And a decision that could determine the future leadership of Meridian Atlantic Airways.
The conference room at Miami International Airport was quiet enough that Maya could hear the air-conditioning system.
A station employee had arranged a clean set of clothing from a nearby retailer. Maya had changed into a simple ivory blouse and dark trousers, leaving the gold gown carefully folded inside a protective garment bag for professional assessment.
The airline's staff had offered to help with the cleaning costs.
Maya accepted the practical assistance without asking anyone to promise an outcome before the matter was investigated.
She also asked for a clear written record of what happened to the dress.
The gown belonged to her, but its damaged condition was now part of an incident that might be examined by investigators, insurers, and the company's legal team.
She didn't want the evidence lost simply because everyone was eager to make the embarrassment disappear.
At 2:42 p.m., she connected to a secure video meeting with Daniel Anderson.
He appeared on the screen wearing a charcoal suit.
For a moment, he looked relieved.
"Maya."
She nodded.
"Hello, Daniel."
He studied her face.
"How are you feeling?"
She glanced toward the garment bag.
"Tired."
Then she smiled faintly.
"And I need coffee."
Daniel returned the smile.
For a moment, the tension eased.
Then he became serious.
"We've preserved the available communications. The independent investigators are reviewing the incident and the passenger advisory."
Maya nodded.
"Good."
He hesitated.
"Several directors have seen the public video."
She looked toward him.
"What did they say?"
Daniel took a breath.
"They're concerned. But they understand the board has to evaluate management's conduct on the full record, not simply react to a viral clip."
Maya nodded again.
That was exactly what she wanted.
She didn't want the airline to become a company where any executive could lose a career because a video generated enough public outrage.
She wanted a company where evidence mattered.
Including when the evidence concerned people she disliked.
At three o'clock, the independent directors joined the meeting.
There were seven voting members, including Maya.
Two had extensive aviation experience.
One was a former financial executive.
Another specialized in corporate governance.
The remaining directors brought experience in labor relations, transportation operations, and large public companies.
They had disagreed about Adrian Bell for months.
Some considered him essential to Meridian's recovery.
Others believed his approach was damaging the organization.
But all understood the seriousness of the meeting.
Daniel opened with a procedural explanation.
The board would review the independent report, hear Adrian's response, consider the available evidence, and determine whether a leadership change was appropriate.
Any decision would be documented according to the company's governing rules.