The Lost Ricci: Heir Back from the Dead

Chapter 7: Undercover at Apex Crown

The office of Stone Contracting Services occupied a cramped corner on the third floor of a run-down building that smelled of stale coffee and broken dreams. Tazio Stone sat behind a cluttered desk, his fingers working through his straggly beard like he was searching for loose change. His eyes, small and calculating, assessed Dante with the predatory interest of someone who made money off other people's labor.

"Dante Wellington," Tazio read from the resume in front of him, his half-broken teeth showing through a wide smile. "Good credentials. Decent grades. And look at you—handsome too. The ladies are going to love you."

Dante forced a polite smile, suppressing the urge to grimace at the man's appearance. Tazio's bald head reflected the fluorescent lights, and his suit—though expensive—hung awkwardly on his thin frame, like he'd bought it two sizes too large to appear more important than he was.

"Thank you, sir," Dante said evenly.

"We're a part-time contracting company," Tazio explained, leaning back in his chair with exaggerated importance. "We supply workers to Apex Crown Holdings—you know, the big boys. Top-tier real estate and investment firm. You'll be working in their customer care service, making us look good." He pointed a finger at Dante. "You leave a good impression on the permanent staff, and who knows? With those looks and your grades, you could bag a permanent position real soon."

Dante smiled inwardly. If only this bald fool knew he was interviewing the actual heir to Apex Crown Holdings. The irony was almost delicious.

"I'll do my best, sir," Dante said, playing the eager applicant perfectly.

The landline on Tazio's desk suddenly rang, shrill and invasive. Tazio's expression darkened immediately. He snatched up the receiver like it had personally offended him.

"What?" he barked into the phone. "Mrs. Primrose, are you dense? I specifically told you—no, I don't care! I'm in a meeting! Do you understand what 'meeting' means, or is that word too complex for your limited vocabulary?" He paused, his face reddening. "You know what? You're on thin ice. One more mistake and you're fired. Understand? Fired!"

He slammed the phone down with unnecessary violence. Dante's pleasant expression faltered for a moment, revealing the disgust beneath. He quickly smoothed his features back into neutral politeness.

"Sorry about that," Tazio said, running a hand over his bald head. "My secretary. Mrs. Primrose. The woman is impossibly clumsy. Completely incompetent." He shook his head, adopting a martyred expression. "I only employed her as an act of philanthropy, you understand? Poor people like her need opportunities. But they always—and I mean always—misuse them. No gratitude, no work ethic. Just endless mistakes."

Dante's hand curled into a fist behind his back, hidden from Tazio's view. His nails dug into his palm as he summoned every ounce of patience he possessed. This arrogant, petty man who made his living off exploiting workers dared to call himself a philanthropist? The urge to punch his ill-tempered boss right in his smug face was overwhelming.

"That must be... frustrating for you," Dante managed, his voice carefully neutral.

"Frustrating?" Tazio laughed bitterly. "It's exhausting. But enough about my incompetent staff. Let's talk about you." He pulled out a contract, sliding it across the desk. "You'll start tomorrow at Apex Crown's customer care service. Eight AM sharp. Don't be late—first impressions matter in this business."

Dante almost forgot his balled fist in his excitement. He quickly uncurled his fingers and reached across the desk to shake Tazio's outstretched hand. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."

"I'm sure you won't," Tazio said, his grip weak and clammy. "Our salary scheme is the best in contract staffing. We take care of our workers here at Stone Contracting." He puffed out his chest. "Not like those other bottom-feeder companies that exploit people. We have standards."

Dante bit the inside of his cheek to keep from scoffing aloud. Stone Contracting was one of those bottom-feeder companies—everyone in the industry knew it. But Tazio spoke like he ran Goldman Sachs, like he had the power and prestige to talk down to anyone he pleased.

"I appreciate the opportunity," Dante said, the words tasting like ash.

Tazio leaned back in his chair, studying Dante with renewed interest. "So, who referred you? Must have been someone who knows quality when they see it."

