"Effective immediately, you are officially suspended from all company duties," Marcus declared with authoritative finality, leaving no room for argument [cite: 1]. "The moment this aircraft lands at our destination airport, human resources will process your termination. Your employment contract is permanently canceled, and your name will be blacklisted across the entire global aviation alliance. No airline will ever dare hire someone with your character and attitude again."
Hearing this, Brenda felt the world spin around her, her legs entirely failing her. She lunged forward to clutch Marcus's trouser hem, but two towering security guards quickly intercepted her, maintaining a safe and absolute distance.
"Please show mercy! I have a family, an elderly mother, and a young child to support..." Brenda wailed desperately inside the first-class cabin.
Marcus looked down at her with a look of utter contempt: "When you barged in to yell at, chase away, and cruelly insult my son, did you think about his family? You didn't give him a single chance to explain, so do not expect any leniency from me. Cause and effect are fair; that is the price you pay for your own tyranny."
At that moment, the flight captain, having heard about the major disturbance in first class, hurried out of the cockpit. Seeing Chairman Vance standing there with a dark expression, the captain immediately bowed and offered repeated apologies for failing to properly manage the staff.
"Captain," Marcus instructed the pilot, "immediately assign another attendant with proper qualifications and professional ethics to service this cabin. As for her, escort her out of the service area immediately so she doesn't pollute the atmosphere of this flight."
The security guards obeyed instantly, each grabbing one of Brenda's arms and firmly escorting her away from first class amidst her pathetic cries. The surrounding passengers watched Brenda's retreating back with cold expressions, none feeling an ounce of sympathy because they understood she fully deserved it.
CHAPTER 6: THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE PRODIGY
Once the chaos subsided, the first-class cabin quickly regained its tranquil, luxurious ambiance. Marcus walked over to seat 2B right beside his son and sat down. The tense expression from moments before vanished entirely, replaced by the tender warmth of a father looking at his greatest treasure.
"Are you truly alright, Leo?" Marcus asked affectionately, gently adjusting his son's collar.
Leo looked up, flashing a bright, confident smile: "Don't worry, Dad, I'm used to these kinds of things. People often look at the surface to judge others, but I know exactly who I am, and I know you've always got my back."
In reality, Leo was no ordinary child like others his age. Despite his tender years, he had already displayed genius-level aptitude in information technology and was dubbed the world's youngest prodigy programmer. This first-class ticket hadn't been gifted to him as a parental perk—it was the fruit of Leo's own labor. He had independently written an intelligent educational app, sold the copyright to a major tech corporation, and used that massive royalty payout to purchase his own first-class ticket to attend an international technology conference.
Leo wanted complete independence on this trip to gain life experience, and he had asked his father to keep his identity strictly confidential until the unforeseen incident forced it out.
Marcus looked at his son with eyes brimming with pride: "I am truly proud of you, Leo. The way you handled that situation proves you are far more mature than your age suggests. You didn't stoop to petty arguments fueled by anger; instead, you confronted it with composure and dignity."
"You always taught me that, Dad," Leo winked smartly, "the truth never needs to scream loudly to prove its worth."
The surrounding passengers, having witnessed the entire ordeal from start to finish, showered the boy with praise. The businessman from seat 3B proactively stepped over, offering a friendly smile and extending a hand to Marcus: "Chairman Vance, allow me to speak frankly—your son is truly a rare genius. His handling of that situation made us adults bow our heads in deep admiration."
Marcus shook the businessman's hand with a smile: "Thank you for the kind words. The boy has been independent from a young age, so he's learned how to stand up for himself."
CHAPTER 7: JOURNEY ABOVE THE CLOUDS
The aircraft continued its smooth journey across the vast skies, gliding over blankets of fluffy white clouds drifting like a giant ocean of cotton candy.
The replacement flight attendant assigned in Brenda's place entered first class with an exceptionally polite, courteous, and professional demeanor. She delivered a glass of fresh fruit juice and a tray of exquisite, beautifully decorated pastries to Leo's table.
"Wishing the young gentleman a comfortable and wonderful flight," the flight attendant smiled warmly and bowed respectfully.