Chapter 4 — The Price of Pride
Chapter 4 — The Price of Pride
After the meeting, nobody knows what to say.
Martin finally approaches Daniel.
For the first time in eight years...
He cannot meet his son-in-law's eyes.
"I... I didn't know."
Daniel nods.
"I know."
Brian immediately begins apologizing, insisting he always respected the company.
Rebecca calmly interrupts.
"We've reviewed everyone's leadership records."
Promotions are announced.
Raises are awarded.
Then comes the surprise.
Brian is removed from Regional Operations.
Eric loses authority over procurement.
Vanessa is reassigned after repeated complaints about her treatment of employees.
None of them are fired.
Daniel refuses revenge.
Instead, they are required to spend six months working directly alongside field crews.
Learning the value of every employee they once ignored.
Martin expects Daniel to punish him too.
Instead...
Daniel simply says,
"You don't owe me respect because I'm wealthy."
He pauses.
"You owed me respect because I married your daughter."
Those words hurt Martin more than losing his pride.
That night Claire finally breaks down in tears.
She apologizes again.
Daniel hugs her.
"This was never your fault."
Emily quietly asks,
"Daddy... are you really the boss?"
Daniel smiles.
"I'm just someone who fixes broken things."
Emily grins.
"Even families?"
May you like
He doesn't answer.
Not yet.
