Chapter 9 - The ReckoningThe room was in absolute uproar. Board members were shouting, department heads were whispering in panic, and Patricia was weeping openly at her desk.
Ethan stepped back up to the microphone. He didn't yell. He simply stood there until the sheer weight of his presence brought the room back into complete, dead silence.
"Julian Sterling," Ethan said, looking down at the disgraced General Manager sitting on the floor surrounded by police officers. "You are hereby terminated for cause, effective immediately. The Regent Group will press full federal charges for grand larceny, embezzlement, and corporate fraud. You will never work in this industry again."
The police officers stepped forward, pulled Julian to his feet, clicked handcuffs over his wrists, and escorted him out of the ballroom in full view of every employee he had manipulated for years.
Ethan then turned his attention to Patricia and Karla.
Both women were trembling violently, waiting for their inevitable destruction.
"Patricia," Ethan said calmly. "You took kickbacks from Julian Sterling to turn away legitimate guests and participate in a criminal room-diversion scheme. You are terminated for cause, and your actions have been handed over to the district attorney."
Patricia sobbed, hanging her head as two security guards escorted her out.
Ethan then looked at Karla.
"Karla," Ethan said. "You were not part of the embezzlement scheme. But you stood beside Patricia last night, smirked at a tired child, and mocked a guest asking for help. You allowed arrogance to govern your behavior."
"Mr. Vance... please..." Karla wept, her hands clasped in prayer. "I'm so sorry! I was just trying to fit in with the senior staff!"
"Culture is built by what we tolerate, Karla," Ethan said solemnly. "You are terminated from your position at the front desk. However, because you were not involved in the crime, I will not blackball your record. You have thirty days to find employment elsewhere. Learn from this night."
Karla bowed her head in tears, whispering a quiet "Thank you, sir," before walking out of the room alone.
Ethan took a deep breath. The room remained completely silent, every remaining director and employee waiting on bated breath for what would happen next.
May you like
Ethan looked over at Lupita Morales, who sat quietly beside little Lily.
"Now," Ethan declared, his voice echoing with warmth and purpose. "Let us talk about the future of the Grand Regent Chicago."
