Vanessa had repeatedly used public criticism as a management tool.
Employees were discouraged from reporting mistakes.
Some workers had received unfair performance evaluations after questioning her decisions.
Several staff members had resigned because they felt intimidated.
The investigation also discovered that Vanessa had taken credit for improvements made by her team while blaming junior employees when something went wrong.
The company determined that her behavior violated its management standards.
Michael presented the findings to the board.
Edward listened carefully.
He did not want an emotional decision.
He wanted a fair one.
The board eventually agreed that Vanessa would be removed from her general manager position following the investigation.
She would receive the formal employment process required by company policy.
Daniel also requested that the company avoid treating him as a special case.
He wanted the same standards applied to everyone.
Edward respected that request.
CHAPTER 10: THE EMPLOYEE WHO SPOKE UP
During the investigation, Sophie became an important witness.
She explained that she had considered resigning several times.
She loved hospitality.
She enjoyed helping guests.
But she had begun dreading every shift because she never knew when Vanessa would criticize her.
Edward invited her to speak privately.
"Why didn't you report this earlier?"
Sophie hesitated.
"I was afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"Being fired. Losing my income. Not finding another job."
Edward nodded.
"That's understandable."
Sophie looked down.
"I didn't think anyone would listen."
Edward leaned forward.
"That should never be the case in this company."
He asked Michael to establish a confidential employee reporting system.
The system would allow staff to raise concerns without going through their direct managers.
It would also provide protection against retaliation.
Sophie thanked him.
Edward smiled.
"You don't need to thank me. You deserve a workplace where you can do your job without being afraid."
CHAPTER 11: THE FATHER AND SON
That evening, Edward and Daniel sat together in the private restaurant on the hotel's top floor.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Finally, Edward asked:
"Are you disappointed?"
Daniel looked up.
"About what?"
"Your experience here."
Daniel considered the question.
"A little."
Edward nodded.
"Why?"
Daniel looked through the window.
"I thought the company had improved more than it actually has."
Edward sighed.
"I thought so too."
Daniel continued.
"I learned a lot, though."
Edward smiled.
"What did you learn?"
"That the people who work closest to the guests often understand the business better than the people sitting in offices."
Edward nodded.