— “Victor, as of this moment, you are no longer the General Manager of this hotel. You are terminated, effective immediately. Sam will be taking your place.”
Victor, shaking with a mix of rage and humiliation, shouted:
— “You can’t do this! I built the reputation of this place! I am the law here!”
Michael’s voice thundered back:
— “I built this hotel with my own sweat and capital. I can have you escorted out this minute without a cent of severance.”
He paused, then added more quietly:
— “But I’m going to give you a chance to learn about life. If you want a job, you can report to the groundskeeping crew. You’ll be doing the manual labor you so clearly despise in others.”
Then Michael called Sam over. He placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder and addressed the room:
— “This young man didn’t have power or a title, but he had heart.”
He looked around at the staff:
— “That is the only true qualification for hospitality. That’s why Sam is the new manager.”
Sam was speechless, his eyes bright with emotion. He managed to say:
— “Mr. Lewis, I was just doing what was right. I didn’t expect anything…”
Michael smiled warmly:
— “That’s exactly why you deserve it, son. Don’t ever change.”
Then he turned to Paula. His gaze was so piercing she looked as if she wanted to disappear. He said sternly:
— “Paula, you’re young, and this is your first major mistake. I’m giving you a second chance.”
He raised a finger in warning:
— “But remember this: never again will you judge a guest by their clothes or their wallet. Every person who walks through those doors deserves your respect.”
Paula nodded quickly, her voice a whisper:
— “I understand, sir. I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Michael looked out at the entire lobby. He spoke one last time:
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