No need. Jonathan's voice carried the authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed. Mrs. Ashford was just explaining her philosophy about people knowing their place in society. Victoria found her voice, desperation making her reckless. Look, I'm sorry if I offended your wife, but she was being aggressive and I felt threatened.
Miguel held up his phone, the assault clearly visible on the screen. Aggressive? She was cleaning up spilled champagne when you pushed her into the pool. That's not what happened. Victoria's composure shattered completely.
She was looking at me wrong, being uppity. I had to teach her respect. The words hung in the suddenly quiet air like poisonous smoke. Even her remaining friends cringed at the blatant racism. Jonathan pulled out his tablet, swiping to a document marked with official letterhead.
Mrs. Ashford, you've just provided an excellent confession for both the criminal assault charges and the federal civil rights violation. Criminal charges. Victoria's voice cracked. Assault and battery captured on multiple cameras. Hate crime enhancement due to the racial motivation you just admitted.
Jonathan's legal background Harvard Law before his business career showed in his precise language. The federal civil rights violation carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sarah Lane appeared beside Derek, tablet clutched to her chest like armor. Mr. Williams, sir, we can resolve this internally. No need for legal action.
I'm afraid that decision isn't mine to make. Jonathan gestured toward the HR office. My wife is the victim here, but I can tell you that Williams Hospitality Group takes discrimination very seriously. Derek's face went ashen. Williams Hospitality Group.
We own 847 hotels worldwide. We're currently negotiating acquisitions throughout Florida. Jonathan's tone remained conversational despite the nuclear implications. This property was actually on our acquisition list. The word was felt like a death sentence.
Mr. Williams, please let me explain. Derek started. Explain what? How did you immediately side with a guest who assaulted an employee? How did you prepare termination papers without investigating?
How would you have destroyed an innocent woman's livelihood to protect your profit margins? Each question hit like a physical blow. Derek stumbled backward, his authority evaporating in the Miami heat. Jonathan's phone buzzed with a text from Kesha. How are things going out there, Dr. Williams?
He typed back. Educational. Patricia is shredding termination papers. Derek appears to be having an existential crisis. Victoria made one last desperate play, her voice taking on a pleading tone.
Mr. Williams, my husband James has significant investments in hospitality. Perhaps we can work something out. James Ashford of Ashford Capital Partners. Jonathan's eyebrow arched. Interesting.
They managed the pension fund for Williams Hospitality Group employees. 300 million under management. Victoria's face lit up with hope. Yes. You see, we can resolve this business to business.