But the real revelation was still coming.

Because Julian had just discovered that someone was attempting to use Arielle’s aircraft for a flight she had never approved.

Chapter 9: Nine Minutes Later

At exactly 2:50 p.m., Captain Shaw asked everyone to remain where they were while she verified the conflicting records.

Arielle had arrived at the aircraft nine minutes earlier.

During those nine minutes, Vanessa had insulted her, knocked her documents aside, threatened to call security, and refused to verify her identity.

Now the captain stood with the aircraft manifest in her hand.

Julian descended the stairs carrying another document.

“Captain, we have a problem.”

Evelyn looked toward him.

“What is it?”

He handed her the second flight record.

The captain read it.

Her expression changed.

“This aircraft is scheduled for an outside charter?”

Julian nodded.

“That’s what the operations system says.”

Arielle looked up.

“An outside charter?”

Evelyn hesitated.

“Dr. Monroe, we’re verifying an unexpected scheduling entry.”

Arielle remained calm.

“Who authorized it?”

Nobody answered.

Vanessa looked toward her phone.

Arielle continued.

“Because I didn’t.”

Silence.

Isaac stopped moving.

Megan lowered her tablet.

Julian looked toward the captain.

And Vanessa’s face turned pale.

Arielle reached into her jacket and removed her phone.

She opened a secure message from her aviation finance manager.

The message confirmed that no outside passenger use had been authorized.

Then she turned the screen toward Evelyn.

“The aircraft is owned by my holding company. I have not approved any commercial use today.”

The captain stared at the confirmation.

Then looked toward Vanessa.

“Who told you we were carrying an outside client?”

Vanessa swallowed.

“Graham.”

“Graham Pritchard?”

She nodded.

Evelyn took a slow breath.

“Then this aircraft is not departing until the discrepancy is resolved.”

Nobody objected.

The entire crew had gone silent.

Because the woman they had watched being humiliated had just revealed that she owned the aircraft.

And the operating records suggested someone inside their company had been arranging flights without her permission.

Chapter 10: The Call to Operations

Captain Shaw contacted Northstar’s operations department.