Three days later, the glass doors of the executive boardroom at the Sterling Investment Group opened in downtown Dallas.
Daniel sat at the head of the long mahogany conference table, surrounded by six senior board members in formal business suits.
At the far end of the table sat Richard Harrison, Chloe's wealthy father, his face red with anger as he slammed his leather briefcase down.
Richard: What is the meaning of this emergency meeting, Daniel?! My daughter has been crying in her room for three days straight!
Daniel: Mr. Harrison, thank you for attending. We have a serious matter to address regarding our proposed real estate merger.
Richard: You embarrassed my family! You kicked my daughter out of your estate like a common criminal over a minor disagreement with a house staff member!
Daniel: It wasn't a house staff member, Richard. It was my mother, Eleanor Sterling, the founder and chief trustee of this firm.
Richard froze, his arrogant expression wavering for a fraction of a second before he quickly recovered.
Richard: Even if it was your mother, Chloe made an honest mistake! Eleanor shouldn't have been wearing a maid uniform in the first place!
The double glass doors swung open once again, and Eleanor stepped smoothly into the boardroom wearing a sharp charcoal business suit, accompanied by Lawyer Vance.
Eleanor: I can wear whatever I choose in my own home, Mr. Harrison. The question is why your daughter thought it was acceptable to abuse anyone wearing a uniform.
Richard: Eleanor... look, let's be reasonable here. We are adults, and this is a multi-million-dollar business deal!
Eleanor: Character is part of business, Richard. My late husband and I built this firm on integrity and respect.
Richard: You're going to cancel a forty-million-dollar commercial merger over a personal family spat?!
Lawyer Vance: The Sterling Family Trust has officially pulled all funding from the downtown real estate project, Mr. Harrison.
Richard: You can't do that! I've already signed contracts with contractors and suppliers! If this deal falls through, my firm goes bankrupt!
Daniel: You should have taught your daughter how to respect people, Richard. Kindness costs nothing, but arrogance just cost you your company.
Richard: Daniel, please! We can fix this! Chloe is willing to issue a public apology to your mother!
Eleanor: An apology born out of financial panic is meaningless, Richard. The board's vote is final.
Eleanor motioned to the board members, who all raised their hands in unanimous agreement to terminate the partnership.
Richard slumped back into his leather chair, his face pale as the reality of his financial ruin set in.
Eleanor: This meeting is adjourned. Have a good day, Mr. Harrison.