An hour later, the main boardroom on the top floor of the hotel was filled with executives.
Elena walked into the bright room wearing a sharp Navy blue business suit.
Her hair was tied back neatly, and her presence commanded absolute respect from everyone present.
Arthur sat right at her right hand, holding a folder containing the company's financial records.
The board members stood up politely as Elena took her seat at the head of the long table.
"Good morning, everyone," Elena began in a strong, clear voice.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice today."
"Before we discuss our quarterly expansion plans, I have an important announcement regarding our operations."
The board members listened intently, taking notes on their notepad pads.
"Effective immediately, we are raising the baseline salary for all service and housekeeping staff by twenty percent," Elena declared.
A soft wave of surprised whispers moved through the board members in the room.
"We are also implementing strict conduct policies for all hotel guests and corporate partners," Elena added firmly.
"No employee of the Sterling Hotel Group will ever be subjected to verbal abuse or harassment again."
One older executive cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly.
"Miss Sterling, while we respect your empathy, will this affect our net profit margins for the quarter?" he asked politely.
Arthur spoke up immediately before Elena even needed to respond.
"Treating our staff with dignity ensures lower turnover and higher service quality," Arthur explained sharply.
"Happy employees create loyal customers, which protects our long-term investment far better than budget cuts."
The executive nodded slowly in agreement, writing down Arthur's points on his sheet.
"Furthermore," Elena continued smoothly, "we are cancelling the corporate sponsorship for the Victoria Vance Fashion Gala."
The board members looked at each other in surprise, knowing Victoria was formerly tied to the family.
"The funds saved from that cancellation will go directly into our employee healthcare fund," Elena stated clearly.
A quiet murmur of unanimous approval echoed across the large boardroom table.
The board members realized that Elena was not just an heir on paper.
She was a strong, compassionate leader who truly understood the heart of the business from the ground up.
After the meeting adjourned, the executives shook hands with Elena and Arthur before leaving the room.
When the doors finally closed, Elena leaned back in her chair with a feeling of deep satisfaction.
"You handled that boardroom like your father used to," Arthur said proudly, looking at her with admiration.
"My father taught me that true power is measured by how you protect those who work for you," Elena replied softy.
Arthur walked around the table and stood beside her chair, looking down at her warmly.
"He would be incredibly proud of the woman and leader you have become today," Arthur said gently.
Elena reached up and took Arthur's hand, placing it gently over her stomach.
They felt a light, fluttery kick from the baby inside, making them both laugh softly with joy.
"Our child is going to grow up in a world where kindness comes first," Elena said with complete certainty.
"And where family stays together through every single storm," Arthur added softly.