Back aboard the aircraft, Evelyn was still trying to regain control of the situation.
She approached the flight attendant.
"What's going on?"
"Mr. Bennett is speaking with the captain."
"About what?"
"I'm not sure."
"Well, make sure you find out."
The attendant hesitated.
"Ms. Whitmore, I think it would be best if we allowed him to—"
"Do you work for me or not?"
The woman lowered her eyes.
"I work for Meridian Air."
"Exactly. And I manage this division."
The flight attendant said nothing.
Evelyn turned toward the other passengers.
"I'm sorry about this delay. Some people simply don't understand the procedures involved in private aviation."
The elderly woman in the second row looked at her.
"Perhaps the problem isn't the procedure."
Evelyn gave her a sharp look.
"Excuse me?"
The woman calmly returned to her magazine.
"Nothing, dear."
Evelyn's jaw tightened.
She hated being challenged.
Especially in front of clients.
A moment later, Marcus returned.
Behind him walked Captain Robert Hayes, a broad-shouldered man in his early fifties with silver hair and a serious expression.
The captain approached Evelyn.
"Ms. Whitmore, could we speak privately?"
"Of course."
Marcus stopped beside the aisle.
"There's no need to make this private."
Evelyn turned.
"This is an internal company matter."
"Then let's discuss it as one."
Captain Hayes looked at Marcus.
"Sir, the aircraft is ready. We can proceed once the passenger issue is resolved."
Marcus nodded.
"Thank you, Captain."
Evelyn looked confused.
"Why are you thanking him?"
Marcus reached into his bag.
He removed a slim black folder.
Then he opened it and placed a single document on the table.
Evelyn glanced down.
At first, she didn't understand what she was seeing.
Then her eyes moved to the company letterhead.
MERIDIAN AIR HOLDINGS.
Beneath it was a photograph.
A familiar face.
A signature.
And a title that made the color drain from her cheeks.
MARCUS BENNETT — FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
For several seconds, the cabin was completely silent.
Evelyn looked at the document.
Then at Marcus.
Then back at the document.
"No."
Marcus didn't respond.
She shook her head.
"No, that's not possible."
"Why?"
"Because—"
She stopped.
The man she had ordered out of the premium cabin was not an unauthorized passenger.
He was not an employee.
He was not an ordinary client.
He was the person whose decisions determined the future of her division.
And he had just watched her treat him exactly the way she had allegedly treated dozens of other people.
Marcus closed the folder.
"Now, Ms. Whitmore, I'd like to ask you a question."
Her lips parted.
He continued.
"If you had known who I was when I walked onto this aircraft, would you have spoken to me differently?"
Evelyn stared at him.
She couldn't answer.
Because the answer was obvious.
And everyone aboard the aircraft knew it.
Marcus looked toward the passengers.
"That's what I thought."
He turned back to Evelyn.
"Now let's talk about the people who didn't have a company title to protect them."
Evelyn finally found her voice.
"Mr. Bennett, I sincerely apologize. There has clearly been a misunderstanding."
Marcus studied her.
"A misunderstanding?"
"Yes. I didn't realize—"
"That's precisely what concerns me."
He stepped closer.
"You didn't realize what?"
Evelyn swallowed.
"Who you were."
Marcus nodded slowly.
"Exactly."
He glanced toward the elderly woman who had spoken earlier.
"Ma'am, may I ask you something?"
She lowered her magazine.
"Of course."
"Have you ever been treated poorly by someone working for Meridian Air?"
The woman hesitated.
"Well, I wouldn't want to cause trouble."
"You're not causing trouble. I'm asking because I want to know."
She looked at Evelyn before answering.
"Last month, I traveled to Chicago. I had a medical appointment the following morning, and I needed assistance with my luggage. One of the employees told me that people my age should probably avoid private charters if they couldn't manage their belongings."
Marcus's expression changed.
"Did you report it?"
"I did."
"And what happened?"
"Nothing."
Evelyn quickly interrupted.
"Mr. Bennett, we have procedures for investigating complaints. I'm certain this situation was addressed."
Marcus raised one hand.
"Let her finish."
The woman continued.
"I never received a response. I simply decided I wouldn't fly with your company again."
Marcus nodded.
"I'm sorry."
The words were simple, but he meant them.
He turned toward Evelyn.
"How many complaints have been filed against your division in the last twelve months?"
"I'd have to check."
"How many?"
"I don't have the exact number."
"That's interesting. You manage the division, but you don't know how many customers have complained about its service?"
Evelyn's confidence was disappearing.
"Those records are handled by customer relations."
"Who reports to you."
"Yes."
"And who reports to me."
She looked down.
Marcus opened his folder again.
"Thirty-seven formal complaints. Fourteen employee grievances. Six resignations citing management misconduct. And three reports involving discriminatory treatment."
Captain Hayes looked surprised.
Evelyn went pale.
"Those figures are misleading."
"Then explain them."
"They don't reflect the full circumstances."
"Good. I'm listening."
She opened her mouth, but no convincing explanation followed.
Marcus closed the folder.
"Captain, how long have you worked for Meridian?"
"Eleven years, sir."
"Have you ever witnessed passengers being treated differently because of their appearance?"
Captain Hayes glanced at Evelyn.
"I have."
"Why didn't you report it?"
The captain exhaled.
"I did. Twice."
Marcus looked at him.
"And?"
"Both reports were closed without a formal investigation."