Chapter 2 - The Ejection Notice
"It means," Tiffany said, her voice dripping with venom and class-based disgust, "that people like you have no business lingering around the private executive terminal. This is a secure zone for high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners, not a homeless shelter for vagrants who wander off the street to meddle in things they don't understand."
Judith stood completely still, staring at the younger woman. Ten years in the jungle had taught her infinite patience, but they had also eroded any tolerance for petty, arrogant cruelty. Before Judith could reply, Luke stepped in, eager to appease his sister.
"Tiff's right, lady. You caused a scene, you broke expensive property, and quite frankly, you smell like an airplane bathroom that hasn't been cleaned since Tuesday. Just walk away before we call airport security and have you cited for trespassing."
Judith let out a quiet, dry laugh. It was a sound that only deepened Tiffany’s irritation.
"You're laughing?" Tiffany scoffed, crossing her arms in her ivory coat. "Luke, get the airport police over here right now. I want this woman removed from the premises immediately. I won't have our arrival tarnished by some eccentric squatter."
Before Luke could pull out his phone, a pair of uniformed airport security guards, drawn by the commotion and recognizing Tiffany’s expensive vehicle, briskly jogged over.
"Miss Barton," the senior guard said politely, nodding to the prominent corporate executive. "Is there a problem here?"
"Yes, officer," Tiffany said, pointing a manicured finger directly at Judith's chest. "This woman was loitering, harassed us, interfered with our vehicle, and destroyed valuable private property belonging to Hartwell Biotech leadership. I want her escorted off airport property immediately. Detain her if you have to."
The security guard turned to Judith, his expression hardening as he took in her worn canvas jacket and unkempt hair. "Ma'am, you heard the lady. Step away from the vehicle and come with us. You're trespassing in the private loading zone."
Judith didn't flinch. She slowly reached down, picked up her canvas suitcase by the handle, and slung her bag of research notebooks over her shoulder. She looked the security guard squarely in the eye.
"Before you throw me out," Judith said, her voice carrying a quiet, authoritative timbre that made the guard hesitate for a fraction of a second, "don't you think you should ask for my name?"
Tiffany scoffed loudly, rolling her eyes toward the gray sky. "Nobody cares what your name is, old woman! You're a nobody. Security, get her out of my sight before I call Nathan and have both of your jobs!"
At the mention of Nathan's name, the security guard’s hesitation vanished. Hartwell Biotech was the largest private employer in the city, and Tiffany Barton was practically corporate royalty.
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"Let's go, ma'am. Move it," the guard said roughly, grabbing Judith by the elbow to guide her toward the terminal exit.
Judith didn't resist. She allowed herself to be pulled back toward the sliding glass doors, a faint, enigmatic smile touching the corners of her mouth. Let them play their little games. Her son was waiting inside, and the look on Nathan’s face when he realized his fiancée had just ordered airport security to physically eject his mother was going to be an unforgettable family reunion.
