Finally back in Los Angeles, Lucas had barely stepped off the plane when people recognized him despite his baseball cap and face mask.
"That's Lucas!" The shout rippled through the terminal, and suddenly dozens of heads turned his way, phones already raised for pictures.
Thankfully, his security team - Simon, Jack, and five others who'd been waiting in the arrival area - quickly surrounded him. Airport security moved in as well, helping manage the growing crowd.
After a whirlwind of pictures, autographs, and careful navigation through the throng, Lucas finally made it to his waiting SUV. As he slid into the seat, he was startled to find Neil already there.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Lucas said, settling in.
"Quite a commotion back there," Neil nudged him from the adjacent seat. "Ever consider getting your own private plane?"
Lucas chuckled. "I'm not quite at that level yet."
"Don't kid yourself," Neil snorted. "You deal with this chaos every time you fly commercial."
Before Lucas could respond, Simon spoke up from his position. "I have to agree with Mr. Neil. Mr. Lucas certainly has the means to afford several private planes."
Jack remained quiet but nodded in agreement. From the driver's seat, Shawn kept his eyes on the road, though his attentive silence spoke volumes.
Lucas glanced around at the expectant faces surrounding him.
Lucas could see his team's frustration with these public transport hassles, but the thought of spending so much on a plane troubled him - that money could help so many people in need.
"I know that look," Neil shook his head. "You're hesitating because the money could go to better causes... I thought you'd changed, learned to spend a little on yourself, but here we are..."
"I'll definitely consider it," Lucas sighed, then turned to Neil. "By the way, didn't expect you here waiting. Something important to discuss?"
"Just checking on you. Knew you'd have a headache with the airport situation." When Lucas fixed him with a knowing look, Neil sighed. "Alright, fine. Some record labels want to sign you. It's been a while since you released anything - except as your secret persona Lucid."
Lucas relaxed into his seat, pouring himself a glass of champagne. "I have plans for Lucid. Could be very interesting."
"What plans exactly?"
Lucas just smiled mysteriously.
"Look," Neil pressed, "you should consider something bigger - signing with a label, doing a world tour. You could travel globally while taking breaks from acting."
Lucas glanced at Neil and chuckled. "Ah, so that's why you want me to buy a private plane?"
Neil chuckled. "Think about it, Lucas. You've got massive potential in music. If you focused on it during your acting breaks, you'd be a top musician already."
"I'll think about it if the record label offers what I want—" Lucas began.
"They're willing to agree to any terms just to sign you," Neil cut in.
Lucas took another sip of champagne. "Didn't expect to become so wanted."
"You've proven yourself through acting while staying relevant without music. Of course they want you."
"Actually," Lucas set down his glass, "I've been thinking about establishing my own record label."
Neil's eyebrows shot up. "That's sudden."
"Not really. Been considering it for a while now."
"Even if you founded a label, who would you sign?"
Lucas smiled. "Probably Marshmello. And other promising artists..."
"Marshmello..." Neil nodded thoughtfully. "The guy you've been collaborating with. He has been gaining quite a following lately..."
"Yeah, the mystery definitely helps build interest," Lucas nodded. "People are drawn to figuring out who's behind the mask."
"Speaking of masked performers," Neil smirked, "Lucid's getting as much attention as Marshmello. You two make quite the pair," he added with a laugh.
The conversation shifted to the upcoming Mamba Podcast appearance. Jack suddenly perked up from his position. "Mr. Lucas, since you're going on Kobe's podcast... would it be possible to meet him? Been a huge fan."
"Sure," Lucas smiled. "I can arrange that."
"Count me in too," Simon chimed in, with Shawn nodding eagerly from the driver's seat.
As they pulled up to Lucas's house, an uneasy feeling settled over him. Neil tensed beside him, and his security team immediately went on alert.
"Martha?" Lucas called out as they entered. A muffled sob echoed from upstairs.
They rushed to the second floor, where Martha emerged from one of the rooms, trembling.
Lucas approached her carefully. "What happened?"
"The house..." Martha's voice shook. "A group of men broke in. I hid in the guest room... they didn't check there, thank God."
Lucas and the others listened in shock to Martha's frightening experience. "Thank God you're safe," Lucas said gently.
"Was anything valuable taken?" Neil asked. Martha shook her head uncertainly, explaining she'd been hidden away.
A quick search revealed the true extent - Lucas's personal items were gone. Mugs, cups, designer clothes from sponsors, even pillows had been taken.
