The Sophisticated Space building towered above Parker as he stepped out of the car, hands tucked into his pockets. The glass exterior shimred in the sunlight, sleek and modern, with at least fifteen stories stretching high enough to make most people feel small. It was the kind of place that scread money—a hub for power players.
People in sharp suits and polished shoes moved in and out, their conversations filled with clipped tones and fake laughs.
Parker paused for a second, eyes tracing the building up to its peak, then shrugged.
"Fancy," he muttered, his voice low but amused.
Ava Klein stepped up beside him, heels clicking softly against the pavent. She didn't miss a beat. "Sophisticated, as advertised," she quipped, tossing him a quick smile. "Shall we?"
Inside, the air was crisp and expensive, the kind of environnt where even breathing felt like it cost money. At the reception desk sat a woman Parker imdiately recognized from her voice—Katherine, the sa person he'd spoken to a few days back.
"Mr. Parker," Katherine greeted with a bright smile fully aware of his arrival, her voice warm as she stood to guide them.
"Nice to et you in person," Parker replied, his tone casual but polite.
Ava raised an eyebrow at the personal touch but didn't comnt.
She nodded, clearly realizing who he was. "Right this way, please." She led them toward the elevator, leaving the reception desk behind for another staff mber to take over. Ava stayed silent, observing the place like she was calculating its every weakness. The three stepped into the elevator, and Katherine hit the button for one of the upper floors.
Katherine led them to an empty office—plush carpet, sleek furniture, and a massive window offering a view of the city below.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable. Mr. Lyman will be here shortly," Katherine said before slipping out the door.
The room was quiet for a mont. Ava turned to Parker, crossing her legs as she sat on one of the chairs. "Alright, Mr. Parker. Let's make the most of this downti. What exactly do you want out of this deal? Big picture."
Parker leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Big picture than what we already discussed? I want things to be done and running smoothly by the end of this week, pulling in revenue, and setting up the foundation for expansion. No drama, no ego, just results. And I expect nothing but best from you which I know you're more than capable to deliver!"
Parker went more in-depth of what he needed more than he had expressed when they were at the firm.
Ava nodded approvingly. "Clear and to the point. I like it. And yeah you can't find anyone better."
As they were diving deeper and deeper, the door swung open, and in walked Mr. Lyman—early thirties, crisp navy suit, and a self-satisfied smirk that could make anyone's skin crawl. His eyes barely flicked to Parker before locking onto Ava.
"Ms. Kline," Lyman said, his tone dripping with faux charm as he gave her a once-over. "It's not every day a real estate celebrity attorney graces our humble branch. What brings you to work with…" He glanced at Parker, visibly unimpressed. "…soone so young?"
Parker could feel the hidden insult simring but didn't react imdiately, but Ava's posture stiffened. She offered a tight-lipped smile. "I'm here because I believe in talent, Mr. Lyman. And I don't waste my ti on anything less."
Lyman chuckled, leaning against the desk as if he owned the place. "Well, forgive for saying so, but this feels... unconventional. A teenager running deals at this level? What's next, a lemonade stand rger?"
Ava's eyes narrowed, but she kept her cool. "Unconventional doesn't an incapable. Maybe you should take notes."
Lyman ignored her, turning his attention fully to Parker. "So, tell , kid. Who's really pulling the strings here? Daddy? A trust fund committee? Or are you just playing dress-up? No offense, but, y'know...a kid. How old are you, son? Seventeen? Eighteen? I don't believe you can be of that age and already throwing money around like you own the world."
Parker straightened up, the calmness in his voice belying the fire in his chest. "You an money I earned? Crazy concept, I know. But I guess when you've been sitting in the sa office for years, surrounded by glass walls, it's easy to forget people can start young and still outrun you."
Layman blinked, caught off guard. He laughed, but it was nervous, his confidence faltering under Parker's steady gaze. He stood slowly, towering over Lyman. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "Now, are you done?"
Lyman blinked, caught off guard. "Excuse ?"
"I said, are you done?" Parker repeated, his tone flat but firm. "Because I don't have ti for this bullshit. If this is how Sophisticated Space runs its branches, I'll take my business elsewhere."
Ava raised an eyebrow, impressed, but said nothing. She leaned back in her chair, letting Parker take the lead.
Lyman straightened, his smirk faltering. "Now, hold on. There's no need to—"
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Parker cut him off. "Oh, there's every need. You made your first impression, Mr. Lyman. And trust , it's your last. Miss Klein, let's go."
Without waiting for a response, Parker turned and headed for the door.
Ava followed his lead, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors as they headed for the door. Her voice was calm, but her words cut deep. "You know, Layman, I thought professionalism was a prerequisite for your job. Guess I was wrong."
As they left, Layman's face turned crimson, but he didn't follow. Parker didn't look back.
When they stepped back into the elevator, Ava finally broke the silence. "You handled that well."
"He was a waste of ti," Parker replied simply.
She smiled faintly, stealing another glance at him. For soone so young, he carried himself like he'd been playing this ga for years. Interesting.
Out in the lobby, Katherine, the receptionist, looked up from her desk, confusion flashing across her face. "Already done, Mr. Parker?"
Her eyes darted between Parker and Ava, noting the tension simring between them. Parker didn't respond, the storm in his gaze enough to make her sit straighter.
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