Chapter 4

Claire also leaned in, her eyes fixed on the notice on the screen.

Her triumphant expression completely disappeared, but the next second, a smirk of schadenfreude appeared on her lips.

A moment later, Ms. Levitt closed the tablet, calmly looking up at me.

She said coldly, "You're right, there is a very important passenger on this flight, but that person isn't you!"

She paused, then continued, "It's Professor Richards, our nation's top heart specialist. He's on his way to Washington for an urgent conference. We were specifically told by upper management to ensure his travel is safe and comfortable, without any disturbances!"

As soon as she finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted in the cabin.

"She scared me! I thought she was some powerful figure, but it turns out she was just blustering."

"Didn't you hear the chief flight attendant? Professor Richards needs rest. You've been making a ruckus for so long, what if you've disturbed Professor Richards?"

Claire instantly regained her confidence, rolling her eyes dramatically at me, then looking at Florian with concern.

"Sir, I think the lady next to you might have some mental issues. For your safety, I'll arrange for you to go to first class. That way, no one will disturb our conversation."

She started to lead him away.

I completely panicked. All my forbearance shattered in that moment.

I could tolerate misunderstanding and humiliation, but Florian was a criminal. I absolutely would not allow him to leave my sight.

I pulled out my badge and shouted loudly, "I'm a detective, and I'm on duty!"

Before I could react, she snatched the badge from my hand.

Without even a glance, she ripped it to shreds.

"I can buy a whole box of these online! I'd sooner believe I'm the President than believe you're a detective!"

She immediately put on a "righteous" facade: "Don't you know that handcuffing him like this is restricting his personal freedom, it's unlawful detention! I have to save him today!"

Saying this, she grabbed the silver handcuffs connecting Florian and me, pulling with both hands, desperately tugging them apart.

She kept repeating, "Let him go! Quick, let him go! You psycho!"

I struggled to block her, my fingertips digging into the handcuffs: "Don't touch the handcuffs! You'll get everyone killed! He's a criminal, he can't be let go!"

Just as we were struggling,

Click! The silver handcuffs snapped. I stumbled backward from the sudden release.

Looking up, Florian's wrist was free.

Only half of the cold handcuff remained, still tightly locked to my wrist.