CHAPTER 5: THE LESSON OF THE DUSTY BOOTS
Alejandro fixed his gaze on Robles. The weight of experience and a life forged in hard work crushed the manager's superficiality.
"Do you know why I wear these old boots, Fernando?" Alejandro asked, pointing to his worn, dusty footwear. "With these boots, I walked for miles in the Sonora desert when I didn't even have enough to eat. With these boots, I laid the foundations of this company's first building. The dirt on them is worth more than the silk suit you're wearing."
Robles stared at the floor, unable to meet his boss's eyes. Valeria continued sobbing, hugging herself.
"A leader sets the tone, Fernando," Alejandro continued, his voice resonating with unbreakable authority. "I built this empire on the principles of respect, humility, and hard work. Values that, from what I can see, have rotted away in this place under your management. If your employees feel entitled to humiliate a crippled old man because he doesn't wear designer clothes, it's because you taught them that a person's worth is measured by their wallet."
"Mr. Mendieta, I beg you, it was a misunderstanding..." Robles tried to stammer, but the words died on his lips.
"There are no misunderstandings in arrogance," the old man declared. "I've reviewed the financial reports. This hotel generates millions, yes. But I've received complaints about how you treat suppliers, cleaning staff, and humble people who come asking for a job. I thought they were exaggerations. Today I realize the rot comes straight from management."
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Alejandro pivoted on his good heel, leaning firmly on the crutch, and addressed the crowd of guests and employees watching in silence.
"Greatness isn't found in marble, nor in crystal chandeliers," he said, projecting his voice so everyone could hear him. "It's in how we treat the humblest of our brothers. In Mexico, we were taught to respect our elders. We were taught that manners cannot be bought with money."
