By then, Gavin had returned to the seat, though his shoes remained on the floor.
His confidence had become brittle.
He was still attempting to make telephone calls.
Still threatening lawsuits.
And still insisting that Noelle would regret the delay.
But the crew remained professional.
Captain Mercer coordinated with operations.
Claire continued attending to the other passengers.
And the ground team arranged for Gavin's removal without escalating the confrontation unnecessarily.
The security supervisor explained the situation calmly.
Gavin refused twice.
Then demanded to speak with Adrian Pike.
Noelle heard the name.
Her expression changed.
“Why Adrian?”
Gavin looked toward her.
“He's the only person in your company who understands business.”
Noelle felt cold.
She looked toward the supervisor.
“Please document that request.”
Gavin laughed.
“Document whatever you want.”
He stood.
Collected his jacket.
Then looked toward Claire.
“You should start looking for another job.”
The attendant stiffened.
Noelle stepped forward.
“Mr. Royce.”
He turned.
“Threatening a crew member because she follows safety instructions will be included in the incident report.”
His face reddened.
Then he looked toward the cabin.
For a moment, he seemed to realize the confrontation was over.
Noelle wasn't going to argue until he felt better.
The captain wasn't going to depart.
And the security team wasn't going to treat a billionaire differently because he could threaten expensive litigation.
Gavin picked up his phone.
Then walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he looked back.
“You think you've won something today?”
Noelle remained quiet.
He smiled coldly.
“Check your company's debt before you celebrate.”
Then he disappeared down the stairs.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Claire stood beside the galley.
Her hands trembled.
Noelle looked toward her.
“Claire.”
The attendant turned.
“Yes, ma'am?”
“Are you all right?”
For a moment, she seemed surprised by the question.
Then she nodded too quickly.
“Yes.”
Noelle studied her.
“You don't have to answer immediately.”
Claire swallowed.
Her eyes filled.
“I asked him to take his feet off the table.”
Noelle nodded.
“I heard.”
“He told me I'd be fired.”
The CEO felt anger rise.
Claire continued.
“I thought the executive clearance meant somebody had reviewed the restriction. I asked operations to confirm.”
Noelle looked toward her.
“Did you receive a written response?”
“Yes.”
“Please preserve it and give it to the safety investigators through the established process.”
Claire nodded.
Then she whispered.
“I'm sorry I didn't recognize you.”
Noelle shook her head.
“That's not the important part.”
The attendant stared.
Noelle continued.