There weren't many others waiting in the luxuriously decorated lounge, as the first-class lounge was separate from the guest lounge. The latter was meant for everyone else, whether flying economy or holding the airline's VIP card.

In contrast, the first-class lounge was only open to the guests who spent hundreds of thousands for a transoceanic flight.

After Charlie, Claire, Elaine, and Jacob showed their tickets, a young waiter led them to the couch inside.

By sheer coincidence, both Mr. Lar