But beneath that polished exterior was a judgmental streak.
She often evaluated passengers by appearance and status.
Rachel had already told her about the "odd woman" in the lounge.
By the time Alicia reached the aircraft, Sarah had formed an opinion without having spoken to her once.
Sarah moved down the aisle with a practiced smile.
Warm towels.
Drinks.
Polite questions.
She greeted wealthy-looking travelers with attentive courtesy.
Asked about their comfort.
Offered additional service.
Remembered names.
Then she reached Alicia's row.
Her expression changed.
Sarah glanced at Alicia.
Then deliberately moved past her.
No towel.
No drink.
No greeting.
The snub was impossible to miss.
It communicated something to Alicia and everyone nearby.
Sarah did not believe this passenger deserved the same treatment as the others.
Several passengers shifted uncomfortably.
Some whispered.
Others simply looked away.
Beside Alicia sat a well-dressed middle-aged man in a bespoke suit.
A Rolex gleamed from his wrist.
He had watched Alicia board.
Sarah's treatment encouraged him.
He leaned toward Alicia with a mocking smile.
"Looks like anyone with enough money can buy a first-class seat these days, huh?"
His voice carried just far enough for nearby passengers to hear.
A few people chuckled.
Others avoided looking at Alicia.
She turned toward him slowly.
Her expression remained composed.
"Do you really think money alone earns you a place like this?"
The man stiffened.
He had expected embarrassment.
Maybe silence.
Not a question that exposed the arrogance beneath his remark.
His face tightened.
He looked away.
Alicia returned her attention to the window.
She said nothing else.
At the front of the cabin, Sarah glanced backward.
She had seen the exchange.
A faint smile crossed her face.
To Sarah, Alicia's presence remained an irritation.
She believed a "real" first-class passenger looked a certain way.
Alicia, in her mind, must have received an upgrade or found some unusual discount.
What neither Sarah nor Rachel understood was that every act of disrespect was strengthening the evidence inside Alicia's confidential review.
Alicia looked out through the aircraft window.
The sky beyond the glass was clear and blue.
Inside the cabin, something far less peaceful was unfolding.
She had not come aboard to prove she deserved seat 2A or 3C or any other first-class seat.
She had come to determine whether Grand Sky Airlines understood that every paying passenger deserved basic respect.
The answer was becoming painfully clear.
A little later, a cold voice pulled Alicia away from the window.
"Excuse me, Ms. Morgan."
Sarah stood beside her seat.
Her posture was rigid.