Dante's mind raced. He couldn't mention Selena—that would raise immediate suspicion. "A friend," he said quickly, keeping his answer vague. "Someone who spoke highly of your company."

"A friend, huh?" Tazio's expression turned conspiratorial. He lowered his voice, leaning forward. "Between you and me, my sister barely recommends anyone to this company. She hates everyone. Only loves herself." He paused, then burst into odd, uncontrollable laughter—a high-pitched sound that made Dante's skin crawl. "Selfish woman! But that's family for you, right?"

Dante forced a smile, nodding along even though he had no idea what Tazio was talking about. The man's laughter continued for an uncomfortable amount of time, filling the small office with its grating sound.

This was going to be hell. One month, Dante reminded himself. Just one month working under this insufferable man, learning the company from the ground up, proving himself. He could endure anything for one month.

Tazio's laughter finally subsided. He wiped tears from his eyes, still grinning. "Sorry, sorry. I get carried away sometimes. Tell me, Dante—are you tired of me talking? Be honest."

"No, sir, not at all," Dante said hastily, though his patience was wearing dangerously thin. "I appreciate your guidance."

"Good, good." Tazio shuffled some papers on his desk. "We'll only meet once a month for performance reviews unless you cause problems. And honestly, the only trouble I can see you causing is female customers swarming you for those good looks." He burst into loud laughter again, slapping his desk. "Customer care is going to be chaos! The women won't be calling about their accounts—they'll be calling to flirt!"

Dante joined in with polite laughter, the sound hollow and forced. "I'll try to stay professional, sir."

"Oh, I'm sure you will. Professional and handsome—dangerous combination!" More laughter. "Alright, Wellington. You're dismissed. Mrs. Primrose will give you your starter packet. Welcome to Stone Contracting. Don't disappoint me."

"I won't, sir. Thank you again." Dante stood, shook Tazio's hand once more, and escaped the office before he said something he'd regret.

Outside, the small reception area was occupied by a single desk where a woman in her early forties sat typing with swift, efficient movements. Mrs. Primrose looked up as Dante approached, and he was immediately struck by her appearance. "Dull" was the word that came to mind—not unkindly, just accurately. She wore a plain gray cardigan over a white blouse, her hair pulled back in a severe bun. No makeup, no jewelry, nothing to draw attention.

But her eyes were sharp, intelligent, and when she smiled at him, it was genuine.

"You must be Mr. Wellington," she said, her voice soft but clear. "Congratulations on securing the position. Mr. Stone rarely hires on the first interview."

She moved swiftly, pulling a folder from a filing cabinet and laying out documents with practiced efficiency. Everything was organized, labeled, ready. Dante watched her work, curious now about why Tazio had called her clumsy when she seemed anything but.

"Thank you, Mrs. Primrose," Dante said, accepting the folder. "I appreciate your help."

"It's my job." She handed him a pen. "Sign here, here, and initial here. The bottom copy is yours to keep."

As Dante signed, he struggled with how to address the elephant in the room. Finally, he said carefully, "I apologize if my presence caused Mr. Stone to yell at you earlier. I heard him on the phone, and I felt... uncomfortable about it."

Mrs. Primrose's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes—surprise, perhaps, that someone was apologizing to her. "That's kind of you to say, Mr. Wellington. But it's nothing unusual. Mr. Stone has high standards."

"High standards or not, you shouldn't be spoken to that way," Dante said, his voice firmer than he intended. "From what I've seen, you're extremely efficient. Far from clumsy."

A faint blush colored Mrs. Primrose's cheeks. She looked down at her desk, uncomfortable with the compliment. "You're very kind. Most people don't notice."

"I notice," Dante said simply.

Mrs. Primrose met his gaze, and for a moment, something unspoken passed between them—an understanding, perhaps, of what it meant to be undervalued and overlooked. She smiled again, this time with more warmth.

"Welcome to Stone Contracting, Mr. Wellington. I hope your experience at Apex Crown is everything you're hoping for."