You Stayed

Rylie Carver stepped out of the black car, his polished dress shoes meeting the pristine pavement outside Carver Industries. The morning sun reflected off the towering glass building, its bold silver lettering gleaming against the clear sky. 

As he walked through the grand lobby, employees stopped mid-conversation to make way for him, offering polite nods and murmured greetings. The executive staff, gathered near the reception desk, greeted him with enthusiastic smiles and respectful bows. 

"Good morning, Mr. Carver." 

"Welcome, Sir!" 

But Rylie's cold gray eyes barely flicked in their direction. His face, a mask of indifference, betrayed no acknowledgment as he strode toward the private elevator at the back of the lobby. His personal assistant, trailing just a step behind, offered curt nods to the gathered employees on Rylie's behalf.