CHAPTER 6: THE VERDICT AND JUSTICE
The atmosphere was charged with electricity. Alejandro turned his attention back to the manager, who looked like he was about to suffer a heart attack.
"Fernando, you are fired," Alejandro said firmly, without a hint of hesitation. "And I will personally ensure that none of my companies, nor any affiliated corporation in this country, ever hires you again. Pack your things. You have ten minutes before my security men escort you to the street."
Robles crumbled. He fell to his knees, begging, but the Mayor's guards took a step forward, forcing him to his feet and dragging him toward the elevators.
Then, Alejandro turned to Valeria. The receptionist stumbled backward, bumping against the counter.
"Mr. President... I beg your forgiveness... I have a family... I need this job," she wept inconsolably, black makeup running down her cheeks. "I beg you, don't destroy me."
Alejandro looked at her. There was no hatred in his eyes, only profound disappointment.
"I am not destroying you, girl. You destroyed yourself the moment you decided you were superior to another human being. I won't blackball you from the industry like Fernando. You are young; you can still learn. But there is no place for you here. You're fired."
Valeria nodded slowly, defeated, destroyed by her own arrogance.
"And I'll give you a piece of advice," Alejandro added, lowering his voice slightly. "Next time you see someone covered in dust, don't look down on them. You never know if that dust is the very soil upon which the roof sheltering you is built."
At that moment, a young bellboy named Mateo, who had been watching everything nervously from a corner, took a step forward. He was holding a bottle of cold water.
"S-sir... for you," the boy stuttered, holding out the bottle. "I saw you were tired when you walked in."
May you like
Alejandro looked at him, and for the first time all afternoon, a genuine smile appeared on his weathered face. He took the bottle.
"Thank you, son. What's your name?" "Mateo, sir." "Well, Mateo. As of today, you are the new customer service supervisor. Teach these people what true Mexican hospitality means."
