THE CALL FROM THE GROUND FLOOR
Chapter I: The Marble Lobby and the Worn Coat
The grand entrance lobby of Apex Financial Tower gleamed under soaring vaulted ceilings, with gold-accented pillars, velvet security stanchions, and polished black obsidian floors reflecting the ambient city light. Executives in tailored Italian wool strode through the revolving glass doors, flashing platinum badges to access the high-speed executive elevator bank.
Walking slowly across the marble floor was an elderly man who seemed completely out of place.
He wore a faded olive-green field jacket over a rumpled, earth-toned button-up shirt, scuffed trousers, and weathered leather boots. His silver-gray hair was unkempt, his face creased with years of quiet resilience.
Stopping in front of him with a smug, dismissive grin was Jonathan Sterling, the firm’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Acquisitions. Dressed in an immaculate navy three-piece suit with an American flag lapel pin and a deep burgundy silk tie, Sterling adjusted his cuffs with theatrical condescension.
"I need to see the director," the old man said, his voice raspy but calm.
Sterling let out a soft, mocking laugh.
"The director doesn't meet with people like you."