoulder to cry on after the inevitable collapse. Do you want to hear her sob stories on the set?" Samuel eluded about the potential future.

"I will get to it! I will see you during the interview then." Rupert also left with an agenda.

" I should have known better to keep him out of everyone's line of sight. Especially those I know." Samuel sighed.

" Brother, you look tired. I heard that party had only begun." Someone came through the entrance.

" Hannah! I am glad you can make it. Princess Kiko, I hope it was not too much trouble." Samuel made his way and hugged Hannah tightly but kept it modest with the princess.

" Not at all." Kiko gave a short reply.

" We had classes late in the evening. It was because of Kiko that we could make it. She was very excited and arranged for a helicopter!" Hannah said with extra enthusiasm.

" Hannah! Why are you telling him?" Kiko smacked her arms.

" I am happy to hear that. It's always a pleasure to meet you."