The next day, Jane sat in the pilot lounge, a cup of dark roast coffee cradled between her hands. Steam rose in thin white wisps, curling into the cool morning air of the nearly empty room. She wasn't drinking it as much as she was holding onto it-like an anchor keeping her steady as her mind raced. Her eyes flicked to the analog clock on the wall-its hands creeping toward 10:30 AM-then back down to the polished surface of the table. Her posture, usually straight and composed like a plumb line, carried a subtle stiffness, her shoulders slightly hunched as she picked at the edge of her coffee cup.

Beside her, Gloria flipped through a glossy aviation magazine, completely at ease as she leaned back in her chair, one leg crossed over the other. Her uniform was crisp but relaxed, her hair pulled back in a neat bun that still had a few loose strands framing her face.

"Gloria..." Jane called, her voice unusually hesitant-so soft that Gloria almost missed it.

"Hmm?" Gloria responded, not looking up immediately as she paused at a page featuring the latest commercial aircraft models.

Jane set her cup down carefully on the coaster, her fingers twitching slightly as if unsure what to do with themselves. "Are you... already married?"

Gloria finally looked up, raising a perfectly shaped brow. "Yes-three years now. Why?" Then, with a small mischievous smile, she added, "Didn't you get married too? That quiet guy who's always dropping off meals for you?"

Jane nodded, a nervous smile tugging at her lips as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "We did... it was more of a practical arrangement at first, but now..." She trailed off, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"I saw your husband bringing you meals before," Gloria continued, her tone turning playful as she leaned forward slightly. "Broad shoulders, slim waist... looks very capable. The kind of guy who knows how to handle things." She winked, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "So... how's his stamina? You know what I mean."

Jane choked instantly, coughing into her hand as her face burned bright red. She grabbed her coffee and took a hurried sip-only to nearly spit it out as the hot liquid hit her tongue. "I-I actually wanted to ask something else," she said quickly, waving her hand dismissively as if brushing away the previous topic entirely. "When you first met your husband's parents... what did you bring? As a gift, I mean."

Gloria paused, studying her for a moment-taking in the way Jane was fidgeting with her cup, the faint lines of worry around her eyes. Then a warm, knowing smile spread across her face.

"Ah... arranged marriage turning real, huh?"

Jane's eyes widened in alarm, her hands flying up defensively. "N-no! It's not-we're just... we've never really talked about family before, and now he wants me to meet his parents tonight and I don't know what to do-" She stopped, realizing she was rambling and only making it worse. Her shoulders dropped as she looked down at the table, embarrassed.

Gloria chuckled softly, reaching across to pat her hand reassuringly. "Relax. I'm not teasing you anymore..I have never seen the composed captain Harley like this before . I get it-meeting the parents is nerve-wracking even when you've been together for years." She tapped her chin thoughtfully, her expression turning serious. "When I first met my in-laws, I brought a bottle of premium baijiu-my father-in-law's favorite-and some high-quality ginseng supplements for my mother-in-law. They'd mentioned wanting to try traditional remedies for her joint pain."

Jane nodded slowly, absorbing every word as she pulled out her phone to make a quick note.

"But," Gloria added, raising a finger to emphasize her point, "you should ask your husband what they actually like. Tailor your gift to them specifically-it shows you've been paying attention, that you care about who they are as people. That leaves a way better impression than something generic."

Jane's expression brightened slightly, a flicker of relief crossing her face. "Got it. Thank you, Gloria. I'll treat you to dinner or something later-really, I appreciate it."

Gloria waved her off, already standing up and gathering her things. "No need for formalities between colleagues. We look out for each other, right?" She slipped her magazine into her bag, heading for the door. "I've got a flight to Shanghai to prepare for-see you around, Jane. And good luck tonight!"

"Bye," Jane replied softly, watching her go before leaning back into her chair, her thoughts drifting.

"Baijiu..." she murmured under her breath, already scrolling through her phone to research local liquor stores that carried premium brands.

Before she could sink deeper into her planning, a voice interrupted her-rough and too loud for the quiet lounge.

"Jane."

