The glass doors of Styles Industries slid open with a soft, pneumatic sigh as Stephanie stepped inside.
For the first time since she'd started working there, she didn't feel like she was walking into enemy territory.
"Morning, Steph!"
She blinked.
The voice came from the left—Daniel from logistics, coffee in hand, grinning like he'd been waiting to say it all day. Before she could respond, another voice chimed in.
"You're early today. Love the jacket, by the way."
Then another.
And another.
It hit her all at once.
Smiles.
Nods.
Genuine warmth.
Not the stiff politeness she'd grown used to. Not the cautious distance people kept around her because of her title. This was… different.
"Good morning," she replied, a little unsure at first, then steadier. "Thanks."
