“I’m not looking for trouble,” Jordan said, her gaze still locked with Chase’s. “But I won’t stand for it either.” She took a step closer to him, the room holding its collective breath. “Where I’m from, respect is earned, not demanded.”

Chase scoffed, trying to regain his bravado, but his voice wavered. “And what would you know about respect?”

Jordan smiled slightly, a hint of something sharper behind her eyes. “More than you think. I’ve faced bigger challenges than you, Chase.” She glanced at the phone Bela was holding. “You might want to stop recording. Things could get…interesting.”