Chapter 2
Trailing behind a few ground staff was the airport’s head of security—a slick-haired, overly groomed middle-aged man.
The moment he saw Aubrie, his face lit up with an ingratiating smile.
“Oh, Miss Wadsley! What happened? Who upset you?”
He jogged over, bowing and scraping in front of Aubrie, completely ignoring me.
Figures. Another sycophant who bends to power and bullies the weak.
Being fawned over like that, Aubrie regained her composure. She flicked her wrist and shot me a sidelong glance.
“Mr. Yellen, is it now airport policy to let just anyone use the exclusive lane? This woman is hogging the spot and even dared to lay hands on me!”
Mr. Yellen’s obsequious expression vanished instantly. He turned to glare at me.
“Miss, the exclusive passage is reserved for people of status. Please line up at the regular lane and stop causing trouble.”
I narrowed my eyes and asked calmly, “And what makes you so sure I’m not someone of status? I suggest you check with your superiors before making any assumptions.”
“Check? Ha, as if that’s necessary!”
Mr. Yellen sneered, giving me a once-over.
“I’ve worked here for years and have seen many people. Judging by your outfit, I can tell you don’t even make as much in a month as Miss Wadsley spends on a single scarf.”
“Let me tell you something—Miss Wadsley is a high-ranking executive at the Tanke Group. If you delay her schedule, can you afford the consequences?”
I chuckled, more amused than angry. “So, as long as someone has money and power, they can just snatch other people’s spots? Is that how your airport operates?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, stop making a scene!”
Mr. Yellen rolled his eyes and waved me off impatiently.
“Miss Wadsley is willing to pay for your spot. That’s her doing you a favor. Don’t be ungrateful.”
Hearing this, Aubrie smirked triumphantly and waved a wad of cash in front of me.
“Did you hear that? Mr. Yellen has spoken. So why are you still acting all high and mighty? Take the money and get lost!”
Watching their smug faces, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh.
“Well, I must say, your airport’s customer service is truly eye-opening.”
“Customer service? You think you’re even qualified to mention those words?”
Before Mr. Yellen could respond, Aubrie stepped forward, jabbing a manicured finger into my shoulder with every word.
“Listen to me carefully. Wherever the Tanke family goes, service follows. You’re just a broke nobody. We’re giving you a way out, and you should be thankful, take it, and get out of my face. Or are you trying to pick a fight with me?”
“Fine. Then let me make this clear. You hurt my wrist earlier. Unless you pay me half a million dollars, don’t even think about letting this go.”
Oh, this was rich.
In all these years, no one had ever dared to extort me. I smiled, deliberately matching her haughty tone.
“Sure, I can pay you. But… I’m afraid you might not live long enough to spend it.”
Aubrie’s face darkened instantly. She slammed her hand on the table.
“Are you cursing me?!”
Sensing the rising tension, Mr. Yellen quickly stepped in, though his hostility was still directed at me.
“Miss, I suggest you apologize and end this matter here. Otherwise, offending Miss Wadsley means offending Mr. Tanke, and you can forget about making it in this city.”
I raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
“Oh, really? Then I’d love to see what the Tanke family can do to me.”
My steady defiance completely enraged Aubrie. She shot to her feet and swung her hand, aiming to slap me.
But before her palm could make contact, a cold, commanding male voice cut through the air.
“Aubrie! Stop.”
