The car slowed as it turned into the private driveway of E N Enterprises.
The towering glass structure rose into the evening sky, its steel edges catching the fading sunlight. The company logo gleamed in silver across the front facade : sharp, commanding, impossible to ignore.
Security guards at the gate straightened instantly.
The barrier lifted without question.
The tires rolled smoothly over polished stone as the car came to a precise stop beneath the covered entrance.
Before the engine fully died, one of the lobby managers was already stepping forward.
The driver stepped out first.
Then his assistant exited from the opposite side, adjusting his coat quickly before moving to the rear door.
He opened it.
There was a brief second of stillness inside the car.
Then he stepped out.
Calm.
Measured.
One hand adjusting the cuff of his sleeve, the other slipping into his pocket.
The air carried a slight chill, but his presence was colder.
Employees near the entrance subtly lowered their voices.
Some straightened.
Some avoided direct eye contact.
He didn't acknowledge anyone.
Didn't need to.
The glass doors slid open automatically as he approached.
Inside, the lobby lights reflected off the marble floors, creating a sharp mirrored path ahead of him.
"Good evening, sir," the receptionist greeted softly.
He gave a slight nod.
Nothing more.
His footsteps echoed with quiet authority as he walked toward the private elevator reserved exclusively for the executive floor.
His assistant followed half a step behind.
Always half a step.
The elevator doors opened instantly.
He stepped inside without breaking stride.
The doors closed.
And the building seemed to breathe again.
The elevator moved in silence.
Soft instrumental music played faintly in the background, but neither of them spoke.
The numbers climbed steadily.
32... 33... 34...
The doors opened to the executive floor.
Unlike the lobby, this level was quiet.
Carpeted. Soundproof. Controlled.
Only senior executives worked here.
The moment he stepped out, conversations ceased.
Not dramatically.
Not obviously.
Just... lowered.
Respectfully.
His assistant walked beside him now, tablet in hand.
"Sir, the board members have arrived. They're waiting in Conference Hall A."
He gave a slight nod but didn't slow his pace.
At the end of the corridor stood a set of double doors - matte black, minimal, imposing.
No nameplate.
It didn't need one.
Everyone on this floor knew whose office it was.
The assistant stepped ahead and opened the door.
The office lights flickered on automatically.
Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the entire city skyline.
The very Skyline Tower project site visible in the distance,cranes frozen against the dusk sky.
A large desk sat centered, clean, precise. No unnecessary clutter.
A single leather chair behind it.
He walked in.
Removed his coat slowly.
Handed it to the assistant without looking.
Walked straight to the window.
Hands slipping into his pockets.
Silence stretched for a few seconds.
The assistant remained near the door.
Waiting.
"Send the counter proposal," he said finally, voice low but decisive.
"Forty-nine percent."
"Yes, sir."
"And inform the board - this is not a discussion."
There was no arrogance in his tone.
Just certainty.
The assistant gave a small nod and stepped out quietly, closing the door behind him.
Now he was alone.
The city lights flickered to life below.
And in the reflection of the glass...
His expression wasn't calm anymore.
It was calculating.
Nathaniel's POV
Conference Hall A was already filled when I entered.
Six board members.
All older.
All experienced.
All watching the door.
The moment it opened, they stood.
Not out of fear.
Out of protocol.
I walked in.
"Sit" I said calmly.
They did.
I took my seat at the head of the long obsidian table.
My assistant stood behind me.
One of directors spoke.
"Mr. Christopher "
"Nathaniel " I corrected. Calm but firm.
He nodded and straightened letting out a sigh, grounding himself.
"Mr. Nathaniel. We recieved information that you rejected S N group's proposal."
"I did"
Another board member leaned forward.
Another board member leaned forward.
"They are offering majority funding, this would minimize our risk."
These people are living in the moment.
"Majority funding " I repeated "in exchange of majority control"
Two of them exchanged a look and one leaned forward.
".."
"That is not partnership. That is acquisition " I cut him off.
"With all due respect,"the oldest director spoke carefully, "this project is the largest in our company's history. If Skyline Tower fails, the consequences will affect all of us."
My gaze lifted.
"The skyline tower will not fail"
My confidence was absolute.
"And if S N group partners with our competitors?" Another spoke.
I looked straight at him.
"Then they will know, why don't we compete"
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