C5 No Manners

O’NEIL PHARMACEUTICAL, NEW YORK.

"What are you doing here?" Dante inquired, pointing at Ariel. He wasn't one to forget faces easily, especially the faces of those who hurl insults at him.

"Do you both know each other?" Ethan asked, but none of them were listening.

Ariel hissed; today really wasn't her day. Everyone she has met seemed to have no respect. "Is that how you talk to someone you owe an apology to? Did no one teach you actual manners?"

"See who is talking about manners. When you can't even apologize for stepping on my expensive shoes and pushing me," he growled angrily.

"Ah, I see you are the vague kind of person. I don't owe you an apology and would only do so if you see worth it, and you obviously aren't worth it," she spat at him.

Ethan stared in confusion. There is no way Ariel and Dante know each other. They haven't even met before. "What's going on here?" He yelled, feeling a sharp pain in his chest.

"I should be asking what this woman is doing here?" Dante retorted.

"Who are you to ask me such a dumb question? I work here, and you seem to be the intruder," Ariel bickered.

"Can't believe this, a mere employee? Grandpa, are these the kind of people you employ around here?" He asked, turning to his grandfather.

Realization dawned on Ariel; she held Ethan's gaze. "He is Dante?"

Dante looked horrified, "how dare you call my name like you own it?"

"That's enough, you two!" Ethan bellowed. "Ariel dear, how about you return to your office. I will talk to you later."

"Yes, sir," she muttered, walking away angrily. Ariel felt like screaming her lungs out.

"Who is she, and why does it sound like you are trying to pacify her?" Dante asked, sitting down.

Ethan rubbed at his forehead, "I can't believe the first thing you do on your return is argue with someone you don't even know. Anyways, that is Ariel, my secretary."

"Really? I thought the secretary you were always talking about is way older."

"Well, she is more efficient than you would think. I trust her with everything," Ethan said, ignoring Dante's eye roll. His eyes shot out like saucers when they landed on the other person in the room. "Is this Aiden?"

Aiden bowed lightly, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir."

"I didn't realize there was another person in the room. I'm so sorry, please. Take a seat. Dante, why didn't you mention your friend's presence."

Dante sighed dramatically, "that witch lady disrupted my train of thought. This is my friend Aiden Carter, grandpa."

"How are you, Aiden?"

"I'm fine, thank you, sir."

"How did you meet Ariel?" Ethan asked curiously.

"Is that her name?" Dante snorted. "She bumped into me a while ago, stepped on me, and didn't bother to apologize."

"Ariel isn't like that, probably you said something to annoy her," he defended his secretary.

"Don't start, please. You weren't there, and from the look of it, you seem to be a poor judge of character."

"Dante..." Aiden whispered, shaking his head in disapproval.

"I'm sorry, grandpa. I was just pissed," he mused.

Ethan sighed, "a dose of your attitude is unavoidable. You have always been a whirlwind. Welcome, son." He laughed, stretching out his hands for a hug. "It's so good to have you back home."

"I'm happy to be here. Tell me, how are you feeling?" Dante asked, looking worried. His heart had been heavy all through the flight; his grandfather is the only family member he has. And even though the both of them argue a whole lot, he loves the old man dearly and would do anything to ensure he is in good health.

"I take it, you called Ben," said Ethan. He was glad there didn't have to be any long conversation over Dante's return home.

"Yes, and he was generous enough to send me your medical report. I'm sorry for being so negligent," he mused, sincerely.

"All that matters is that you are back home now. I didn't think you would bring Aiden with you."

Dante cleared his throat, sitting up, "I guess I would have to say this here before we get home. Grandpa Aiden lost his job in LA due to the company's mismanagement. I am hoping we can fit him into the finance department."

Ethan chuckled lightly; he had liked Aiden the first time they met when Dante was in his first year. The boy had acted so respectful, and he was glad someone like that was in Dante's life. When their friendship grew stronger over the years, it made him feel at ease. "I would have created a new office for him if there wasn't any."

"Wow!" Aiden exclaimed, "thank you so much, sir."

"This is so nice of you, gramps," Dante said.

"You have been a resourceful friend, unlike Shawn. I'm glad he didn't come with you."

Dante laughed, "come on, grandpa. Shawn is just as cool as Aiden. You should try to be nice to him; he will come around soon enough."

"Well, the mansion is all yours. Do whatever you want with it. And I'm glad you arrived early before the founders' day; you would be introduced to the workers and get acquainted with them," said Ethan.

"How many months is it until the founders' day?" Dante asked.

"Say three months; by then, you should have understood the ropes around here. You will be introduced as the President of the company."

"Why do I feel like my heart would burst at the title?"

The older man laughed lightly, "don't get ahead of yourself, it's actually a lot of work. But I trust you would do just fine."

"I hope so too."

"Welcome, boys. It's nice to have you here. Let's head home now; I am sure the chefs must have prepared a feast for your arrival."

Dante's belly growled, "I really can't wait. I'm famished."

"Let's go home then," Ethan urged, grabbing his suit. His eyes lingered on Ariel's door as they walked past it. He felt guilty yelling at her, which has never happened before. He hopes she will understand him and pardon him for today. The last thing he wants is to lose his most trusting personnel over an irrelevant matter.

Dante called out to him excitedly when he got to the car, holding up a bright smile. Ethan hastened his footsteps towards the car.