— “I don’t need your papers. I’ve run this hotel for years. I know this business inside and out. I know status when I see it, and your face says you don’t have a dime to your name.”
Hearing the laughter through the open door, some of the guests downstairs started to chuckle as well. Michael took a slow breath, keeping his temper in check. He reached out, straightened the envelope on the desk, and said calmly:
— “Fine. If you won’t look at the facts, I’ll leave. But mark my words: you will soon deal with the consequences of your actions today.”
He turned and walked out. The guests in the lobby whispered their approval:
— “Good for the manager. He put that guy in his place. People need to know where they belong.”
Michael walked out of the hotel into the bright afternoon sun. His slow gait left a heavy silence behind him. Victor sat in his chair, smiling to himself, a mix of pride and contempt on his face.
Downstairs, Sam waited until the manager was distracted. He quietly stepped up to the desk, grabbed the envelope Michael had left, and took it to his workstation in the corner.
He opened the files and began cross-referencing the registration data with the hotel’s private archives. Within seconds, Sam’s eyes went wide. The information on the screen left him breathless.
The electronic record stated clearly: “Michael Lewis. Majority Shareholder (65%). Founding Member and Chairman Emeritus of the Hotel Group.” Sam’s heart hammered against his ribs. He hit the print button immediately.
With the papers shaking in his hand, he ran back up to the manager’s office, ignoring all protocol. Victor was back on the phone, planning a dinner. Sam interrupted him, his voice urgent:
— “Victor, you need to see this report. Right now!”
The manager hung up, furious at the intrusion:
— “Sam, what did I tell you? I don’t care about reports on loiterers. It’s a waste of paper.”
Sam shoved the paper in front of him:
— “Victor, look at the name. That man… Michael Lewis… he owns this hotel. He owns the whole chain. If we just kicked him out, we’re finished.”
Victor didn’t even read it. He pushed the paper back with a sneer, his blind confidence unshaken:
— “I don’t have time for this! Go back to the bags, Sam. This hotel thrives because of my management, not because of some senile old man’s fantasies.”
Sam was stunned by the man’s blindness. He walked out of the office, knowing a disaster was coming. Back in the lobby, he remembered Michael’s kind eyes and his incredible patience. Sam realized this wasn’t just about business anymore; it was a test of character that his boss had failed miserably.
Evening fell over the city. The guests retired to their rooms, and the staff settled into their routines. But Sam’s anxiety only grew. He knew that tomorrow would change everything for this hotel and everyone in it.
The next morning was different. An unusual buzz filled every corner of the building. Staff were whispering in the hallways. Someone said:
— “I heard that old man from yesterday is a big shot from corporate.”
Another replied in a hushed tone:
Comments are closed.