The line of sleek black SUVs waited just outside the firm's entrance, engines purring softly. Harvey Lancaster adjusted his cufflinks as he approached the lead vehicle. Behind him, his team of partners followed, their excitement barely concealed. Melissa, one of the younger partners, leaned toward John, another senior member, as they climbed into the SUVs.
"Feels like we're about to meet royalty," Melissa whispered.
Harvey overheard and rolled his eyes. "If this is royalty, I'd rather be a commoner," he muttered.
The convoy moved swiftly through the city, arriving at a private airfield. The sight that greeted them was impressive: a hangar that housed a gleaming helicopter with the Blackwell insignia emblazoned on its side. Harvey stepped out of the SUV, his polished shoes crunching on the tarmac. As they approached the hangar, a team of security personnel intercepted them.
"Standard procedure," one of the guards said, motioning for them to step forward for a search.
"Standard for whom?" Harvey retorted, his irritation evident. "This is absurd. We're lawyers, not spies."
"Harvey, just cooperate," Mellissa said quietly, her tone firm.
The search was thorough, and Harvey's scowl deepened as they were finally cleared. Moments later, the helicopter's rotors roared to life, and they were ushered aboard. As the chopper ascended, Harvey leaned toward Carter, who was seated beside him.
"Remind me why we're going through this circus," he muttered.
Carter smirked. "Because Alexander Blackwell asked for you, specifically. Try to enjoy the ride."
Harvey's only response was a derisive snort as he turned his gaze out the window. Below, the sprawling estate of the Blackwell family came into view, a testament to unimaginable wealth. When they landed, another round of searches awaited them, much to Harvey's mounting displeasure.
"Oh, come on!" he snapped as a guard patted him down.
"Our apologies, sir," came a smooth voice from behind. Harvey turned to see an impeccably dressed butler standing nearby. The man's posture was as precise as his accent.
"Welcome to the Blackwell estate. I am Sebastian, Mr. Blackwell's personal butler. Please, follow me."
Sebastian's demeanor was calm and unflappable, even as Harvey's irritation simmered. The group was led through a series of hallways, each more opulent than the last. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork adorned every corner. Melissa whispered to John again, her voice awed.
"Is that a Monet?" she asked, gesturing toward a painting on the wall.
"It's a Van Gogh," John corrected, his tone equally reverent.
Harvey's patience was wearing thin. "Can we focus, please? We're not here for an art tour."
They finally arrived at a grand conference room. The table was a polished mahogany masterpiece, surrounded by chairs that likely cost more than most cars. The partners couldn't hide their awe, but Harvey's mood only darkened.
"Ridiculous," he muttered under his breath as he sat down.
The group didn't have to wait long. The heavy double doors swung open, and Alexander Blackwell entered the room. He moved with a commanding presence, his tailored black suit fitting him perfectly. His every step exuded power and confidence, and the room seemed to quiet as if in deference to his arrival.
"Good afternoon," Alexander said, his deep voice carrying effortlessly. He didn't bother with pleasantries as he made his way to the head of the table. Standing there, he swept his gaze over each person, pausing momentarily on Harvey. His piercing eyes seemed to evaluate him, and Harvey met his gaze without flinching.
Alexander's lips curved into a faint smile. "I've gathered you all here for one purpose," he began. "To ensure that my sister does not walk away with a single cent of what is mine."
The room remained silent as Alexander's words hung in the air. His tone was resolute, leaving no room for misinterpretation. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto Harvey once again.
"I don't just want to win this case," Alexander continued. "I want to destroy her arguments, dismantle her claims, and ensure she regrets ever stepping into a courtroom against me."
The partners exchanged uneasy glances, but Harvey held Alexander's gaze. There was no mistaking the determination in the man's eyes. This wasn't just about money—it was personal.
Finally, Alexander straightened, his commanding aura filling the room. "You are the best of the best. That's why you're here. Don't disappoint me."
Harvey leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Well," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm, "no pressure, then."
Alexander's sharp gaze flicked to Harvey, but instead of irritation, there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "None at all, Mr. Lancaster. None at all."