Seeing my fierce demeanor, Laura timidly peeked out from Mark's embrace, her eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears.

"I... I'm sorry, Tessa. I'm not as experienced as you. Just dock my pay, okay?"

Hearing Laura finally admit fault, the crew leader let out a frustrated sigh.

"Thank goodness we avoided a catastrophe. Tessa, try to calm down. Laura is just a rookie; you can't throw your weight around just because you've got more experience."

His tone was measured, but the hint of exasperation was undeniable.

I met the crew leader's gaze head-on, unwilling to back down.

"But what if passengers panicked because of her meltdown? What if she froze and couldn't open the door? Who's responsible for everyone's safety? Over a hundred lives depend on us!"

She curled back into Mark's arms, her face a canvas of fear and regret, teetering on the edge of tears.

Mark's expression darkened dangerously, his protective instincts flaring.

"That's enough, Tessa! You might think it's okay to bully your colleague and disrespect leadership, but I'm going to have you fired to teach you a lesson!"

His voice was a low growl, each word laced with menace.

I fought back the tears threatening to spill, locking onto Mark's furious gaze.

"You're saying that as long as your colleague are happy, passenger safety is bullshit to you? Laura made a serious mistake, and I made the right call in a critical moment—what right do you have to blame me for everything?"

At that moment, other crew members began to gather, drawn in by our heated exchange.

A few exchanged worried glances, and upon seeing the red handprint and tear streaks on Laura's pale face, they frowned in disapproval.

"Tessa, it's a miracle nothing serious happened. Can't you just let it go?" one crew member said, his tone a mix of concern and impatience.

"Yeah, we're all colleagues here. No need for workplace bullying," another chimed in.

Taking a deep breath, I shot back without hesitation, my voice tinged with frustration and disbelief.

"I'm a flight attendant, I know well what resposiblities I take during flights, and that's passenger safety! I'm quite puzzled as to why someone as emotionally fragile as Laura would even be allowed in my line of work, especially when she could be a danger in critical situations!"

Usually, I treated my colleagues with warmth and understanding, so my intense reaction had silenced a few of them, leading them to discreetly step away, casting wary glances in my direction.

As the crowd began to disperse, Mark glared at me, resentment etched on his face like a storm brewing on the horizon.

"Tessa, you've really stepped out of line. I'm the captain here, and you'll follow my lead. I've already said Laura's just a bit timid; she didn't do anything wrong! You're suspended. Once this is over, I'll make sure you're fired."

I faced him squarely, unflinching, my eyes blazing with defiance.

"Mark, you're standing by the very person who made a monumental error, while you want to dismiss me, the one who actually saved everyone? You and Laura seem to have a similar disregard for passenger safety!"

Mark's anger was palpable; he shoved Laura aside, her weak protest swallowed by the tension, and pushed me back with a forceful hand, the impact jarring.

"Enough! I'll write a detailed report about this incident. Since you bullied Laura, let's credit her with guiding the passengers to safety. As for you, Tessa, don't expect to board my flight again."

His words sliced through the air like a knife, each one designed to wound.

I stumbled back a step but quickly regained my balance, my determination unwavering. Without a second thought, I threw a punch at him, connecting with his jaw.

"Idiot! The cockpit footage clearly shows what actually happened. You think you can just take my credit? You and Laura don't deserve it!"

Mark clenched his fists, his voice dripping with menace. "Tessa, I suggest you don't push this too far. On my plane, I make the rules."