Chapter 3

A week after I was grounded, I was summoned to the company’s meeting room again.

Mr. Wilkinson was also present this time. His face was darker than ever.

Everyone else seemed nervous and didn’t dare make any noise.

Bradley, from the Disciplinary Department opened his report and announced the result of his investigation.

He was speaking very slowly as if there was something on his mind.

“Regarding the allegation in the whistleblower report that Mr. Felix Lawson solicited bribes totaling several million dollars, the investigation has confirmed that all contract procedures were compliant and all financial transactions were clear and traceable. The allegations were entirely fabricated.”

The meeting room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

“Regarding the portion of the whistleblower report alleging that Mr. Felix Lawson repeatedly falsified flight-related expenses, the investigation has found that over the past three years, there were seven instances of flight delays caused by factors beyond his control — such as weather conditions and air traffic control restrictions. During these delays, Mr. Felix Lawson personally paid for meals and beverages for his crew members, totaling approximately 260 dollars. Mr. Felix Lawson never submitted any of these expenses to the company for reimbursement.”

Bradley looked a little embarrassed.

To me, however, a surge of absurdity arose deep down.

Those principles of mine—so strict they were almost harsh—had turned into “evidence of guilt” that could be twisted at will in Jean's report.

“Regarding the part accusing Mr. Felix Lawson of abusing his position to embezzle company funds...”

Everyone held their breath.

Bradley had taken a deep breath, and quickly said, “After comparing and verifying all warehouse requisition records, as well as 168 hours of surveillance footage from the relevant areas, it was confirmed that Mr. Felix Lawson had committed the following irregular requisition behaviors over the past year. On 4th September, 2022, he had taken five extra packs of tissues from the crew preparation room. On 8th July, 2023, he had taken away 12 unused disposable paper cups from the first-class lounge.”

By the time Bradley had got there, low murmurs had already begun in the meeting room.

“What’s going on? That’s it?”

“This feels kind of ridiculous. Felix is pretty unlucky.”

“Like I said, he doesn’t look like someone who’d embezzle or be corrupt.”

Mr. Wilkinson furrowed his brows.

Bradley flipped to the last page of the report and cleared his throat. “Silence! After careful calculation, the loss assessment is as follows.”

His face had flushed red as he continued, “During his tenure, the total value of the misappropriated property by Mr. Felix Lawson amounts to... 6.20 dollars.”

The meeting room had fallen into complete silence.

6.20 dollars.

After everything that had happened, the amount came to just 6.20 dollars.

I had suddenly wanted to laugh, and I couldn’t help but sneer.

“Bang!”

Mr. Wilkinson slammed a packet of cigarette on the table. Filters and tobacco had scattered all over the floor.

He pointed at the half-pack of cigarettes and roared at the Discipline Department staff, “I stayed up late reading that 56 pages of nonsense and smoked half a pack of cigarettes! And the half a pack of cigarettes that I smoked was worth more expensive than what he ‘embezzled’! All this over 6.20 dollars? You made such a big fuss! What the hell is your Discipline Department even doing? What the hell’s wrong with you?”

Finally, Mr. Wilkinson had turned around and patted my shoulder. “This matter ends here.”

He announced the restoration of all my positions and honors in front of everyone.

“Felix, the company owes you an apology.”

I had walked out of the meeting room.

Rick and a few other colleagues who usually got along well with me rushed over and gave me a firm hug.

“Captain Lawson! I knew you were innocent!”

Those who had avoided me while I was down and spread rumors had lowered their heads awkwardly, wishing they could just disappear.

I had ignored them and walked straight to an empty corner, dialing the number of someone who I thought I would spend the rest of my life with.

“Jean, I’ve been proven innocent.” My voice had been calm.

But on the other end of the line, Jean screamed. The panic was evident in her voice, and I could even hear the teasing laughter of a strange man beside her. “Don’t get smug, Felix! I’ll report you to the Civil Aviation Administration! I’ll keep reporting you to higher authorities until your reputation is totally ruined!”