"They only went for Mr. Knight's personal belongings," Jack observed. "Left the TVs and electronics untouched."
Neil's expression darkened. "These people came prepared. They specifically targeted items Lucas uses."
"Must have studied the house layout from social media," Simon added.
Lucas sighed. "Maybe I should reconsider those frequent Twitter updates."
"Yeah," Simon agreed. "Looks like they're planning to sell these items - banking on your celebrity status."
"Nothing new there," Neil muttered grimly.
Lucas turned back to Martha, who was still visibly shaken. "I'm just glad you're alright."
He guided her to the living room, making sure she had water and a place to sit while she calmed down.
Lucas discussed filing a police report with Neil and the others, knowing it would attract media attention. They had no alternative.
After Jack and the team left to contact authorities, Neil sighed heavily. "Even a two million dollar house isn't safe in Beverly Hills anymore, Lucas." He paused. "I'm worried about your safety. You should look at Beverly Park. Their security is far more robust than here."
"It's quite expensive there," Lucas exhaled.
"Expensive, yes," Neil conceded, "but worth it for security. Money shouldn't be an issue when it comes to keeping you and your loved ones safe."
"You're right," Lucas nodded. "Find me a house in Beverly Park."
"I'll get you the best one available," Neil replied with determination.
***
By morning, news of the break-in dominated headlines. The LAPD's press statement confirmed that only Lucas's personal items had been targeted, attracting both national and international coverage.
The story sparked concern among fans worldwide. Meanwhile, Jennifer's name lit up Lucas's phone.
"Lucas? Are you okay? I just saw the news," her worried voice came through.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Lucas assured her. "Actually thinking about moving out."
"Good call. With your profile, it's the right move." Jennifer paused. "Where to?"
"Beverly Park. Neil's looking for a place there."
"Beverly Park? That's... expensive," Jennifer said, surprise evident in her voice. "Though I guess safety is worth the price."
"Yeah, safety comes at a premium these days."
"Well, it does. And you're more of a target than most - fame has its downsides."
After filling her in on the break-in details, Lucas brought up another topic. "Yesterday's airport chaos got me thinking about getting a private plane. What's your take?"
"A private plane?" Jennifer laughed. "Finally! I've had my Bombardier Global 5000 for a while now."
Lucas fell silent, caught off guard.
"I can't believe this," Jennifer continued, clearly amused. "You're way more famous than me, and you're just now considering getting a private plane?"
"You're literally the only A-list celebrity without a private plane," Jennifer teased. "Even the media can't figure out why. There are literally articles titled 'Why Does Lucas Knight Still Fly Commercial?'"
"Alright, alright, enough mockery," Lucas sulked. "I'm buying one."
"Wow, a new house and a plane?" Jennifer laughed. "Someone's finally upgrading their lifestyle."
After ending the call, Lucas walked to his window. Media vans and reporters crowded the street outside. With a heavy sigh, he realized the Mamba Podcast appearance would have to wait.
***
A few days later, Neil secured the Beverly Park property - an 18-million-dollar estate spanning 15,000 square feet. The Mediterranean-style mansion boasted eight bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, a tennis court, and a resort-style pool with panoramic city views. The three-acre property was protected by state-of-the-art security systems and surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens.
"Well?" Neil watched Lucas taking in the sweeping marble staircase and soaring ceilings of the entrance hall.
"It's perfect," Lucas nodded, moving through the space. "Exactly like the pictures. Maybe better."
"Told you Beverly Park was worth it," Neil smiled. "The security features alone..."
Lucas moved through the house, pausing to inspect the built-in recording studio. The professional setup impressed him - top-tier equipment, perfect acoustics. He nodded with satisfaction.
Neil's phone interrupted their tour. "Excuse me," he said, stepping away to answer.
"Mr. Neil," the officer's voice came through. "We've reviewed the CCTV footage. The suspects have left city limits."
"Any leads?" Neil's frustration was evident.
"Actually, yes. We found their activity online - they're selling Mr. Knight's items on eBay. His strands of hair possibly from the stolen pillows is going for five thousand dollars, cups and mugs at four thousand. There's even a guitar being auctioned, currently at eleven thousand and climbing."
"And the suspects?"
"We're tracking the sellers. We'll find them, sir."
"Keep me updated," Neil hung up, frustration evident on his face. When he rejoined Lucas, neither mentioned the investigation.
Lucas acknowledged his return with a nod but didn't ask about the call. Instead, he said something unexpected: "I'm thinking of getting a private plane."
Neil blinked in surprise. "You are?"