She looked up immediately, her expression snapping back to professional composure as she recognized the man standing before her. Flight Instructor Norman Badwell-known around the airport for his aggressive teaching style and even more aggressive advances toward female staff. He was broad-shouldered with a thick beard that did little to hide his leering gaze.

He walked closer, his heavy boots thudding against the tile floor as his gaze lingered far too long on her face, then her shoulders, then lower.

"Since Reuben has been terminated," he began, spreading his hands as if delivering good news, "any plans for your career? Heard you've been doing well as a captain."

Jane stood up instinctively, her posture straightening as she reached for her bag. "No," she replied curtly, attempting to walk past him toward the door.

He stepped sideways smoothly, blocking her path completely. His smile was tight, predatory.

"My department has an opening for a flight instructor," he said, his tone shifting from friendly to something more insistent. His eyes roamed openly now, taking in every detail of her uniform, her figure. "Interested? I could put in a good word-make sure you get the position even without the usual experience."

Jane's expression hardened, her jaw tightening. "Instructor positions require exceptional teaching and leadership experience. I just passed my captain certification last month. I'm not qualified, and I wouldn't want to take a position I haven't earned."

Norman smirked, clearly uninterested in her reasoning as he took another step closer-close enough that she could smell the stale tobacco on his breath. "Must I spell it out for you, sweetheart?" he said, leaning in until his face was just inches from hers. "With Reuben gone... there's no one looking out for you. But I can take care of you-get you better routes, better pay, whatever you want."

His hand came down on her shoulder, squeezing lightly-though his fingers dug in just enough to be uncomfortable.

Jane froze for a split second-not from fear, but from sheer restraint. She'd dealt with men like him before, and she'd learned long ago that showing weakness only encouraged them further.

"Instructor badwell, I'm married," she said coldly, her voice steady despite the anger rising in her chest.

"Married?" Norman chuckled, his grin widening as if she'd just told him a joke. "Doesn't that make it more exciting? A little secret between us-no one has to know."

That was enough.

In one swift, practiced motion, Jane grabbed his wrist with her left hand-her grip tight and precise, fingers wrapping around his bones like steel. Before he could react, she twisted his arm sharply behind his back, using his own weight against him to force him forward.

"Aaah-!" Norman cried out, his knees buckling as pain shot up his arm. He stumbled forward, barely catching himself on the edge of a nearby table.

Jane didn't hesitate. She forced his arm further up until he was bent at a ninety-degree angle, completely at her mercy-then shoved him away with enough force to send him stumbling back several steps. He caught himself against the wall, his face flushed with pain and embarrassment.

Her eyes were ice-cold as she looked at him, her voice low but cutting through the sudden silence of the lounge.

"Keep your hands to yourself," she said, every word clear and deliberate. "Or next time, I won't stop at just twisting your arm. I'll have you reported to HR, and I'll make sure every pilot and crew member in this airport knows exactly what kind of man you are."

"You better know your place," Norman gnashed, struggling to his feet as he clutched his twisted arm to his chest. His fingers twitched awkwardly, and a dark bruise was already forming on his wrist. His face was contorted with a mix of pain and humiliation-fury burning bright in his eyes. "Now that Reuben is gone... crushing you will be effortless. I have connections in this company you can't even imagine."

Jane didn't flinch. She stood perfectly still, her back straight, her hands clasped calmly at her sides. The earlier tension had melted away, replaced by a cold, unyielding resolve.

"Listen carefully," she said, her voice calm but sharp as a blade, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made him take a small step back. "I got this far on my own merit. I passed every exam, aced every flight assessment, earned every promotion. No one handed me anything. Try to touch me again-if you dare-and you'll find out exactly what I'm capable of."

She turned and walked away, her steps steady and unhurried as she headed for the exit. Only when she was halfway down the corridor did she realize she had been holding her breath the entire time. She inhaled deeply, the cool air filling her lungs as she forced herself to stay composed-though her scalp still throbbed from where he'd grabbed her hair.

But Norman wasn't done.

Fueled by anger and embarrassment, he rushed after her, his heavy boots thudding against the tile floor. In one swift, reckless motion, he reached out and grabbed a handful of her hair, yanking her backward with enough force to make her stumble.

