"You're fortunate," the doctor said. "The injury is superficial. However, I'd still recommend a more complete examination."
Richard nodded.
"Thank you."
His phone rang.
The name on the screen was Daniel Brooks, the company's chief executive officer.
Richard answered.
"Good morning, Daniel."
"Richard! I've been trying to reach you. What happened?"
"Nothing that cannot be discussed."
"I've just received a report about an incident involving Alexander Reed."
Richard looked toward the window.
"Yes."
"Is it true?"
Richard took a moment before answering.
"Unfortunately."
Daniel sighed.
"I'm deeply embarrassed."
"You should be concerned."
"Richard, I assure you that we will investigate this immediately."
"Please do."
"Should I come to the medical room?"
"That isn't necessary."
"Richard, you're one of the most important people in this company's history."
Richard gave a quiet laugh.
"That is precisely why I hope you will understand what I am about to say."
Daniel became silent.
"Go ahead."
"I didn't come here today because I wanted to be treated like an important investor. I came because I wanted to see how this company was being managed."
"And?"
"I have seen enough."
Daniel's voice became tense.
"What do you mean?"
Richard looked at his injured cheek.
"I mean that a company can have beautiful offices, impressive financial reports, and talented executives. But if the people inside it are afraid to speak, something is terribly wrong."
Daniel did not respond.
Richard continued.
"Alexander Reed did not know who I was when he treated me badly downstairs. He believed I was simply an old man standing in his way."
"That's unacceptable."
"Exactly. And that is the point."
Richard paused.
"If he had known my name, would he have treated me differently?"
Daniel remained silent.
"Would he have spoken politely? Would he have offered me a seat? Would he have apologized for his impatience?"
Richard's voice softened.
"Respect that depends on someone's wealth is not respect. It is calculation."
Daniel finally spoke.
"I understand."
"I hope you do."
Richard ended the call.
He looked down at his hands.
For a moment, he remembered his wife, Margaret.
She had died six years earlier after a long illness.
She had always been better at understanding people than he was.
When Richard became wealthy, she had warned him not to let success change his heart.
"People will smile because of your money," she had once said. "But the people who truly love you will still care about you when you have nothing."
Richard smiled faintly.
He wished she were there.
She would have known exactly what to do.
Chapter 9: The Secret in the Folder
Richard opened the leather folder he had carried into the building.
Inside were several documents.
The first was a detailed proposal for a new employee protection program.
The second was a restructuring plan designed to prevent unnecessary layoffs.
The third was a letter addressed to the board of directors.
And the final document was the one he had intended to present to Alexander.
It contained an announcement.
Richard Harrison planned to transfer a significant portion of his voting shares into a foundation dedicated to employee welfare, education, and long-term company development.
He had spent months preparing the transition.
He wanted the company to become an example of responsible leadership.
He wanted young executives to understand that financial performance and human dignity did not have to compete.
He had specifically requested a meeting with Alexander because several reports had raised concerns about his management style.
Richard had hoped to speak with him privately.
He had wanted to offer guidance.
Perhaps even give him an opportunity to change.
But now the situation was different.
Richard removed a pen from his pocket.
He turned to the letter.
At the bottom, he crossed out a sentence that recommended Alexander for a future leadership position.
Then he wrote a new line.
No individual should be entrusted with greater authority until their ability to respect others has been demonstrated through consistent actions.
He signed his name.
Then he called his longtime assistant.
"Margaret?"
A familiar voice answered.
"Yes, Mr. Harrison?"
"Please arrange an emergency board meeting."
"Today?"
"Yes."
"Is everything all right?"
Richard looked at the bandage on his cheek.
"No. But it will be."
Chapter 10: The Fear Behind the Office Door
At 11:15, Alexander was called into the human resources department.
Two senior managers sat across from him.