He didn’t bow. He walked straight to the head of the table—the Chairman’s seat.
“Good morning, Chairman,” the Directors said in unison.
Mang Tasyo slowly turned to Rico. The gentle face of the driver from earlier was now replaced by the sharp, serious gaze of a billionaire.
“D-driver… sir?” Rico stammered.
“Mr. Valdes,” Mang Tasyo said in a deep voice.
“I am Anastacio Sy. I personally drive my new managers so I can see their true character when they think no boss is watching. Because I believe that how you treat those below you reflects who you truly are.”
Mang Tasyo placed the two hundred pesos on the table—the money Rico had thrown at him earlier.
“I’m returning this. I don’t need your tip. What this company needs are leaders with heart and respect—not someone who yells at an old man and belittles honest work.”
“Sir… Chairman… I’m sorry! I-I didn’t know…” Rico dropped to his knees, shaking with fear and shame.
“I took the right route earlier, Mr. Valdes. I saved you from traffic,” Mang Tasyo said firmly.
“But now, you’re the one who chose the wrong route. And on the path you chose… you’ve reached the end of the road.”
Mang Tasyo turned to the HR Director.
“You know what to do. Get him out of my building.”
Rico could do nothing but cry as security dragged him out. In the lobby, other employees stared at him in silence.
Mang Tasyo remained in the boardroom and looked at his executives.
“Remember this,” he reminded them.
“True power does not lie in position or salary. It lies in respect for others. Dismissed.”