6
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Due to an emergent situation, departure is indefinitely delayed.”
Passengers were utterly bewildered. This was rare. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“What… what’s happening? Did someone miss the boarding call?”
“That can’t be… We were taxiing to the runway! How did we get turned back to the gate?”
The announcement repeated multiple times, leaving no room for doubt.
Everyone looked puzzled as they returned to the departure lounge.
I had barely stepped through the doors when a formation of the plane’s senior cabin crew approached with precise, disciplined steps.
At this moment, everyone, including Zoey and Samuel, turned their eyes toward me in unison.
With a faint smile on my lips, I walked toward them unhurriedly.
“May I confirm… you are Ms. Sterling?”
The captain stopped before me, his posture rigidly respectful, his voice carefully modulated.
I
gave
him a slight nod.
Menu
“Indeed. Jane Sterling. Thank you for your
efforts.”
The next second, all the crew members collectively bowed and greeted me.
“Ms. Sterling, you honor us,” the captain said, his voice thick with deference.”It is our privilege to serve you. Our superiors expressly requested we convey their deepest gratitude for your choosing our flight.”
I reached out and gently patted his shoulder.
“Oh my god, what is this?”
“Am I seeing things? Did you all see that? The entire crew mobilized-I’ve never seen anything like that.”
“This is crazy… who is she?”
“Those armored trucks… the bows… she must be insanely connected!”
Passengers who had mocked me earlier now stared, slack-jawed.
Ignoring the stunned crowd, I continued addressing the captain, my voice clear and calm.
“Among these passengers,” I gestured vaguely but pointedly behind me, “one has directly threatened my life. I require her removal.”
My gaze found Zoey, her face chalk-white. “That woman there. She is the one.”
The captain didn’t hesitate. He spun, snatched his radio, and barked an order.
“All airport security units to Departure Hall 3 immediately. Unlawful threat reported.”
Before Zoey could even muster a coherent thought, two burly armed security officers materialized at her sides, gripping her arms firmly.
“Unhand me! Let go!” she shrieked, panic finally overriding her bravado.”I am Samuel Rockwell’s personal
1300
6.2%
secretary! Do you know who he is?! He is the primary shareholder of your damn airline!”
A low chuckle escaped me.
“Oh,” I murmured, taking a step closer as security held her fast. “I did warn you. Cross me, and it ends poorly. It wouldn’t matter if you were Rockwell’s secretary or Rockwell himself. Offend me, and you will kneel to beg.” The captain bowed again as the officers hauled Zoey forward. “Ms. Sterling, are there any others requiring action?” Seeing his secretary handled like a common criminal shattered Samuel’s composure. Face tight with fury and humiliation, he stepped forward, trying to salvage some shred of dignity.
“Captain George, I’m the current chairman of Rockwell Enterprises. Could you do me a favor and release my secretary first?”
The captain sighed lightly, his expression deeply apologetic but unyielding.
“Mr. Rockwell, my profound apologies. Our orders at this moment come solely from Ms. Sterling. It is beyond my authority to countermand her directives.”
The implication hung in the air for a stunned second, then erupted into a roar of disbelief.
“Did he just say…even the richest man in Baycrest can’t override her order?!”
“One phone call stops a plane, summons armored trucks? Who in this country wields power like this?!”
“Ms. Williams… she truly met her match today. Met it and shattered against it.”
As the chatter grew louder, Zoey’s face turned increasingly pale.
My smile deepened, serene and terrifying. I stepped closer to Zoey, looming over her.
“Ms. Williams, the 100 million in cash you demanded is ready. See? The armored bank units are right outside.”
“But before those trucks unload… don’t you think we should discuss the rather substantial matter of the damages
you owe me?”
Rage and panic contorted her face. She snarled, a last, desperate burst of defiance.
“Bitch, I’m warning you, this is Baycrest-don’t push your luck!”
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“Hmm? Ms. Williams, is that… another threat I detect?”
