The elevator descended, but the silence inside was heavier than the descent itself. Adrian stood rigid, clutching his shoulder bag, the harsh reality of Alexander's decree echoing the rhythm of the humming cables.
No salary.
The finality of the words was a physical blow. The loss was immediate and catastrophic, shredding the thin financial lifeline he had been clinging to.
He was ruined.
He risked a glance at Alexander, whose profile was carved from granite, devoid of any sympathy or recognition of the devastation he had just wrought.
The elevator opened onto the underground garage.
Alexander strode toward his black SUV, Adrian trailing silently like a scolded dog.
"Get in," Alexander commanded, opening the driver's side door.
Adrian slid into the passenger seat, his movements slow and defeated. As Alexander started the engine, the low growl of the powerful car filled the suffocating silence.
