Employee discipline.
Management communications.
The board initially resisted.
Their lawyers warned that an aggressive review could damage the company's reputation.
Malcolm listened.
Then asked:
“How much?”
Edward frowned.
“How much what?”
“How much would it cost to discover whether this problem is isolated?”
“We don't know.”
“Exactly.”
He stood.
“Then we're not buying a $3.8 billion company until we know.”
The meeting ended.
At noon, the hotel began hearing rumors.
By 2:00 p.m., senior managers knew the acquisition had been delayed.
By 4:00 p.m., Graham Voss was placed on administrative leave.
Clarissa was suspended pending review.
Evan remained employed.
Maya was asked to provide a statement.
But the biggest surprise came at 6:20.
Malcolm returned to the Valecrest Grand.
This time, he wore a navy suit.
No overnight bag.
No disguise.
He walked through the revolving doors.
The lobby became silent.
Employees recognized him immediately.
Guests looked over.
The pianist stopped playing for half a second before continuing.
Malcolm approached the front desk.
Maya was working.
She looked terrified.
Malcolm smiled.
“Good evening.”
“Mr. Reid.”
“I'd like a room.”
Maya swallowed.
“Of course.”
He handed her his identification.
She barely looked at it.
“Which room would you prefer?”
Malcolm said:
“The same one.”
She understood.
“Grand Executive Suite?”
“Yes.”
Maya entered the reservation.
Her hands were shaking.
Malcolm noticed.
“Relax.”
She looked up.
“Sir?”
“You didn't do anything wrong.”
Maya's eyes became wet.
“I should have spoken up.”
“You did.”
“No. Last night.”
“You asked one question.”
“I should have done more.”
Malcolm smiled gently.
“Most people don't realize how difficult it is to speak when everyone else is pretending.”
Maya looked down.
“Do you want another card?”
“No.”
“I'm sorry.”
“For what?”
“For what happened.”
Malcolm nodded.
“Thank you.”
She handed him the key.
Then hesitated.
“Mr. Reid?”
“Yes?”
“I watched the footage.”
Malcolm waited.
“You never raised your voice.”
“No.”
“You never threatened anyone.”
“No.”
“You just kept asking what the policy was.”
“Yes.”
Maya smiled sadly.
“That was the part that scared them.”
Malcolm looked toward the lobby.
“No.”
He shook his head.
“The policy should have scared them.”