Chapter 15 - BELLADONNA’S EMPLOYEES DO NOT CARE WHOSE BLOOD IS EXPENSIVE
The club employed ninety-three people full-time and part-time.
Most had no family connection.
The executive chef had worked there nineteen years.
The events director eleven.
The dishwasher three months.
The acquisitions litigation scared them.
Rumors:
Rafael would convert club to hotel.
Vera would regain control and fire anyone who cooperated.
Claudia would cancel bookings.
None verified.
So I held an employee meeting.
Julian advised me to keep it short.
I did not.
Mistake.
I began talking about history.
Julian interrupted from the back.
“Business terms.”
I glared.
He was right.
So:
“Your employment continues.”
“Existing wages continue.”
“Booked events continue.”
“No one is required to take sides in family litigation.”
“Report retaliation to independent HR counsel.”
“Building remains a club while strategic review occurs.”
Then a server raised her hand.
“Are you selling?”
“Not currently.”
“Closing?”
“No.”
“Changing membership?”
“Not immediately.”
Then:
“Will Mrs. Vera come back?”
Good question.
“Her access is governed by court and board restrictions. Staff should not enforce family preferences. Follow security policy.”
That mattered.
Then a dishwasher asked:
“Do we get paid Friday?”
“Yes.”
Applause.
Not for me.
For payroll.
May you like
That was the proper measure of ownership.
Not head-table chairs.
