Unspoken Things

Here's an edited version of your scene with tightened dialogue, a smoother emotional arc, and refined flow, while keeping the tone intact:

[Later That Night – Hotel Lounge]

Adeline spotted Elias alone in a quiet corner, typing on his tablet. His untouched dinner sat beside a perfectly aligned stack of sanitized wipes.

"You're not eating?" she asked, sliding into the chair across from him.

"I don't eat hotel food."

"Right. Germs."

"Among other things."

She raised a brow. "Such as?"

"Unpredictable seasoning. Questionable handling. Weak presentation."

Adeline laughed. "You're a food snob and a germophobe. That's a rare skill set."

He didn't smile, but something flickered in his eyes. "Did you finish the reports?"

"Yeah. Something's off in logistics—missing inventory."

He gave a single nod. "Summarize it and send it to me tonight."

They sat in silence for a moment.

Then Adeline leaned forward. "Can I ask you something personal?"

"No."

She smirked. "Asking anyway."

He sighed.

"Do you ever let go? Or is this whole—tense, unreadable thing—just who you are?"

"I'm not unreadable."

"Then what are you?"

He met her gaze. "Deliberate."

She tilted her head. "Because of Luke?"

A pause.

"No. Because people disappoint. And disappointment creates mess."

She studied him. "That's not cold. That's cautious."

His jaw tightened.

"Do I disappoint you?" she asked quietly.

His eyes met hers. "Not yet."

A slow smile touched her lips. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"I didn't mean it as one."

"Still taking it."

They sat in the quiet again.

Then, unexpectedly, Elias said, "You've changed since your first day."

Adeline blinked. "How?"

"You stopped caring what they think."

She nodded slowly. "I think I just started remembering who I am."

He looked at her, long and steady. "Good."

Then he stood.

"I'll see you in the morning. Don't drink anything left unattended."

She blinked. "Was that… concern?"

He didn't answer. Just walked off, pulling out a fresh sanitizer wipe.