"And Julian?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Tell security and compliance to preserve today's cabin access records and communications."
There was another pause.
"Understood."
She lowered the phone.
Richard stood completely motionless.
His blue eyes moved from her face to the phone.
Then toward the luxurious seat.
Then back to her.
For the first time, uncertainty crept into his expression.
"Who exactly are you?"
Naomi looked at him.
"My name is Naomi Ellis."
He frowned.
The name seemed familiar.
But he couldn't place it.
She continued.
"I'm the founder and chief executive of Ellis Horizon Group."
Richard's mouth opened slightly.
Naomi gestured toward the aircraft around them.
"And through my company's aviation holding subsidiary, I own this jet."
The pilot stared.
Then laughed nervously.
"That's impossible."
Naomi tilted her head.
"Why?"
He looked toward Olivia.
The young attendant was standing beside the galley, her face filled with disbelief.
But she wasn't surprised by Naomi's identity.
She was surprised by the pilot's behavior.
Naomi turned back toward him.
"Captain Vance, this aircraft is registered to Horizon Aviation Holdings, a company I control."
She pointed gently toward the cabin.
"The walnut paneling was selected by my design team. My mother's initials are embroidered into the headrests. And that seat you're so concerned about was installed because the original configuration wasn't comfortable for her."
Richard swallowed.
For the first time, he looked closely at the cream leather seat.
Near the upper corner, beneath a delicate stitched emblem, were two small letters.
E.E.
He had never noticed them.
Naomi continued.
"Now, unless there's an aviation safety concern you're prepared to identify, I'd appreciate an explanation for why you assumed I couldn't possibly be the owner."
Richard's expression tightened.
"I didn't know."
Naomi nodded.
"I understand that."
He seemed relieved.
Until she added, "The question is why you thought that entitled you to treat me like someone who didn't deserve respect."
The pilot opened his mouth.
No words came.
Then his gaze flickered toward the cockpit.
And something unexpected happened.
His expression changed from embarrassment to fear.
Not the ordinary fear of someone who had offended an important employer.
Something deeper.