The scent of jasmine and beeswax filled the air, a familiar comfort that I had missed for far too many years.

A dozen members of the senior staff stood in a neat line near the reception desk, their faces serious but attentive.

The general manager, a tall man named Richard who had served under my father, stepped forward.

“The staff is assembled, Ms. Aurelia,” Richard said, his voice respectful. “We have received the notice from the board.”

“Thank you, Richard,” I said, looking at the faces of the men and women who kept this empire running every day. “I know the last few weeks have been difficult and uncertain.”

“We are loyal to the founders, ma’am,” Richard said. “We always have been.”

“The company is stable,” I told them, my voice carrying clearly across the quiet, cavernous lobby. “The restructuring is complete, and the assets are secure. We will be moving forward under the name Monarch Luxe, and your jobs are safe.”

A quiet murmur of relief went through the group.