“You did.”
“I was wrong.”
She turned to face me.
“You knew what you wanted even then. And I tried to talk you out of it.”
“You wanted me to be safe. I understand that.”
“Safe is different from small though. I wanted you to be small, manageable. I see that now.”
Derek moved to the Christmas tree, examining the ornaments.
“These are custom.”
“Each one represents a milestone for the hotel. Opening day, our first award, the 100th five-star review. The staff gave them to me last Christmas.”
“They gave you gifts.”
“We exchange gifts every year. I have a budget set aside for staff appreciation.”
“Of course you do.”
He smiled a real smile this time.
“You’re actually a good person, aren’t you? This isn’t just about money or success. You genuinely care.”
“I try to.”
“We’ve been so wrong about you.”
My phone buzzed. Victoria reminding me about the staff briefing.
“I need to go,” I said. “The evening briefing starts in 5 minutes. You’re all welcome to rest here until dinner or explore the hotel. Whatever you prefer.”
“Can we come to the briefing?” my mother asked suddenly.
I paused.
“It’s just me thanking the staff and reviewing the evening service plan. It’s not exciting.”
“I’d like to see you work, to understand what you actually do.”
“Me too,” Derek added. “If that’s allowed.”
I considered.
“You’ll need to stay quiet. This is a working meeting, not a show.”
“We’ll be silent,” Marcus promised.
The staff briefing room was packed. Over 60 employees gathered for the Christmas Eve evening shift. They stood when I entered, a courtesy I’d never asked for, but they insisted on.
“Please sit,” I said, taking my place at the front. “And thank you all for being here tonight. I know many of you have families waiting at home, celebrations you’re missing. Your dedication to our guests and to this hotel means everything.”
I introduced my family briefly, explaining their presence, then moved into the briefing.
We reviewed the evening schedule, several holiday parties, VIP arrivals, the special Christmas Eve menu.
I addressed challenges from the previous shift, and recognized exceptional service.
“Before we begin service,” I concluded, “I want you to know that holiday bonuses will be in your accounts by tomorrow morning. Additionally, everyone working tonight will receive an extra day of paid vacation to be used anytime next year. You’ve earned it.”
The applause was spontaneous and warm.
After the briefing, as staff filtered out to their posts, several approached to thank me personally.
I saw my family watching from the side, seeing me in this context for the first time.
“They really do love you,” my mother said as we left the room.
“They appreciate being valued. It’s not complicated.”
We returned to the penthouse suite to change for dinner. I’d arranged for clothing to be provided for anyone who needed it. Turns out my family had dressed appropriately, so it wasn’t necessary.
The grand ballroom had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Dererick’s party planning had been excellent. He’d always had good taste, even if his judgment about people had been lacking.
About 40 guests mingled under crystal chandeliers, champagne flowing freely.
Several of Dererick’s business associates approached him, and I watched him struggle with how to introduce me.
“This is my sister, Sophie,” he finally said to a man I recognized as a major real estate developer. “She’s in hospitality.”
“Oh,” the man smiled politely. “What do you do?”
“I own the hotel,” I said simply.