Chapter 4: True Values Restored
The two receptionists looked up, bracing for the inevitable blow.
"As for the two of you," Ethan said, looking at Patricia and Karla. "You failed the fundamental test of this company. However, I do not believe in simply throwing people out into the cold without giving them a chance to understand the weight of their actions."
He paused, letting the silence hang in the air.
"You will not be fired today," Ethan announced.
Patricia gasped, a glimmer of hope rising in her eyes.
"Instead," Ethan continued, "you are being demoted. Effective immediately, you are assigned to the housekeeping and room service divisions for the next six months. You will work forty hours a week under the direct supervision of Lupita."
Karla’s jaw dropped. "Housekeeping? But Mr. Vance, we are trained front-desk professionals!"
"No, you are trained script-readers," Ethan countered sharply. "You have forgotten what it means to serve. You will clean the toilets, change the linens, and carry the heavy trays for the guests you previously looked down upon. You will learn what hard work looks like, and you will learn to look every person in the eye with respect. If, after six months, Lupita gives me a glowing review of your attitude and humility, you may reapply for a front-desk position. If you complain, or if you show even a hint of resentment, you will be terminated with zero references. Do you accept?"
Patricia nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, Mr. Vance. Thank you. Thank you for the chance." Karla, realizing she had no cards left to play, slowly nodded her agreement as well.
Ethan then walked over to Lupita. He smiled, a genuine warmth returning to his face. "Lupita, your title as of today is Director of Guest Relations and Staff Culture for the Grand Regent Chicago. Your salary will be tripled, and you will report directly to Diana at the corporate headquarters."
Lupita’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes welling with tears of shock. "Mr... Mr. Vance, I... I don't know how to run a corporate department! I am just a housekeeper!"
"You are a woman who remembers what matters," Ethan said gently. "You can teach anyone how to check a guest in on a computer. But you cannot teach someone to care. You already have that gift. I want you to restructure the training program for every single employee in this hotel. I want you to ensure that no father, no mother, no lonely traveler is ever turned away or made to feel small in my house again."
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Lupita took a deep, shaky breath, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and profound gratitude. "I won't let you down, Mr. Vance. I promise."
"I know you won't," Ethan said. He turned to Diana. "Make sure the transition happens today. Now, if you will excuse me, my daughter is waiting for me. We have an important appointment to keep."
