"People are afraid to report problems because they believe they'll lose their positions."
Michael began taking notes.
Vanessa looked increasingly nervous.
She had always believed that employees respected her authority.
Now she was discovering that many simply feared her.
Edward listened carefully.
He did not interrupt.
When everyone had finished, he turned toward Michael.
"I want an independent workplace review."
Michael nodded.
"Of course."
"Not just a review of today's incident. I want to know how employees are treated across every department."
"Understood."
"And I want the results presented directly to the board."
Vanessa finally spoke.
"Mr. Harrison, surely one misunderstanding shouldn't determine my entire career."
Edward looked at her.
"You're correct. One misunderstanding shouldn't determine anyone's career."
He paused.
"But this doesn't appear to be one misunderstanding."
CHAPTER 8: THE MANAGER'S EXPLANATION
Later that afternoon, Vanessa was invited to the executive conference room.
Michael sat beside Edward.
Daniel was also present.
Vanessa looked nervous.
Edward began.
"Tell me how you define good management."
Vanessa answered carefully.
"Maintaining standards, ensuring employee performance, protecting the hotel's reputation, and delivering excellent service."
Edward nodded.
"Those are reasonable goals."
He continued.
"But how do you achieve them?"
"Through discipline and accountability."
Edward leaned forward.
"And do you believe humiliating employees improves performance?"
Vanessa hesitated.
"I don't intentionally humiliate anyone."
Daniel looked at her.
"Do you remember when you criticized me in front of a family with two children because I was carrying luggage too slowly?"
Vanessa frowned.
"I don't remember every incident."
"Do you remember telling Sophie that she was replaceable?"
Vanessa looked down.
Edward remained silent.
Daniel continued.
"I remember those moments because I was the person standing there."
Vanessa sighed.
"I was under pressure."
Edward nodded.
"Everyone in this business is under pressure."
He explained that running a hotel involved thousands of daily decisions.
Guests complained.
Rooms became unavailable.
Equipment failed.
Employees made mistakes.
The responsibility of management was to solve those problems without destroying the confidence of the people doing the work.
"Leadership is not about making people afraid of you," Edward said. "It's about giving them the confidence to do their jobs well."
Vanessa listened.
For the first time, she seemed to understand that her position did not protect her from accountability.
CHAPTER 9: THE INVESTIGATION
The following week, the company launched a formal investigation.
An independent human resources team interviewed employees from every department.
They reviewed schedules, disciplinary records, customer complaints, and internal communications.
The findings revealed a troubling pattern.