Don’t let strangers decide the fate of your legacy. And Victoria shouldered an incredible burden on her fragile shoulders. The first two years were a nightmare. She worked 18 hours a day studying every aspect of the business: finance, logistics, human resources, marketing. Many in the company doubted her. They said behind her back that the young woman couldn’t do it, that the business would collapse. But Victoria proved that she inherited not only the company from her father, but also his business acumen.
She optimized the route network, secured advantageous contracts with airports, implemented modern reservation technologies, and most importantly, never forgot that service is at the heart of everything. Her father always said that the airline exists for the passengers, not the other way around. Victoria made the customer experience her priority. Azur Wings became known for its impeccable service, punctuality, and attention to detail. Over the past year, the company’s revenue has grown by 30%. The stock price has soared.
Financial magazines hailed Victoria as one of Europe’s most promising young businesswomen. But success came at a price. She barely saw her friends, didn’t go on dates, and lived in her Kensington penthouse, almost like a hermit, completely immersed in her work. “Miss Holmes, we have a problem with the flight from Barcelona to Milan.” Her assistant Sofia’s voice pulled Victoria from her thoughts. She turned around. Sofia Dupont, a petite French woman of about 35, had been with her from the start.
Her father hired Sofia a year before his death, and she became not just an assistant, but a true support for Victoria. “What happened?” Victoria asked, setting her cup down on the table. “The lead pilot got sick an hour before takeoff. The backup is in Paris now. He won’t make it in time. The passengers are already on board. They’re starting to get nervous.” Sofia glanced at the tablet, quickly scanning the information. “Cancel the flight.” Victoria frowned.
She hated cancellations. They undermined the company’s reputation. We can, but there’s a business delegation. They have to be in Milan tonight for important negotiations. Plus, three families with children. If we cancel, we’ll be bombarded with negativity. Sofia looked up from the screen. Victoria pondered. Options raced through her mind. Contact other airlines. Too long. Find a freelancer. Unreliable. “Do we have pilots available in Barcelona?” she asked. “I’m checking.” Sofia’s fingers flicked across the screen.
“There is one, Tomás Clarkson, but he’s resting after a night flight from Bucharest. Contact him.” Offer him double pay for an urgent call. Victoria was already heading to her desk and told to keep me informed. The next few hours passed at the usual pace of work: meetings, calls, reports. By midday, the flight problem was resolved. Captain Clarkson agreed to go to work, and the plane took off only 40 minutes late. Victoria personally called the head of the business delegation, apologized for the inconvenience, and offered a discount on future flights.
