"Several industries."
Victoria laughed.
"Several industries?"
"That's right."
"Well, that sounds impressive."
Her voice made it clear she did not believe him.
Daniel closed the folder.
"I don't think my business activities are particularly relevant to our flight."
Victoria leaned back.
"People who actually have important businesses usually don't mind talking about them."
Daniel looked at her.
"People who are secure in their own lives usually don't need strangers to validate them."
For the first time, Victoria had no immediate answer.
Her face tightened.
She placed her sunglasses back on and turned away.
But the encounter had already become personal.
She had decided that Daniel needed to be put in his place.
And she intended to do it before the aircraft reached its destination.
Chapter 3: The Finger Pointing Across the Cabin
The aircraft was preparing for departure when Andrew returned to the cabin.
He checked the passengers' seat belts and reviewed the final safety procedures.
Victoria, however, was still unhappy.
She had noticed that Daniel's seat was positioned near a particularly comfortable section of the cabin. She wanted that space for herself.
"Andrew," she called.
The flight manager approached.
"Yes, Ms. Sterling?"
"I'd like to change seats."
"Certainly. Is there a particular seat you would prefer?"
Victoria pointed toward Daniel.
"That one."
Andrew glanced at the seat.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but Mr. Brooks has been assigned that seat."
Victoria removed her sunglasses.
"Then move him."
Andrew paused.
"Ma'am?"
"You heard me. I want that seat."
"Unfortunately, I can't move another passenger simply because someone else prefers their seat."
Victoria stared at him.
"Do you know who I am?"
Andrew maintained his professional expression.
"Yes, ma'am. Your name is on the passenger manifest."
"Then you should understand that I expect a certain standard of service."
"Of course. And we provide the same standard of courtesy to every passenger aboard."
Victoria gave him a cold look.
"That sounds like something people say when they don't understand how this business works."
Daniel had been listening.
He slowly turned toward them.
"Andrew, there's no need to make this complicated. If there's a legitimate operational reason for a seating adjustment, I'm happy to discuss it. Otherwise, I believe we should all remain where we've been assigned."
Victoria immediately turned toward him.
"Nobody asked you."
Daniel looked at her calmly.
"You were asking the crew to move me."
"Because I want your seat."
"Then perhaps you should ask politely."
Victoria's face turned red.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
She leaned forward, pointing a finger directly at him.
"Listen carefully. I don't know who you think you are, but you are not going to tell me how to behave."
Daniel did not raise his voice.
"I haven't told you how to behave. I've simply asked to be treated with basic courtesy."
Victoria laughed loudly.
"Basic courtesy? You should be grateful you're even sitting here."
The cabin became quiet.
Andrew looked uncomfortable.
Daniel glanced toward the flight manager.
"Is everything all right with the aircraft?"
"Everything is fine, Mr. Brooks."
"Good."
He turned back to Victoria.
"I suggest we enjoy the flight."
Victoria looked at him with open contempt.
"You really think you're important, don't you?"
Daniel said nothing.
He simply fastened his seat belt.
But Andrew had noticed something.
Daniel was not reacting like someone who was afraid of losing his place aboard the aircraft.
He was reacting like someone who had seen this kind of behavior many times before—and had learned that the best way to understand a person's character was to give them enough time to reveal it.
Chapter 4: The Man in the Navy Vest
As the aircraft prepared for takeoff, Andrew walked toward the cockpit.
A few moments later, he returned with Captain Michael Harris, the senior pilot responsible for the flight.
Michael was a confident man in his late forties. He had spent more than twenty years in aviation and had managed aircraft for several high-profile clients.
He stepped into the cabin and spoke briefly with Andrew.
Then his eyes landed on Daniel.
His expression immediately changed.
"Mr. Brooks?"
Daniel looked up.
"Good morning, Michael."
The captain smiled warmly.
"Good morning, sir. I didn't realize you had already boarded."
"I arrived a little early."
Michael extended his hand.
"It's good to see you again."
Daniel shook it.
"Likewise. How are things going?"
"Everything is ready. We'll be departing shortly."
Michael then noticed Victoria sitting nearby.
He offered a polite greeting.
"Good morning, ma'am."
Victoria barely responded.
Instead, she looked between the two men.
"Wait a minute. You know him?"
Michael turned toward her.
"Of course."
Victoria frowned.
"How?"
Michael looked at Daniel, then back at Victoria.
"Mr. Brooks is the founder and chairman of Brooks International Aviation."
The words seemed to hang in the air.
Victoria blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
Michael continued.
"Brooks International Aviation manages several private aircraft and provides executive aviation services across the country. This aircraft is part of the company's executive fleet."
Victoria slowly lowered her sunglasses.
She looked at Daniel again.
Then she looked toward the captain.
"You're telling me..."
Michael nodded.
"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Brooks is the owner of the company operating this aircraft."
Victoria's mouth opened slightly.