Hollywood Zenith

Georges Auguste Escoffier was a French chef, restaurateur, and culinary writer who popularized and updated traditional French cooking methods.

Much of Escoffier's technique was based on that of Marie-Antoine Careme, one of the codifiers of French haute cuisine; Escoffier's achievement was to simplify and modernize Careme's elaborate and ornate style. In particular, he codified the recipes for the five mother sauces.

In his later years, he established the Escoffier to pass his teachings. It's been more than one hundred and sixty year with many famous chef trained here in secret.

Fabian, the current head of Escoffier was the shadow chef responsible for training most modern chefs around the world. Only the most distinguished hotels were aware of this place and would always fight for a spot every year.

It was a place for those that knew or anyone that has stumbled to this place which was very rare.

Even with immense prestige, the diner's rule was to not relocate as it was only a symbol of change. Money wasn't a problem but they still were heavy on secrecy.

Samuel did came here few years along with Arthur and had great impression of food. Which was why he wanted to share this experience with Helga.

But he never expected to run into this situation. He first thought about changing the venue but when he noticed the tatoo, he thought that this encounter might help Helga in the long run.

Especially when seeing what appeared to be a family dining inside. The organization wouldn't send this many people and even disrupt such an important place for low level associates.

Talking with them would save him a trip to Russia which he was keen on taking because he wanted to put Helga and Katarina's situation in order.

" It's fine. Just say that I am planning to bring few more people to this place in few days. Give him this card, he will know what to do." Samuel took out a plain card with his name etched at the back of it.

The man took the card respect fully giving it a glance. As soon as he read the name his back straighten a bit as he replied more respectfully before running back to kitchen.

If old man found out he messed up his food, he would surely had to face his wrath tomorrow. Fabian was known for his temper.

Your next journey awaits at empire

" Can I get one too? I always have a soft spot for handsome young man." Anastasiya commented with a sly smile.

Before Samuel could reply, Helga held his hand and said defiantly," I don't think you need to know that."

" It's alright, Helga. I am not easily swayed even though the rumour tells otherwise." He said with a smile.

" And I don't have a habit of going after married woman but at the same time, I am not afraid to share my name but I will appreciate that your associates keep it hidden for few more days." He pulled out another card and slid it accross the table.

Anastasiya wanted to say something but she was more curious about his name. Her smile widen as she finally found out his name.

" Ah the famous heir. I never thought rumours to be true. Most of the times I thought them as long tales, but I now can see that it was all true." Before Samuel could say anything, she elaborated in french, " I was married but now, it's hard to find someone who could replace my husband. Ivan is his younger brother so you mist refrain from saying anything bad in front of my kid." Her smile was icy.

She didn't care about him or his background as she wouldn't allow anyone to disrespect her in front of her precious son.

" Mom." The little boy, Alexei muttered feeling the tension in the air.

" I apologise for my remarks. Little guy, there is no need to be scared." Samuel promptly disfused the situation as it wasn't worth scaring a kid over his petty fued.

Seeing Samuel get along with Alexei didn't suprise them, the mischievous boy had a habit to tend to fond of strangers especially those that showed him kindness which led to many conversations between mother and son to be careful of such scenarios.

" He is cute but our Elise is cuter." Helga commented but seeing it could be taken as a rude remark she immediately apologized.

" Elise?" Anastasiya sensed the closeness.

" It's a kid that I am taking care of. You can consider me as her guardian."

" Are you two secretly married?" Ivan asked.

" No, no. We only met few days ago." It was Helga who clarified the situation but Anastasiya interjected saying," You two don't seem like a couple who only known each other for couple of days. Beside, I never heard heir of Rothschild being associated with any Russians."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

" It seems like you are keeping a tab on me. I never knew you were also interested in someone like me."

" I did tell you that I heard rumours right? Beside, someone like you are way too important to ignore." She put up the same bewitching smile.

It really made Samuel look at her for a second time. She looked dignified with a extremely pretty face with plump lips and small long nose, her light brown eyes were way bigger for her round face but instead of making her look timid and weak, it exuded a sense of hostility and fierceness. She looked no more than thirty years old which was surprising since she already had a kid this big.

Sensing his eyes linger, Anastasiya's smile broaden but she was also a little disappointed because he didn't give her the same look that most of the men gave her- eyes full of lust and envy. Which meant he was only giving her a second look when he deemed it was necessary.

She was like a stranger who was upgraded to an acquaintance whose face he would remember. She chalked it up to his arrogance. It's not like she was planning to seduce him, she never liked pretty boys like him but it did hurt her pride that he didn't look at her the same way others did.