Finally, Alexander stepped into the room. Everyone gasped, expecting anger or dismissal. Marcus immediately stopped, gently lowering Emily back into her chair, his face pale with fear. “Sir, I—I’m so sorry. She was feeling down today, and I thought—”
But Alexander didn’t let him finish. Tears streaming down his face, he walked straight to Marcus and pulled him into a tight embrace. “Thank you,” he said, voice breaking. “Thank you for giving my daughter something I couldn’t.”
The room erupted in stunned silence, then applause from the staff. Emily wheeled over, hugging her father. “Daddy, Mr. Marcus is the best!”
What happened next shocked everyone even more. Alexander turned to the gathered staff and announced, “Marcus, you’ve been more than a driver—you’ve been family. Effective immediately, your salary is tripled. And…” He looked at Emily. “I’d like you to teach me how to dance with my daughter like that. Every day, if you’re willing.”
Marcus, overwhelmed, could only nod as tears fell.