Derek's face changed.
“We discussed those.”
“Yes.”
“You said guests were difficult.”
“Some are.”
Daniel's voice sharpened.
“Your job is not to be kind only to easy people.”
Margaret looked at Chloe.
“You lied to me about room availability.”
Chloe cried harder.
“I was following instructions.”
“You mocked me.”
No answer.
“You suggested I was a thief.”
“I made a terrible mistake.”
“Yes.”
Margaret nodded.
“You did.”
She turned to Derek.
“You are terminated effective immediately.”
Derek went still.
“Margaret—”
“Daniel will handle the formal process.”
“Please.”
“This is not a negotiation.”
Derek looked around.
The employees who had once taken cues from him now avoided his eyes.
“You cannot fire me over one weekend.”
Margaret's voice stayed calm.
“I am not.”
She pointed toward Daniel's folder.
“I am terminating you because this weekend confirmed a pattern already documented through guest complaints, staff reports, discriminatory service practices, improper rate manipulation, and abuse of authority.”
Derek's shoulders fell.
Margaret looked toward Chloe.
“You are terminated as well.”
Chloe covered her mouth.
“Please, Mrs. Whitfield.”
Margaret did not look away.
“I didn't know.”