Richard looked around.
For the first time, he seemed aware of the audience.
But instead of becoming cautious, he doubled down.
He turned toward the woman in yellow.
"You've embarrassed yourself enough."
She slowly uncrossed her legs.
Not to stand.
Only to adjust her posture.
Then she looked directly into his eyes.
"Are you finished?"
He stared.
"What?"
"Are you finished threatening me?"
Richard laughed.
"I haven't threatened you."
"You've demanded my seat, insulted me, handled my property without permission, and ordered an employee to remove me."
She paused.
"Would you like to add anything else?"
He leaned closer.
"Yes."
His voice dropped.
"I could buy this entire airline tomorrow."
The woman's expression changed.
A faint smile returned.
"Really?"
Richard straightened.
"With one telephone call."
Several passengers looked toward her.
She tilted her head.
"How interesting."
He smiled triumphantly.
"You finally understand."
She reached toward the handbag he had thrown aside.
The flight attendant quickly retrieved it and handed it back.
"Here you are, ma'am."
"Thank you."
The woman opened the bag.
Removed a sleek black smartphone.
Unlocked it.
Then tapped the screen.
Richard watched with obvious contempt.
"Calling someone to rescue you?"
"No."
She opened a secure document.
A corporate ownership summary.
A board authorization.
And a confidential executive identity record.
Then turned the phone toward the attendant.
"Would you please read the name on this document?"
The attendant leaned closer.
Her eyes moved across the screen.
She froze.
Her lips parted.
She looked up at the woman.
Then down at the screen again.
The color drained from her face.
"Oh."
Richard frowned.
"What?"
The attendant's posture changed instantly.
She straightened.
Her hands folded carefully in front of her.
"Madam Chairwoman."
The words were barely above a whisper.
Richard stared at her.
"What did you say?"
The attendant swallowed.
Then looked directly at the woman in yellow.
"Madam Chairwoman, I am terribly sorry."
The entire cabin went silent.
Richard's expression tightened.
"Chairwoman of what?"
The woman slowly turned the phone toward him.
Her voice remained composed.
"Of the airline you're standing inside."
For a moment, Richard did not move.
Then he laughed.
A sharp, dismissive sound.
"That's ridiculous."
The woman said nothing.
He looked toward the flight attendant.
"She's lying."
The attendant did not answer.
Richard's smile weakened.
"Tell me she's lying."
The flight attendant swallowed.
"Sir, the identification appears genuine."
Richard looked back at the woman.