It was Friday, the eve of Lucien Dax's birthday. Dax is the chairman and founder of Dax's Group International and the father of Riven, the CEO.

The company premises wore a festive look inside and out as the board of directors declared Friday a "no work day." So that a mini-party could be held in the chairman's honor.

The entryways were lined with pre-lit miniature lanterns and oversized decorations. Targeted areas in the offices had large photographs of Lucien Dax displayed on them. A ...