Jane cried out softly as pain shot through her scalp, her balance breaking as she tumbled back a few steps. She caught herself against the wall, her hand flying up to her head as she stared at him in disbelief-not at the attack, but at his sheer stupidity.

"How bold of you," Norman snarled, shoving her back against the wall hard enough to make the plaster rattle. "To hit me here of all places... in front of everyone." His finger jabbed toward her face, his breath hot and sour. "Mark my words-today, I can do whatever I want to you. No consequences. No one will believe a little girl like you over me."

He raised his hand, his fist clenched-

-but it never landed.

A firm, iron grip caught his wrist mid-air, stopping him cold.

Norman turned sharply, his face twisted with rage-only to freeze completely.

Jayden stood behind him, his expression cold-dangerously so. His dark eyes were narrowed, his jaw tight, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. He was dressed in his usual crisp shirt and trousers, but there was nothing calm or composed about him now.

Before Norman could react-before he could even get a word out-

Smack.

Jayden's slap landed hard across his face, the sound echoing down the empty corridor like a gunshot. Norman staggered backward, his head spinning, and crashed to the ground, clutching his cheek as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. His body trembled-from pain, fear, or both.

"You-!" he barely got out, his voice slurred and weak-

But Jayden was already moving. He stepped forward and grabbed Norman by the collar of his uniform, dragging him up just enough before driving his fist straight into his face.

Once. A solid blow to his jaw that made his teeth clatter.

Twice. A sharp punch to his ribs that knocked the air from his lungs.

Again. A final strike to his shoulder that made him cry out in agony.

Each blow landed with controlled, terrifying precision-no more force than necessary, but enough to make it clear there would be no more chances.

Jane's eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she stood frozen-this wasn't the calm, restrained Jayden she knew, the man who cooked dinner and tapped her nose playfully. This was someone else entirely-someone dangerous, protective, and completely unforgiving.

"Jayden-stop!" she shouted, rushing forward and grabbing his arm with both hands. She pulled him back with effort, her voice firm despite the surprise in her eyes. "It's enough! He's not worth it-you'll get in trouble!"

Jayden's chest rose and fell heavily, his breathing rough, but he let her pull him away. He released his grip on Norman's collar, letting him collapse back onto the floor where he lay dazed and bruised, blood seeping from his nose and mouth.

Jane stepped forward, smoothing her hair back into place as if nothing had happened. A faint, satisfied smile curved her lips as she looked down at him.

"Now it's my turn," she said lightly, rolling up the sleeve of her uniform jacket.

Before Norman could react-before he could even try to crawl away-

Punch.

Her fist connected cleanly with his mouth, her knuckles cracking against his teeth. He groaned weakly, his eyes squeezing shut as more blood spilled onto his shirt.

"Jane..." he managed to gasp, his voice barely audible.

She straightened, brushing invisible dust off her sleeve, completely unbothered. Her knuckles were red and already swelling, but she didn't seem to notice.

"I have the Lincoln family backing me!" Norman spat, blood bubbling from his lips as he struggled to sit up. His voice shook with both pain and rage. "You let your lover attack me? Just wait-I'll ruin both of you! Bennett Lincoln will make sure you never work in aviation again!"

Jane tilted her head slightly, her tone turning matter-of-fact as she looked down at him with barely concealed disdain.

"Your behavior today has already disgraced the Lincoln family," she said. "You think they'll be willing to save someone who uses their name to harass women? Let's see if they'll still stand by you when I file formal charges for assault and harassment."

Then-

She lifted her heel and stomped hard on his foot, her polished leather boot connecting with his toes with a sickening crunch.

Norman screamed-a high, desperate sound that echoed down the corridor-clutching his foot as tears streamed down his face.

Without sparing him another glance, Jane turned and walked away, her steps steady and confident once more.

Jayden followed silently behind her, his breathing having calmed, his expression returning to its usual composure-though his knuckles were still white from where he'd gripped Norman's wrist.

At the lockers, Jane grabbed her coat from her cubby, slipping it on smoothly as if the entire incident had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. She pulled out her phone, already typing out a message to HR and the company's legal department, detailing every part of the assault.

Jayden walked beside her, escorting her out of the building and into the bright afternoon sun. The fresh air hit them both, carrying the familiar scent of jet fuel and tarmac asphalt.

