Rebecca considered that.
“And the regional manager?”
“I’m reviewing his performance.”
“Are you planning to terminate him?”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to distinguish between a person who knowingly mistreats employees and a person who has been trained to protect revenue at the expense of everyone else. Both need accountability, but the responses may be different.”
Rebecca gave a small approving hum.
“Just make sure the distinction is documented.”
“It will be.”
After the call, Elena sat quietly for a few minutes.
She thought about Vivian’s expression when Daniel had revealed the sale.
There had been disbelief, embarrassment, anger, and finally fear.
But the most troubling part was what had happened before the revelation.
Vivian had not known Elena owned the company.
She had believed Elena was simply an employee.
That was why she had felt free to shove her.
Elena wondered how many people Vivian had treated that way over the years, and how many had been too frightened to report it.
She wondered how many other customers behaved similarly when they believed no one powerful was watching.
And she wondered how often management had mistaken silence for success.
The next morning, she called an all-staff meeting.
The employees gathered in the flagship’s private salon shortly before opening.
The room had been designed for personal consultations, with cream armchairs, a long low table, and tall windows overlooking the avenue. On ordinary days, it was reserved for customers purchasing custom gowns or preparing for major events.
Now every employee stood or sat in a loose semicircle.
Elena entered without a presentation deck.
She wore the same navy blazer, beige blouse, and black trousers. The measuring tape remained around her neck.
Daniel stood beside her, looking unusually solemn.
Elena waited until the room quieted.
“Good morning,” she began.
A few employees replied.
“My name is Elena Marquez. Some of you met me during the transition visits. Others met me yesterday. I want to introduce myself properly and explain what happens next.”
She paused.
“As of Tuesday afternoon, I became the owner of Marlowe & Finch.”
A murmur moved through the room.
Sophie looked at Mr. Chen, who gave a small nod.
Elena continued.
“I know that a change in ownership can create uncertainty. You may wonder whether your roles will change, whether the company will expand, whether the stores will be reorganized, or whether the things you value about this place will disappear.”
She glanced around the room.
“I can’t promise that nothing will change. Some things must change. But I can tell you what I believe this company should be.”
She placed a hand on the back of an empty chair.
“Marlowe & Finch was built by people who cared about making beautiful things. The garments that carry our name are created through skill, patience, and collaboration. No single person makes them alone. The person who drafts the pattern, the person who cuts the fabric, the person who sews the seam, the person who checks the finish, the person who helps a customer find the right size, and the person who keeps the store running all contribute to the result.”
She let that settle.
“If we want customers to trust our work, we must first trust the people who do it.”
Several employees exchanged glances.
Elena continued.
“That means we will review our policies on alterations, customer conduct, employee safety, scheduling, and escalation. We will make sure that employees can refuse unsafe or technically unsound work without fear of retaliation. We will create a clear process for reporting abusive behavior. We will train managers to respond appropriately, and we will make sure that incidents are documented.”
She looked toward Sophie.
“No employee should be expected to accept physical aggression, racial abuse, or humiliation as part of providing excellent service.”
The room was silent.
Elena’s voice softened.
“Yesterday, an incident occurred in this store. A customer damaged a garment, shoved me, used a racial slur, and threatened to have me fired. The incident was documented, and the matter is under review.”
A few employees shifted uneasily.
“I want to be clear about something. My response is not based on the fact that I own the company. If that had happened to Sophie, Mr. Chen, Daniel, or any other employee, the company should have responded with the same seriousness.”
Sophie’s eyes filled.