“The problem is that you decided my value before you knew my story.”
The words hit harder than any punishment could.
The customers nearby became uncomfortable.
The woman who laughed earlier quietly walked away.
Claire invited Marcus into a private office, but he asked to stay a little longer.
He wanted to talk with the employees.
Not to embarrass anyone.
To teach them.
“Every person who walks through that door has a story,” Marcus said.
“Some people wear expensive watches. Some people wear old shoes. But neither tells you what someone is capable of.”
The employees listened carefully.
Even Ethan.
Because the man he judged had just given him the most valuable lesson of his career.