Evan heard it too. His voice cooled instantly. “Ma’am, that language is unacceptable.”

Rachel scoffed. “Oh, come on. People like her are always—”

“Stop,” Evan said sharply.

Whispers spread through nearby rows. A man across the aisle shook his head. The air felt heavy, buzzing with discomfort.

Then came another kick—harder than before.

Naomi turned fully this time. Her hands trembled, but her voice stayed steady. “Please stop. I’ve asked politely.”

The boy grinned.

Evan stepped forward again, but Rachel shot to her feet first, her voice rising. “This is ridiculous! My son didn’t do anything wrong! Why are you taking her side?”

Passengers stiffened. Someone a few rows back lifted their phone discreetly.

“Ma’am, lower your voice,” Evan warned.

But Rachel pointed at Naomi. “She’s exaggerating! Just because she—”

“Enough,” Evan cut in.

Still, Rachel let another hateful remark slip—worse than before. Gasps rippled through the cabin.

“That’s disgusting,” a woman nearby said aloud.

Rachel finally noticed the eyes on her—angry, disappointed, unyielding.

Evan spoke calmly but firmly. “If this behavior continues, security will meet the plane upon landing.”

Rachel sat down, pale and silent.