Chapter 1

Dragging my suitcase behind me, I made my way step by step to the ticket change and refund counter.

"I'd like a refund."

I slapped my ID onto the counter, my voice edged with irritation.

The staff member glanced at her screen, then gave me a once-over from head to toe before rolling her eyes. "Sorry, since you missed boarding for personal reasons, we can only refund the airport service fee and fuel surcharge—twelve dollars. The full ticket price isn't refundable."

I let out a laugh of pure anger. "Personal reasons? Your flight was overbooked. You forcibly removed a full-fare passenger—that's me—and you call that my personal reason?"

Her fingers clattered impatiently against the keyboard. "Who told you to make a scene in the cabin and disrupt order? You're lucky to even get this twelve dollars. Don't push your luck!"

Just then, the sharp click of high heels approached from a distance. The same chief flight attendant strode over arrogantly, her phone held up as she recorded.

"A broke nobody clinging shamelessly, trying to extort money from the airline—have you lost your mind from poverty? Not satisfied with the compensation? Trying to squeeze out more? Don't pretend to be so high and mighty."

She crossed her arms, her face dripping with mockery. "Twelve dollars isn't enough for you, is it? I'll post this online and let everyone see what a pathetic cheapskate you are. Maybe some kind-hearted people will even crowdfund for you!"

I stared at her unbearably smug face, forcing my anger down.

"You'll regret what you've done today."

She reacted as if she'd just heard the funniest joke in the world, laughing so hard tears nearly spilled from her eyes.

"Regret? Because of you? A nobody who can't even afford first class and has to squeeze into economy? Mr. Stafford booked out the entire first-class cabin. Even his bodyguards are sitting in business class! What are you, exactly, that you think you're worthy of making me regret anything?"

She suddenly spun around and shouted to the passengers passing through the terminal.

"Everyone, come take a look! This person refused to cooperate when the flight was overbooked and is now trying to extort the airline! Now, she's causing a scene at the counter, and this is seriously affecting everyone's travel. What an absolute disgrace to society!"

The surrounding passengers were instantly drawn in, their whispers rising one after another.

"Dressed like a decent person, but no manners at all."

"Exactly. The airline already compensated her, and she's still making trouble—must be desperate for money."

"Just get out of here. Stop embarrassing yourself!"