"Public reports and a limited set of records shared during our underwriting," James answered. "Nothing improperly obtained. We would like the rest preserved for independent review."
William's face tightened. Nathan leaned back and crossed his arms. "Mr. Brooks," he began, "with respect, this morning was a service problem that escalated because the passenger declined a reasonable accommodation. We regret how it looked. But airline operations often require difficult decisions under time pressure."
Ethan allowed him to finish. "What was the operational problem?"
"A high-value passenger had been promised a particular seat."
"By whom?"
Nathan paused. "Through our customer relations team."
"Was Richard Hayes assigned that seat on the manifest?"
"No."
"Was there an equipment change, accessibility requirement, or safety issue that made my seat unavailable?"
Nathan glanced toward Alicia. "Not exactly."
"Then there was no operational problem," Ethan replied. "There was a promise made to your friend that your company did not have authority to fulfill without another passenger's voluntary agreement. You tried to solve that by making my refusal sound unsafe."
The room went quiet. Nathan's eyes hardened. "You're describing a decision with a great deal of hindsight."
"I'm describing it with a boarding pass," Ethan answered. "Hindsight isn't necessary to read it."
Maya joined on the wall screen, her face framed by the New York office conference room. She had already been on the phone with Summit Ridge's investment committee and Northstar's outside credit advisers. Her expression softened when she saw Ethan, then sharpened as she surveyed the room. "Our concern extends beyond the passenger complaint," she said. "Northstar represented to us that its governance controls could identify and manage executive exceptions that create operational, financial, or legal exposure. This morning suggests those controls may be inadequate."
Alicia leaned forward. "We will investigate. But we cannot accept an allegation of discrimination as a proven finding during the same business day."
"Nor am I asking you to," Ethan said. "I'm asking you not to replace an allegation with a misleading exoneration before you have examined the evidence."
Susan opened a folder. "That distinction is important," she said. "Let's establish what we know. Clare, would you describe the conversation with Mr. Brooks?"
Clare lifted her head. She had spent the drive from the airport replaying the scene until the events became unbearable in their precision. Ethan had been seated. His ticket had been valid. She had called him difficult because he did not agree to be moved. But Nathan had been her superior, and she still feared that telling the truth would end her career.
"There was a request to accommodate Mr. Hayes," she began. "I approached Mr. Brooks and asked him to change seats. He declined. I said we could offer a voucher and an economy seat."
"Why economy?" Susan asked.
Clare hesitated. "Those were the seats available for immediate reassignment."
"And what reason did you give him?"
"A seating adjustment."
"Was that accurate?"
Clare stared at her hands. "Not completely."
Nathan shifted in his seat. "She was following procedures under pressure. I don't want her made into a scapegoat for an unfortunate misunderstanding."
Ethan turned toward him. "Then stop interrupting her answer."