Then at her kimono.
Her mother had loved garments like this.
Not because she believed Japanese clothing was a costume to borrow casually, but because she respected the artistry, craftsmanship, and traditions surrounding it.
The chairwoman had chosen the kimono with help from the restaurant's Japanese cultural adviser. It had been fitted properly, the obi arranged carefully, and its embroidered cherry blossoms reflected a seasonal design commissioned for the restaurant.
Her mother would have smiled at the attention to detail.
Then she would have asked about the people wearing and preparing everything.
Had they been treated well?
Were they paid fairly?
Did they have time to rest?
Were they proud of their work?
The chairwoman closed her eyes.
Then remembered her mother's letter.
Never become so impressed by powerful guests that you forget the dignity of the people serving them.
She opened her eyes.
The door moved.
A young waitress entered cautiously.
She was Black American, twenty-four years old, and had worked at the restaurant for nearly two years.
Her hair was pinned neatly beneath a service headpiece.
Her expression was worried.
"Madam Chairwoman?"
The chairwoman turned.
"Yes?"
"Are you all right?"
She smiled gently.
"I'm fine."
The waitress hesitated.
"We heard what happened."
The chairwoman nodded.
"I expected you might."
The young employee looked down.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"That he spoke to you that way."
The chairwoman studied her.
Then asked, "Has he spoken to you that way before?"
The waitress went still.
The silence answered before the words did.
Finally she whispered, "Not exactly the same way."
The chairwoman's expression softened.
"What happened?"
The waitress glanced toward the door.
Then lowered her voice.
"He came last month."
The chairwoman waited.
"He had a meeting with two investors."
"And?"
"He kept speaking Japanese while I served."
The chairwoman nodded.
The waitress continued.
"I told him I was still learning the language."
Her voice trembled.
"He laughed and said people who didn't understand Japanese shouldn't work in a restaurant like this."
The chairwoman said nothing.
"He made me repeat the names of dishes until I got embarrassed."
The young woman's eyes filled.
"Then he asked my manager to replace me."
The chairwoman felt anger rise.
"Did the manager replace you?"
The waitress nodded.
"Yes."
"Did anyone speak with you afterward?"
She shook her head.
"No."
The chairwoman took a slow breath.
"Did you report it?"
The young woman nodded.
"What happened?"
She looked toward the hallway.
"I was told not to make trouble."
The chairwoman remained still.
The employee continued.
"The manager said the hotel chairman was too important to upset."
Her voice broke.
"He said I should be grateful to work here."
For several seconds, the room was silent.
Then the chairwoman stepped closer.
"Listen to me."