Just as her anger peaked and she couldn't even pretend anymore, Jennifer subtly tugged at Chloe's sleeve, signaling her to move to the right side.

  Chloe shot her a grateful look and shifted to Jennifer's right, putting distance between herself and Veronica.

  "Ignore her. She's jealous."

  Jennifer's quiet words made Chloe turn. Jennifer smiled warmly—a smile carrying the power of an idol—and Chloe's unease immediately settled.

  "Thank you, Jennifer."

  Jennifer's delicate eyebrow arched playfully. "Don't mention it."

  After days of scorching heat in Aethelburg, a light rain finally fell in the evening, cooling the entire city.

  Grace had carefully prepared herself, originally planning to wear a dress with heels. But the sudden rain changed her mind—she switched to light blue skinny jeans and flats, softening her makeup as well.

  "Way too pure, my love."

  Scarlett rested her chin on Grace's shoulder from behind, admiring her in the mirror. "I'm so jealous. You can weaponize your beauty however you want—sexy enough to captivate the world, or innocent enough to be irresistible. Not like me. My beauty is too one-dimensional."

  Grace laughed at the compliment, patting Scarlett's cheek. "Don't fall for me."

  "Too late. I'm already gone."

  Just then, Grace's phone buzzed. A message from Eden Quinn—he was already downstairs at the dorm.

  Scarlett caught the name on the screen and clicked her tongue. "He seemed so serious and proper at the station that day. Didn't expect him to know how to win a girl over—picking you up right at the dorm."

  She looked at Grace and sighed. "You're something else, babe. Spot someone you like, grab their contact info—not even afraid of a cop."

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  "Cops are people too. Take off the uniform, and we're all the same." Grace shrugged.

  "Fair point. Still admire you, though. I'd definitely wait for the guy to make the first move."

  Grace thought back to that day. Actually, Eden had come over first, handing her the substation's business card. That move felt like a subtle but clear signal.

  So technically, hadn't Eden made the first move?

  "Go on. Don't keep our policeman waiting."

  Grace nodded, picked a marine-scented perfume suitable for rainy weather, spritzed twice, and headed downstairs.

  Beneath the dorm building, Eden stood by the roadside, umbrella in hand, posture ramrod straight. Seeing Grace emerge, he quickly stepped forward to shield her from the rain.

  Grace looked up at him, smiling. His handsome face was truly a delight to behold. "With the sudden rain, I thought you might reschedule."

  "With my job, time chooses me—I don't choose it. Rare to have a free evening."

  Perhaps because of the rain, his voice blended beautifully with the patter today. "Car's at the gate. Let's go."

  Upstairs, Scarlett pressed against the balcony railing, spying. All she could see was a black umbrella, but she could practically feel the electric tension underneath. She stomped her feet with excitement until their figures disappeared into the distance.

  Inside Eden's jeep, he first grabbed a cushion from the backseat and tucked it behind Grace's lower back. "Old car. Seats are hard. This'll help."

  Then, one hand on the wheel, he twisted to check behind as he reversed. The car was indeed old—manual transmission, no backup camera.

  They didn't talk much during the drive, but neither felt awkward. Eden focused on the road, catching faint, pleasant whiffs of Grace's perfume. That alone lifted his mood; his usual stern expression unconsciously softened.

  Half an hour later, the jeep pulled into the underground parking of Vientiane Plaza.

  Grace knew this place—she'd come several times with Scarlett. It was known as Aethelburg's Michelin Star Gathering Spot.

  Choosing this restaurant showed how much Eden valued their first date.

  But Grace couldn't help wondering—could a police captain's salary really afford the astronomically priced restaurants here?

  Her instincts told her Eden wasn't the type to pretend beyond his means. So she kept quiet.

  On the eighth floor, a private fusion cuisine restaurant. Eden had booked ahead. A hostess in a traditional cheongsam led them to a window table.

  The place was busy yet remarkably tranquil. Diners not only dressed elegantly but also kept their voices low.

  Once seated, Grace joked, "If I'd known you were bringing me here, I'd have worn a dress."

  Eden's eyes crinkled with warmth. "You look beautiful like this too."

  Grace had heard such compliments all her life. But never from a cop.

  She had to admit—it felt different. A unique kind of thrill.

  The uniform effect was real. And she was thoroughly enjoying it.

  The menu was indeed pricey. Converted from past-life values, about 800 Dollars per person on average; if ordering signature dishes, closer to 1500.

  But Eden's expression didn't flicker as he browsed. Grace gathered this wasn't his first visit.

  "Been here with other girls?"

  Eden looked up, paused, then nodded. "Yeah. My ex."

  Grace met his gaze. "How many?"

  "One."

  "Same. One for me."

  Just like that, they'd laid their cards on the table.

  Eden's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, brow furrowing instinctively, but rose and swiped to answer, mouthing to Grace that he'd step out.

  Grace nodded, watching his long legs carry him swiftly out of sight.

  He returned about ten minutes later. "Sorry about that. Station call."

  "Urgent?" Grace asked.

  "Not this time." He exhaled, then looked at her seriously. "But if... if we end up together—there'll be times I have to leave in the middle of a date. Probably a lot."

  Honest, at least. Grace had already braced herself.

  "I understand. You're a cop. Your job is handling emergencies. And emergencies happen suddenly—that's what makes them emergencies."