He pointed toward the seat beneath her.
"Yes. You're sitting where you don't belong."
The woman's expression remained calm.
"And where exactly do you believe I belong?"
Richard gestured toward the rear of the aircraft.
"The galley. That's where the catering staff waits until the passengers arrive."
For a moment, the cabin was completely silent.
The woman blinked once.
Then glanced toward the polished walnut paneling.
The beautiful cream upholstery.
The custom gold accents along the armrests.
Finally, she returned her attention to the pilot.
"You're assuming I'm part of the catering staff?"
Richard gave an impatient sigh.
"Look, sweetheart, I don't have time for this."
He checked his wristwatch.
"The owner is expected any minute, and I need this cabin ready."
The woman's lips curved into the faintest smile.
"Do you?"
He frowned.
"Yes."
"And you believe the owner wouldn't want me sitting here?"
Richard laughed.
"Lady, this aircraft costs nearly sixty million dollars."
She nodded.
"I'm aware."
He stared at her.
"Then you should understand why we don't let random staff members lounge around in the owner's seat."
The woman lowered her eyes toward the cream leather beneath her.
For a brief moment, something flickered across her face.
Not fear.
Not embarrassment.
Something closer to disbelief.
Then she looked back up.
"Captain, may I ask who told you I was a waitress?"
Richard folded his arms.
"I don't need someone to tell me."
The words hung in the cabin.
The woman grew very still.
At the rear of the aircraft, a young flight attendant named Olivia Bennett stood beside the galley entrance.
She had watched the entire exchange.
Her face was pale.
She was twenty-six years old, with neatly styled brown hair, a tailored charcoal service uniform, and a small pair of pearl earrings.
She had worked aboard private aircraft for nearly three years.
And she had never seen a pilot address a passenger quite like this.
"Captain Vance," she said carefully, "I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
Richard turned sharply.
"Olivia, stay out of it."
The attendant froze.
He pointed toward the woman in white.
"This person boarded without my authorization."
Olivia swallowed.
"Sir, the cabin manifestβ"