Chapter 8 - The Counter-Strategy
The call connected instantly. Zara spoke with crisp, absolute clarity, outlining the frantic legal memo Captain Elizabeth had just received from Richard Bennett’s firm.
On the other end of the line, a low, gravelly chuckle echoed through the phone. It was her grandfather, Arthur Coleman—the founder and chairman of the entire global transport conglomerate. He had been briefed on the morning incident within minutes of it happening, and his legal team had already anticipated Richard’s desperate retaliation.
“Let them file their injunction, sweetheart,” Arthur’s voice boomed warmly through the speaker. “By the time our wheels touch down at Heathrow, their firm won't even have a board of directors left to back them up. We’ve already initiated a complete audit of their logistics contracts for ethical violations.”
Elizabeth, standing nearby and listening in disbelief, felt her jaw drop. The Coleman empire didn't just participate in the corporate world—they shaped its foundations.
“Tell Captain Hart she has my absolute, unreserved backing,” Arthur continued. “No employee of mine, and no passenger on my airline, will ever be bullied by corporate thugs who think their money exempts them from basic human decency.”
Zara relayed the message verbatim, her voice steady and composed. Elizabeth felt a profound wave of relief wash over her. The knot of tension in her stomach dissolved entirely, replaced by a fierce, renewed pride in her uniform.
“Thank you, Mr. Coleman,” Elizabeth spoke directly into the phone, her voice ringing with professional gratitude. “We will have the aircraft on the ground in London on schedule.”
“Splendid. Make sure Zara gets a proper cup of tea when you land,” Arthur replied before cheerfully ending the call.
May you like
Zara slid her phone back into her pocket, looking up at the captain with a warm, reassuring smile. “See? No turbulence lasts forever.”
Elizabeth laughed, a genuine, booming sound that echoed through the quiet First Class cabin. The dark cloud of corporate intimidation had completely vanished, replaced by the comforting certainty that justice, balance, and accountability had successfully reclaimed the skies.
