For a moment, he seemed irritated.
Then answered.
“Noelle, we're discussing a client whose associated companies generate millions in annual aviation spending.”
She felt her expression harden.
“I'm aware.”
“He also has relationships with several investors considering a financing transaction involving our company.”
“I know that too.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“Then perhaps you understand why I don't think a permanent ban is commercially sustainable.”
Noelle stared.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she asked quietly.
“Do you know how much Nina Calder's injured wrist cost her?”
Adrian frowned.
“The company handled her medical costs.”
“That's not what I mean.”
She opened another page.
“Nina missed months of normal activities. She needed physical rehabilitation. She became anxious about returning to work. And she eventually left a career she'd spent years building.”
Adrian shifted in his chair.
Noelle continued.
“You're talking about revenue. I'm talking about what happened when one of our employees told a passenger no.”
His expression tightened.
“We cannot run an aviation company as though every unhappy passenger is a permanent threat.”
“No.”
She nodded.
“But we can treat documented violence and intimidation as serious reasons to refuse future service.”
Adrian looked away.
For a moment, he seemed unwilling to continue.
Then he spoke.
“There's something you should understand about the financing discussions.”
Noelle studied him.
“What?”
He took a breath.
“Royce Capital may be positioned to provide the liquidity the board wants before the next aircraft acquisition cycle.”
She frowned.
“The board hasn't approved any exclusive financing arrangement with Royce.”
“No.”
Adrian hesitated.
“But certain directors have been discussing it.”
Noelle felt cold.
“Which directors?”
He looked toward her.
For a moment, he seemed surprised by the question.
Then answered.
“You should speak with Margaret.”
Margaret Lin was chairwoman of Ashford Executive Aviation's board.
She was sixty-two, a former aviation finance executive who had supported Noelle since the company managed only three aircraft.
Noelle trusted her judgment.
But she also knew Margaret was under pressure.
Fuel costs had risen.
Several corporate charter accounts had become less predictable.
And the company was preparing to refinance part of the debt associated with its fleet expansion.
Noelle needed new capital.
She did not need Gavin Royce deciding the price of her company's independence.
She looked toward Adrian.
“Until an appropriate review is completed, the restriction remains.”
He exhaled sharply.
“Noelle—”
“That's a decision.”
For several seconds, he stared.
Then nodded.
“Understood.”
But as he left the office, Noelle noticed something.