Chapter 140: 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.
The soft chime of the elevator doors opening broke the tense silence. Rylie stepped inside, his long red hair tied into a low ponytail swaying slightly as he adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored black suit. The assistant followed him inside, pressing the button for the top floor.
The ride was silent except for the faint hum of the elevator. Rylie’s expression remained unreadable, his eyes focused ahead.
When the doors opened to the top floor, his female secretary stood from her desk immediately. She was impeccably dressed in a form-fitting pencil skirt and a crisp white blouse that left little to the imagination. Her eyes lit up as she greeted him and her ruby-red lips parted in a warm, practiced smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Carver," she said, her voice lilting and professional, though her body language was subtly flirtatious.
Rylie didn’t so much as glance her way. His stride forward and pushed open the doors to his office. His assistant, ever the professional, offered the secretary a small nod in acknowledgment of her greeting before following Rylie inside.
The massive floor-to-ceiling windows behind the desk showcased an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline, sunlight streaming in to illuminate the polished mahogany desk and minimalist decor.