As boarding began, Karen nervously approached the gate, half-expecting to be stopped or confronted. However, Michael was nowhere to be seen; he had already boarded the plane discreetly through a separate entrance reserved for VIPs.

On the flight, Karen was unable to concentrate on her work. Her thoughts kept drifting back to her encounter with Michael. She resolved to find an opportunity to apologize, unsure if she would get the chance but determined to make things right.