"I'm sorry?"
Aurelia looked at her.
"I said it's very good. The financial analysis is clear, and the recommendations are useful."
Emily appeared genuinely surprised.
"Thank you."
Aurelia placed the folder on the desk.
"I also want to apologize."
Emily stared at her.
"For what?"
"For the way I have treated you."
Emily did not immediately respond.
Aurelia continued.
"I have been unnecessarily demanding. I have criticized your work without acknowledging the effort behind it. I have expected you to be available at all hours, and I have not always respected your personal time."
Emily's eyes widened.
She had worked for Aurelia long enough to know that this conversation was unusual.
"Mrs. Vance..."
"Please let me finish."
Emily nodded.
"I am not asking you to forget everything immediately. I simply want you to know that I recognize my behavior was wrong."
Emily looked down at her hands.
"Thank you for saying that."
Aurelia took a breath.
"I also want to review your workload. If there are responsibilities that should be distributed among other employees, we will address that."
Emily smiled faintly.
"That would be helpful."
"Good. Then let's begin."
It was not a dramatic transformation overnight.
Aurelia still had a demanding personality.
She still expected high standards.
But she began making an effort to listen before judging.
And for the first time, her employees began noticing the difference.
CHAPTER X: TRUE WEALTH
Several months later, Air Airline held its annual leadership and employee recognition event.
The gathering took place in a large conference hall overlooking the city.
Senior executives, department managers, flight crews, pilots, engineers, and airport employees attended.
Marcus arrived wearing a dark navy suit.
He stood near the stage, greeting employees and listening to conversations.
Sarah was among the attendees.
She had recently received an internal award for exceptional customer service.
When Marcus saw her, he smiled.
"Sarah Mitchell."
She turned.
"Mr. Sterling! Good evening."
"Congratulations on your recognition."
"Thank you, sir."
"You earned it."
Sarah smiled.
"I appreciate that."
Marcus gestured toward the room.
"How are things going?"
"Very well. The new training program has been helpful."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Sarah looked around.
"People seem more confident about handling difficult situations."
"That was the intention."
A few minutes later, Marcus stepped onto the stage.
The audience became quiet.
He looked across the room.
"Good evening, everyone."
The employees applauded.
"Tonight, we are here to recognize the people who make this airline what it is."
He paused.
"Some people believe an airline is defined by its aircraft. Others believe it is defined by its destinations, luxury cabins, or financial performance."
He smiled.
"Those things matter. But they are not the most important part."
He continued.
"An airline is defined by its people."
He spoke about the work performed by pilots, engineers, baggage handlers, cleaners, gate agents, and flight attendants.
He recognized the people who worked during holidays, handled unexpected delays, helped frightened passengers, and remained professional during difficult situations.
Then he said something that made Sarah sit up straighter.
"A few months ago, one of our employees faced an extremely difficult situation on an international flight. She was pressured by a passenger, but she remained calm, followed company policy, and treated everyone with dignity."
Sarah realized he was referring to her.
Marcus continued.
"That employee reminded me why I believe in this company."
He looked across the room.
"Leadership is not about wearing the most expensive clothes or occupying the largest office. It is about understanding that every person has value."
The audience applauded.