The downpour continued, each raindrop adding to the oppressive tension.
Olivia stood there, cold and resolute, waiting for the moment she would decisively turn the tables, when those who had insulted her would finally face consequences beyond their worst imaginings.
The moment Olivia's icy voice rang out over the phone, the airport seemed to grow dense and still.
Only the relentless patter of heavy raindrops striking the concrete remained, like an angry drumbeat.
Emma and Jason froze in place, unease flickering across their faces, though neither would concede an inch of their steely resolve.
"Lauren, connect me to Ethan and the full board of directors right now," Olivia said calmly into the phone, her tone brimming with authority that made anyone within earshot instinctively step back. "I need an emergency meeting immediately. There's a serious issue at Westchester Airport that cannot be ignored."
Hearing the name Ethan, known companywide as the COO, Emma visibly jolted, but she quickly forced herself to believe Olivia was merely performing some high-stakes drama to escape her embarrassment.
Jason, his mask of derision firmly in place, curled his lip in a cold sneer.
"Call whoever you like," he scoffed. "But don't count on anyone buying your little CEO routine. This isn't your stage."
Olivia didn't react to his taunt.
Her eyes remained focused, tranquil, yet hard as granite, as if sizing up exactly when to deliver her knockout blow.
Seconds later, Ethan Bennett's clear voice crackled through the line.
"Olivia, it's Ethan. Are you all right? What's this emergency about?"
Olivia looked Emma and Jason dead in the eye, her voice ringing out, precise, unwavering, absolute.
"I'm being blocked from boarding my own private jet by our own employees at Westchester. They're telling me I'm unqualified to fly on my own plane. Call an immediate board meeting to address this. I am Olivia Bennett, CEO of Bennett Aviation, and this is completely unacceptable."
Each word landed like a hammer blow on Emma and Jason's nerves.
Emma felt a jolt run down her spine and glanced at Jason for backup, only to see his confident facade beginning to crumble.
Still, Emma's pride and stubbornness overpowered her fear.
She forced a laugh, speaking loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear.
"Jason, did you hear that? Now she's claiming to be the CEO. Hilarious. Maybe next she'll announce herself president of the United States."
Jason, though secretly rattled, doubled down alongside her.
"Exactly, Emma. She's so desperate she's impersonating our leadership. Pathetic."
Despite their attempts at composure, Jason's voice briefly wavered.
He scanned the bystanders for support, but no one dared meet Olivia's gaze.
The VIP area fell into an oppressive hush, broken only by the pounding rain outside.
Olivia remained silent, letting Ethan speak.
"Understood, Olivia. I'll handle this right away. I'll be there as soon as I can."
She ended the call and slid her phone into her pocket.
Turning back to Emma and Jason with a steely glare, she spoke softly but with unmistakable menace.