"Thanks for today," Jane said, looking up at him with a small, genuine smile. "I'm glad you showed up when you did... otherwise I might've been blindsided. I had him handled, but still-" She paused, shaking her head slightly. "It's nice to know someone has my back."

Jayden let out a quiet chuckle, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face-his touch gentle, completely different from the man who'd just punched Norman into the floor. "Honestly, I barely helped," he said. "You had him on the ropes before I even got there. Though I have to say-your punch was impressive. Where'd you learn that?"

"Self-defense classes for pilots," she replied, smiling as they walked toward the parking lot. "Mandatory training, but I actually paid attention. Useful, apparently."

"Next time someone tries to bully.. tell me and I'll beat them up " Jayden said with a smile

" deal" Jane agreed with a smile

They walked a few more steps in comfortable silence, the afternoon sun warming their shoulders. Then Jane glanced at him again, her expression turning curious.

"But... why are you here at the company?" she asked, pulling her arm back slightly as she looked up at him. "Isn't it a workday today?"

Jayden's smile faltered. His steps slowed slightly, and for a brief moment, hesitation flickered across his face-his eyes darting away from hers for just a second before meeting them again.

Jane narrowed her eyes slightly, suspicion creeping in as she stopped walking completely.

"...Don't tell me you-"

"Don't tell me... you're here for Micheal ?"

Jayden froze mid-step. For a split second, genuine alarm flashed across his face-his eyes widening slightly, his jaw tightening. His lips parted as if he was about to speak, but no words came out immediately. Then, just as quickly, he composed himself-his expression smoothing into something thoughtful, almost casual.

"...Yes," he said finally, nodding slowly as he turned to face her. "He called this morning-said it was urgent, so I took leave to come see him. "

Jane's expression darkened instantly, her hands balling into fists at her sides. Anger flared in her eyes-hot, protective.

"You know how he treated you before," she snapped, taking a step closer. "... why would you even come see him? No-absolutely not. I won't let him use you again."

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed his hand and began pulling him along toward the parking lot, her grip firm but not painful.

"You're coming back with me."

"Hey-" Jayden stopped her gently but firmly, his fingers wrapping around her wrist just enough to halt her movement without hurting her. His touch was warm, steady-grounding.

"It's not what you think," he said, his tone softening as he looked down at her, his eyes warm and reassuring. "He explained everything. Last time... something fell on the floor. He asked me to check it out. That's all...you just misunderstood "

Jane narrowed her eyes, studying him carefully-taking in the way he held her gaze, the slight furrow of his brow that looked genuine. She'd learned to read his expressions over the past few months, and this didn't look like a lie.

"...Really?" she asked, her anger beginning to fade into concern.

Jayden smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face that the wind had blown loose. "We grew up together-he was like a brother to me once. What kind of thoughts could he possibly have about me? You just misunderstood the situation last time."

Jane hesitated, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She knew how much Jayden valued loyalty, even to people who didn't always deserve it.

Then she sighed, releasing his hand with a small shake of her head.

"Fine," she said reluctantly. "But still... better safe than sorry. Be careful with him, okay? He's not the same person you knew."

Her voice softened at the end, genuine concern slipping through despite herself. She reached up to adjust his collar, her fingers lingering for a moment against his neck.

Jayden nodded, covering her hand with his own. "I will. Promise."

She turned away, heading toward her car with one last worried glance over her shoulder.

And the moment her eyes left him-

Jayden exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping slightly as relief washed over his face. He ran a hand through his hair, his expression shifting from calm reassurance to something heavier, more burdened.

Back in his office-located on the top floor of the executive wing, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire airport-Jayden's expression had completely changed. Cold. Sharp. Every trace of the gentle man Jane knew was gone, replaced by the focused intensity of someone who held real power.

"Send Michael in," he ordered into his intercom, his voice crisp and authoritative.

Moments later, Michael stepped in, barely closing the door before Jayden spoke again, not even looking up from the stack of documents on his desk.

"Instructor Norman Badwell," Jayden began, his voice edged with barely contained anger. "Repeated harassment of female staff. Abuse of authority. Coercion and attempted assault. I've just received a full report." He slammed a thick file onto the polished wood desk, the sound echoing in the quiet room. "There are multiple anonymous reports dating back six months. Why wasn't he fired?"

