She glanced toward the passengers.
Several were watching openly now.
One young woman held her phone near her chest. Another passenger appeared to be recording from across the aisle.
Darla lowered her voice.
“Do we really need to discuss this in public?”
Evan remained calm.
“You were comfortable saying it in public.”
Her eyes flashed.
For a brief moment, the arrogance returned.
Then she looked at the email again.
The controlling shareholder's name stared back at her.
Her anger dissolved into fear.
She forced another smile.
“Please, Evan. Let's start over.”
He looked at her.
“My name is Mr. Cole in this conversation.”
Darla went still.
It wasn't an insult.
He hadn't raised his voice.
He had simply established a boundary.
“Of course,” she whispered. “Mr. Cole.”
Lena glanced toward the front galley.
The lead flight attendant had arrived.
He was a middle-aged American man named Daniel Brooks, with twenty years of airline service and the patient expression of someone who had resolved hundreds of disputes in confined spaces.
He approached the group.
“Good afternoon. I understand there's a seating issue.”
Evan handed him the boarding pass.
Daniel confirmed the assignment.
Then he looked toward Darla.
“Ma'am, your seat is 3A. We need you to move there now.”
Darla glanced toward Evan.
“Perhaps Mr. Cole and I could exchange seats?”
Evan answered immediately.
“No, thank you.”
Her expression tightened.
She looked toward Daniel.
“It would make things easier.”
Daniel remained polite.
“The assigned passenger has declined. Please gather your belongings.”
Darla sat motionless.
For several seconds, it seemed she might refuse again.
Then the lead attendant added, “We need to resolve this promptly so boarding can continue. If you refuse to follow the crew's instructions, we'll have to address that before departure.”
Darla finally looked away.
She gathered her burgundy clutch.
Adjusted her dress.
And slowly uncrossed her legs.
When she stood, the first-class cabin seemed to hold its breath.
Her high heels clicked against the carpeted aisle.
She moved past Evan without meeting his eyes.
As she stepped into the third row, a passenger quietly shifted to give her room.
Darla dropped into her assigned chair.
She looked straight ahead.
Her sunglasses remained in her hand.
Evan turned toward the flight attendants.
“Thank you.”
Daniel nodded.
“I'm sorry for the delay, sir.”
“It's not your fault.”
Lena looked relieved.
“Would you like help with your briefcase?”