The employee hesitated, glancing toward Richard.
Elijah noticed.
"You will not be punished for providing an honest account," he said. "I expect everyone here to tell the truth, regardless of whom it might inconvenience."
The employee finally spoke.
"Ms. Brooks was polite the entire time. She checked the reservation system, offered to contact other stores, and tried to help another customer while waiting for a response. Ms. Hale became angry because the handbag wasn't available."
Amanda wrote down the statement.
Another employee stepped forward.
"I saw the same thing. Ms. Brooks didn't insult anyone."
A customer near the jewelry counter raised her hand.
"I was here for most of the conversation. The sales associate was professional. The manager didn't ask her what happened before suspending her."
A second customer nodded.
"That's true. I thought the way the young woman was treated was unfair."
Victoria stood rigidly beside the counter.
She had expected a private complaint to result in a quick apology, perhaps a discount, and the removal of an employee she considered inconvenient.
She had not expected an investigation.
She certainly had not expected the older gentleman to be the man whose investment decisions influenced the entire business.
Amanda continued gathering statements.
One by one, witnesses described the same sequence of events.
Nia had offered assistance.
Victoria had responded with insults.
Richard had accepted Victoria's version without conducting a proper review.
And Nia had been suspended despite having followed the store's procedures.
When the interviews were finished, Amanda closed her notebook.
"Mr. Carter, the initial findings are consistent. There is no evidence that Miss Brooks violated our customer service policy."
Elijah nodded.
"Thank you."
Richard stepped forward.
"Mr. Carter, I want to make it clear that I was acting in the company's best interests."
Elijah looked at him.
"Were you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then perhaps you can explain why your first response to a complaint was to punish the person who had been doing her job."
Richard struggled to answer.
"I believed it was necessary to calm the situation."
"Did you consider speaking privately with the customer and reviewing the facts before taking action?"
"I should have."
"Did you consider the effect of your decision on Miss Brooks?"
Richard glanced toward Nia.
"I did not fully consider that."
Elijah's expression remained serious.
"That is the problem."
He paused.
"You were given authority to manage this store. Authority does not mean you can do whatever is easiest for yourself. It means you are responsible for making fair decisions, particularly when someone has less power than you."
Richard's shoulders sank.
"I understand."
"I hope you do."
Elijah turned toward Nia.
"Miss Brooks, your suspension is being withdrawn, effective immediately. You will receive written confirmation, and your employment record will reflect that the decision was reversed after an investigation found no violation."
Nia stared at him.
"Thank you, sir."
"You don't need to thank me for correcting an unfair decision."
Her eyes filled with tears again.
This time, she did not immediately look away.
Elijah continued.
"I would also like you to know that your comments about employee treatment have been heard. I intend to review the store's complaint procedures and management practices."
Nia nodded slowly.
"I appreciate that."
Victoria suddenly stepped forward.
"This is absurd."
Everyone turned toward her.
She looked at Elijah, her face flushed with anger.
"You're seriously doing all of this because one employee says she was treated unfairly?"
Elijah regarded her calmly.
"No. I'm doing this because several witnesses have confirmed that she was treated unfairly, and the manager has admitted that he made a disciplinary decision without investigating the facts."
Victoria waved a hand dismissively.
"She was rude to me."
Amanda glanced at her notes.
"We have not found evidence supporting that claim."
Victoria stared at her.
"Are you calling me a liar?"
"I'm saying that the witness accounts do not support your allegation."
Victoria turned toward Elijah.
"You cannot possibly expect me to accept this kind of treatment."
Elijah's expression did not change.
"What kind of treatment are you referring to?"
"Being made to look like the villain when I am the customer!"
Elijah took a slow breath.
"Being a customer does not make you immune from accountability."
Victoria laughed incredulously.
"Accountability? I spend thousands of dollars here every year."
"That is your choice."
"Do you have any idea how much business people like me bring into luxury retail?"