Following Nathaniel, everyone stepped into the elevator. The confined space was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the soft hum of the elevator. Nathaniel leaned casually against the wall, his gaze never leaving Zara, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as curiosity flickered in his eyes.
Zara, unfazed, kept her expression cold and distant, as if Nathaniel didn't exist.
Carter, on the other hand, was seething internally. The audacity of Nathaniel's blatant gaze grated on his nerves. Gritting his teeth, he leaned closer to Nathaniel, muttering under his breath, "Keep your eyes to yourself unless you want them rearranged."
Nathaniel's smirk widened, tinged with frustration. "Relax, bodyguard," he chuckled softly, clenching his hands briefly. "I'm just curious, nothing more."
Carter's patience snapped. He took a deliberate step forward, positioning himself directly between Nathaniel and Zara, effectively blocking the man's view. Nathaniel let out a breath of amused exasperation but said nothing further.
The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival at the top floor. The doors slid open, and Nathaniel gestured smoothly toward the hallway. "After you, Miss Luna," he said with mock courtesy.
Zara didn't spare him a glance, merely nodding in acknowledgment before stepping out with a regal air. Carter and Richard followed closely, with Nathaniel trailing behind.
They walked through a sleek corridor until Nathaniel stopped at an imposing office door. "Wait here," he instructed, slipping inside without further explanation.
A few moments passed before the door creaked open again. Nathaniel appeared, his playful demeanor now tempered by something more serious. "Please come in..., but only three persons inside," he announced, stepping aside to let them in.
As soon as they were informed only three people could enter the office, Richard gestured politely for Zara to proceed. Before stepping forward, Zara turned to Carter. "Wait outside," she instructed calmly. Carter hesitated, his protective instincts flaring, but a firm glance from Zara silenced any protests. Begrudgingly, he nodded and stood back.
Zara, Richard, and another member of their delegation followed Nathaniel into the office.
The space had a blend of opulence and intimidation, adorned with heavy furnishings. At the center sat a middle-aged man—Leonard Hayes. His attempt to appear sophisticated was undercut by his hardened demeanor, which spoke of a past entrenched in street power. His eyes glinted coldly as he watched them approach, a silent warning evident in his gaze.
Zara maintained a composed expression, unbothered by the man's attempt to assert dominance. Leonard's lips curled into a smug smile as he greeted them without bothering to rise from his seat. He made no gesture for them to sit, asserting his arrogance openly.
Richard exchanged a brief glance with his companion, both wearing complicated expressions. Pressing his lips together, Richard stepped forward, recalling the directives from headquarters. "Mr. Hayes," he began diplomatically, "allow me to introduce Miss Luna, the person in charge here on behalf of the Adam Corporation."
Leonard's expression turned smug. "Ah, the Adam Corporation again," he said dismissively. "Didn't I already tell your people not to waste their time? Use it to grow your little business instead. My decision won't change—no matter who shows up, not even your CEO."
Richard clenched his fists but kept his tone measured. "We're not here to waste time, Mr. Hayes. We're here to discuss a solution that benefits both parties without unnecessary conflict."
Leonard sneered. "Solution? What nonsense. That land is ours—always has been. You're not getting a single penny out of me, nor will I compensate for anything."
Richard's composure wavered, and he opened his mouth to retort, but Zara raised a hand, silencing him. She stepped forward, her voice cold but composed. "Mr. Hayes," she greeted calmly, "this isn't about convincing you to hand over the land. It's about reclaiming what's rightfully ours."
Leonard's eyes narrowed as Zara continued, "We're simply giving you time to clear your buildings from that land. One week."
A beat of silence followed before Leonard let out a booming laugh. A little girl dares to threaten me? On my own turf?
Nathaniel, who had been watching with amusement, stepped forward with a grin. "How bold," he remarked arrogantly. "Maybe you should think about whether Adam Corporation will close its doors in two days or if you want us to shut it down ourselves."
Zara didn't even glance at Nathaniel. Her tone remained cold. "Feel free to try. But I suggest you check the background of the company you're threatening first—and think about the consequences before you speak so carelessly."
Nathaniel's grin faltered, shock flickering in his eyes as he struggled to respond.
Leonard's laughter subsided, replaced by a chilling smile. "You've got a sharp tongue for your age, Miss Luna. But let me give you some advice—there aren't always good people like us in this business. One day, you might just disappear for offending the wrong person."
Richard and the other delegate stiffened, their faces pale with alarm. The open threat hung heavily in the room, unsettling them. Though the Adam Corporation was powerful, they knew the risks of being in Clover Hill, where anything could happen to Zara.
Zara, however, remained unfazed. "Vacate the place within a week, Mr. Hayes," she said icily. "Or you won't like what happens next."
Turning gracefully, she made her way toward the door, her steps confident and unbothered. Pausing at the threshold, she glanced back. "And don't take my words lightly."
With a final cold nod to both Leonard and Nathaniel, Zara exited the room, followed closely by Richard and their companion, leaving the tension thick in the air behind them.
Here's the refined version of your scene:
Zara stepped out of the office, her expression as composed as ever. Carter, who had been waiting anxiously, immediately approached her. His sharp eyes scanned her face for any sign of distress. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice edged with concern.
Zara gave a small nod. "Yes."
Though Carter still looked doubtful, he didn't push further. With that, the group made their way downstairs, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
Meanwhile, back in the office, the air was thick with tension. Leonard's face turned a deep shade of red, his fingers gripping the edge of his desk as he watched Zara disappear through the door.
Nathaniel, unable to contain himself, exploded. "She just walked out? After talking to us like that?" He turned to Leonard, his frustration mounting. "Does she think we can't do anything? Since when does someone leave this office after threatening us?" His voice rose with each word. "No one has ever crossed our path and walked away unscathed. If word gets out about this, our reputation—"
A sharp, angry crack echoed through the room as Leonard slammed his palm against the desk. "Shut up," he snapped.
Nathaniel tensed at the cold fury in Leonard's gaze. His mouth clamped shut, but his hands curled into fists at his sides, his rage simmering beneath the surface. With a glare, he spun on his heels and stormed out of the office, unable to swallow his anger.
Leonard exhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing. "She thinks she's untouchable," he muttered under his breath. "Let's see how long that lasts."