Hollywood Zenith

Tactfully, they didn't continue their conversation during the meal only making small talks. Alexie became the focus of their conversation.

Samuel liked his cheerful personality and he really reminded of his little brother Grayson. It made him take a liking to him immediately as he was good with kids, even Alexie grew closer to him during their dinner.

Ivan and Anatasiya were suprised as they never thought him to be so 'normal'. As usual, he subverted everyone's expectations not having the haughty attitude of usual wealthy brats.

" We are sorry. I hope you will accept our apology." The staff who came to pick up their plates said regretfully. He did inform the boss about Samuel's arrival but he was abroad making it difficult for him to return abruptly

But when he learned he was planning to visit soon, Fabian told his subordinate to inquire more about his schedule while maintaining a casual tone. If he refused, he was advised to not press the matter as it could lead to misunderstandings.

" It's alright. Since we are the only ones here can we get some privacy for few hours? I know it's too much to ask-"

" No, it's alright. I will ask everyone to leave. They would be happy to take a early shift. We can clean up in the morning." He said hurriedly.

" Thank you, sorry for the trouble."

" No need to be so polite with me. We will leave shortly."

Samuel knew it was too much to intrude on the diner but he didn't want anyone else disturbing their conversation, it would become a serious issue if there were witnesses. It was much easier on everyone that the diner and staff stayed out of his mess.

Within few minutes, everyone left leaving only the guest in the diner. It was unusual thinking that it was their responsibility to close up the diner but he knew it was crucial.

" Mom, I am sleepy." Right on cue, Alexie also started bobbing his head. It was already nine so it was understandable for a ten year old to be drowsy.

" Ivan."

" Are you sure?" He looked at Anastasiya then toward Samuel still feeling threaten by him.

" I am sure. I want to hear what he wants to say to me."

" Are you sure you don't want him to stay? I can be quite dangerous." Samuel chuckled throwing fuel to fire.

" Boy, don't push your luck. If not for-" Ivan was quite irritated by his haughty demeanor. Samuel acted like he was having fun at home despite being surrounded by ten men concealed carrying. Did he foolishly thought his family influence was everywhere? No, It was because he was confident in his abilities. It was important he took upper hand because of the negotiations ahead.

" That's enough. I warned everyone not to utter such things in front of my son. I only have short time with him every year. Are you sure you want to test my patience?"

" I am sorry, Sestra." Ivan immediately surrendered.

" Just take him home. I will be there in few hours."

" But-"

" It's fine. I can see he is here because he has something to discuss and I want to know what he wants to tell me." Anastasiya proclaimed resolutely.

" Are you taking your personal vehicle? Want me to leave few people behind?"

" Why do you care? Just protect my son like you usually do. Now go."

Ivan nodded and gave Samuel another glance. He saw how his sister in law look at him, it's not like he had any feelings for her because he knew how she really was, a crazy maniac that only her brother was able to get along but after he passed away right after their son's birth she snaped even more.

He was honestly more worried about these little kids than her. He could only give them a pity look but in Samuel's eyes his 'pity' look looked fierce like a warning. Experience tales at empire

He only chuckled seeing him scoop up sleeping 'princess' and led his men out the diner. It was hard because the kid was sneakily holding hands with Samuel under the table. Ivan frowned while Anastasiya only broke a smile as Ivan carefully seperated the two.

Samuel checked using his abilities and true to their word they were the only three people in the diner.

" Your life seemed complicated but I want to know if you have any authority in the organisation because I don't want to air out my dirty laundry in front of strangers." Samuel broke the silence.

" I also want to know how much you know about us?"

" Not much, Bratva had always been a forefront when it came to organized crimes but I can assure you I have few sources that could verify anything you will say to me."

" B-bratva?" Helga exclamed not hoping to hear that dreadful name here, not here, not now especially when she and Katarina practically had to flee the country to avoid trouble with them.

Only now she began to realise why he was so adamant on staying with them despite the obvious hostility.

Anastasiya leaned on the table, Samuel also noticed peculiar things about her as he began to pay more attention to her.

Out of obligation to not eye other woman during their little date he avoided any direct gaze. He knew Anastasiya was a beautiful woman so he didn't want to make things awkward between him and Helga.

But now he saw full appearance. She seemed to have hidden several piercing, both her nose and one below her lips. Her long straight black hair was also hiding her ear piercings, she wasn't wearing any of it but small visible holes could be seen if one looked past her thick makeup.

Moving lower, he also saw she was wearing heavy makeup around her neck probably hiding tatoos and also wore a pair of gloves which he didn't find unusual because it was quite cold outside.

But seeing she refused to take them off during dinner meant she was also hiding her tatoos. For her dress she wore all black up to her neck and a thick jacket to cover her body, it did made her look like a stuffed potato but she didn't seem to care.

With how careful she was, he knew if her tattoos were exposed, he could find her real identity as russian mafia were very keen on marking their bodies either voluntarily to show their pride or forcefully because of betrayal to their moral code.