Chapter 22 - The Poaching War
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Julian Thorne was a man of his word, especially when it came to corporate warfare. Within forty-eight hours of his visit to Sienna’s office, the aggressive poaching campaign began. Vanguard’s recruitment team started reaching out to the St. Moritz department heads, offering exorbitant signing bonuses and massive salary increases.
Sienna was sitting in the empty grand dining room after dinner service when Chef Andre walked in. He looked tired, still wearing his white chef's coat, and held a thick envelope in his hand.
He pulled out a chair and sat across from Sienna, placing the envelope on the table.
"They cornered me in the parking garage last night," Andre said quietly, tracing the edge of the envelope with his thumb. "Vanguard. They offered me the Executive Chef position at their new flagship hotel. They want to double my current salary and give me full creative control over three different restaurants."
Sienna looked at the envelope, feeling a sudden, cold knot of anxiety in her stomach. Andre was the culinary heart of the St. Moritz. Losing him to Vanguard would be a devastating blow to the hotel’s reputation.
"That is a very generous offer, Andre," Sienna said, carefully maintaining a neutral tone, though her heart was pounding. "You have to do what is best for your career and your family. If you decide to take it, I will personally write you a glowing recommendation."
Andre stared at her, a profound look of respect washing over his exhausted features. He picked up the envelope, tore it neatly down the middle, and tossed the pieces into the center of the table.
"I already gave them my answer," Andre smiled, leaning back in his chair. "I told them that I don't work for corporations; I work for people. And I refuse to work for a man who treats his staff like disposable chess pieces."
Sienna let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, relief flooding her veins.
"Thank you, Andre," she whispered sincerely.
"It's not just me, Ms. Vance," Andre continued. "They approached Maya at the front desk, Thomas in concierge, and even the head of housekeeping. They are throwing money around like water."
"And?" Sienna asked, bracing herself.
"And not a single person has accepted," Andre laughed softly. "Maya told their recruiter that she actually enjoys coming to work here now, and no amount of money could convince her to go back to walking on eggshells."
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Sienna smiled, feeling a powerful surge of vindication. Julian Thorne completely misunderstood the hospitality industry. He believed that loyalty could be bought and sold with a corporate checkbook. He didn't understand that when you treat people with genuine dignity, they become fiercely, irreversibly protective of the sanctuary you have built together.
"Let them keep trying," Sienna declared, her eyes shining with quiet determination. "They are about to learn a very expensive lesson about the true value of respect."
