Chapter 4

The Aura Airlines flight operations office smelled like stale coffee and stress. Chloe sat across from Frank Novak, the Flight Service Director, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Frank was a heavy man with a receding hairline and a temper that flared like a blowtorch.

He slammed a folder down on the desk. "Do you want to explain this, Carr?"

Chloe leaned forward, reading the upside-down print. It was her pre-flight readiness report. A big red stamp marked "NON-COMPLIANT" across the top.

"Sir, I can explain," she started, her throat dry. "I had a personal emergency. I misplaced my ID, and it took longer than expected to-"

"I don't care about your excuses," Frank interrupted, his jowls shaking. "FAA regulations are clear. Mandatory rest period was violated. You were late for check-in. You were flagged for a deficiency point."

Chloe's stomach plummeted. "But it was only by a few minutes. I made the flight. I performed my duties without issue."

Frank leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. "It's out of my hands, Carr. The numbers don't lie. And with the promotion review board meeting today, this doesn't look good for you."

Promotion. The word hit her like a physical blow. She had been working toward the Purser position for a year. She had perfect evaluations. She had covered extra shifts. She had earned it.

"Frank, please," she said, her voice breaking. "You know I'm the most qualified candidate."

Frank sighed, avoiding her eyes. "The board has made their decision. Based on the overall performance metrics and the recent compliance issue, the Purser position goes to Kate Norton."

The room tilted. Chloe gripped the edge of the desk to steady herself. "Kate? She doesn't have half my flight hours. She's never handled a medical emergency."

"She has a clean record," Frank said flatly. "That's what matters to the brass. Dismissed."

Chloe stood up on shaky legs. She walked out of the office, the murmur of the bullpen suddenly too loud. She barely made it three steps before she saw them.

Kate was standing by the water cooler, holding the new Purser blazer in its protective plastic wrapping. She ran a hand over the gold wings embroidered on the chest, a triumphant smirk on her face. Brennen was standing next to her, his arm around her waist, looking at her like she had hung the moon.

Kate saw Chloe and her lips curled into a sweet, venomous smile. "Oh, hey, Chloe. I heard about your little mishap this morning. So sorry you didn't get the promotion. Better luck next time."

Chloe saw red. The betrayal, the lost promotion, the smug look on Kate's face-it all snapped something inside her. She walked right up to them, ignoring the stares of their coworkers.

"Hard work?" Chloe said, her voice low and dangerous. "Is that what you call it, Kate? Working hard on your back? Or was it working hard to stab me in the back?"

The bullpen went dead silent. Kate's smile vanished, replaced by a look of shock. Brennen stepped forward, his face hard. "Chloe, that's enough. Don't be bitter."

"Bitter?" Chloe laughed, a harsh, ugly sound. "I'm not bitter. I'm just calling it like I see it. You two deserve each other. I hope you're both very happy destroying other people's lives together."

Kate's eyes filled with tears. She let out a choked sob, burying her face in Brennen's chest. "How can you say that, Chloe? I thought we were friends. I would never..."

"Save the act," Chloe snapped. "Nobody's buying it."

"You need to apologize," Brennen said, his voice rising. "Right now. You're acting crazy."

Chloe turned to leave. She was done with this circus. But Brennen grabbed her arm, his fingers digging into her bicep. "I said, apologize to her!"

"Get your hands off me!" Chloe yelled, yanking her arm away.

The door to the executive suite swung open. Vice President Bertram Finch stepped out, his face like thunder. Behind him were several men in expensive suits. "What is the meaning of this? Why is everyone standing around?"

The crowd scattered. Chloe, Kate, and Brennen froze, caught in the headlights. Finch's gaze swept over them, then stopped. He stepped aside, and a tall figure moved past him into the room.

The air left Chloe's lungs. It was him. The man from the club. The hooker. He was wearing another impeccable suit, his dark hair swept back, his expression unreadable. He looked at the three of them, his eyes lingering on Chloe for a fraction of a second before moving on.