Michael didn't look surprised. He'd already heard about the incident in the corridor.

He shrugged lightly as he took a seat across from the desk, leaning back casually despite the tension in the air.

"His aunt's cousin's sister-in-law... is married to your second cousin on your mother's side," he said matter-of-factly. "The family pulled strings to keep him on, said he was 'going through a tough time' and deserved another chance."

Jayden's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across his face before being replaced by pure irritation.

"Absurd," he said sharply, pushing the file across the desk toward Michael. "Blood ties don't excuse predatory behavior. Not in this company."

"File formal charges for workplace harassment and assault," Jayden continued immediately, his fingers steepled as he looked out the window at the tarmac below. "Track down the whistleblowers-offer them protection, legal support, whatever they need. Hire top lawyers to represent them. I don't want a single one of them intimidated into silence by his family or anyone else."

He pushed another thinner file across the desk-this one marked with Jane's name.

Michael caught it easily, flipping through the pages with practiced ease. "Got it."

Then, glancing up with a teasing smirk, he added, "Heroic move... protecting your lover like this, huh?"

Jayden didn't respond. He simply looked away, his jaw tightening slightly as he focused on the aircraft moving across the runway.

Michael chuckled under his breath, standing up and stretching. "Though honestly... that scumbag should've been axed a long time ago. I've had complaints about him from flight attendants and new pilots for months."

"Then get moving," Jayden said, shooting him a pointed look that made Michael raise his hands in surrender.

Michael paused at the door, his playful demeanor fading slightly as he looked back at his friend.

"...What's with you today?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe. "All soft and gentle with Jane-but snapping at me like I owe you money."

Jayden rolled his eyes, then forced a stiff smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Satisfied?" he added, trying to make his voice light.

Michael leaned in, squinting at him dramatically. "Stop that," he said immediately, backing away toward the door. "That smile is disturbing. It looks like you're in pain."

He stood up straight, giving Jayden an exaggerated wave. "I'm leaving. Immediately. For my own safety-and to spare myself from whatever weird mood you're in."

With that, he turned and hurried out, closing the door softly behind him.

Jayden didn't stop him. He sat in silence for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the window as he ran through every possible way to tell Jane the truth about who he really was.

Later that day, Jane walked across the tarmac after her flight to Denver, her cap tucked under her arm as she loosened her tie. The wind tugged lightly at her hair, carrying the familiar smell of jet fuel and hot asphalt as she moved with her usual composed stride toward the crew building.

"Jane!"

She turned, her hand automatically going to adjust her uniform as she saw Norman running toward her-his shirt wrinkled, his tie askew, his face pale and frantic. Tears clung to his eyelashes, tracks of dirt and what looked like dried blood staining his cheeks.

"Jane, please-" he said, skidding to a stop in front of her and pressing his palms together in a desperate gesture. "Please talk to Captain Blackwood for me. I was wrong-I was completely wrong. I was blinded by lust, by my own stupidity. If I had known you were under his protection... I would've never touched you, never even looked at you the wrong way."

Jane's expression hardened instantly, her body tensing as she took a step back.

"What are you talking about?" she said coldly, her voice carrying clearly across the quiet tarmac. "You were fired because you deserved it-because you assaulted me and have a history of harassing women. I won't lift a finger for you, and I certainly won't ask anyone else to either."

But Norman wasn't listening. He fumbled with his phone, scrolling rapidly through what looked like text messages and emails. His hands trembled too much to steady it, and he dropped it once before catching it against his chest.

"My sources-" he stammered, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, "they said I was fired personally by Captain Blackwood. That I crossed his wife, and he made sure I'd never work in aviation again."

He failed to find whatever he was looking for and shoved the phone back into his pocket, turning to her again with desperate eyes that darted across her face.

"And the only person I've crossed recently... is you."

Jane stilled, her breath catching in her throat as his words sank in. She stood perfectly still, her hands hanging at her sides as confusion flickered across her face.

"...Captain Blackwood's wife?" she repeated slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Something... wasn't adding up.