Inside the Chief Commissioner's office, several high-ranking officers were already gathered around the conference table.
Captain Dan was present, sitting slightly back with a stiff expression, clearly unimpressed.
The deputy chief and other senior officers from different departments were also seated, maintaining a formal and professional atmosphere. The moment Leo entered, all eyes turned toward him.
A few officers stood up to greet him, congratulating him on the success of the mission. Leo shook hands with them and thanked them politely before taking his seat.
The Chief Commissioner sat at the head of the table, observing the room before speaking.
"Leo, you really did a great job, and Mr. Walker was very pleased."
The officers nodded in agreement.
"And because of that, we are promoting you to the captain level."
For a brief moment, the room fell silent.
Leo remained calm, though he had not expected the announcement.
Captain Dan immediately scoffed under his breath and leaned slightly forward, his tone cold.
"Interesting decision."
The room shifted uncomfortably, but the Chief Commissioner maintained his composure.
"Congratulations, Captain Leo," a few officers said respectfully.
The deputy chief added, "Well deserved."
Leo simply nodded.
"Thank you, sir."
The Chief Commissioner continued, his voice steady.
"You have served this department with dedication for years.
You have handled some of our most dangerous operations, and this recent mission has proven once again that you are capable of leading larger operations.
This promotion is not a reward. It is recognition of your ability."
A senior officer placed a folder in front of Leo containing the official promotion documents. Leo opened it briefly, then closed it again.
The deputy chief spoke again.
"Your new rank comes with greater responsibility. You will now oversee multiple task forces instead of simply participating in them."
Leo nodded.
"I understand."
Captain Dan leaned back, clearly displeased, his silence carrying more judgment than words.
The Chief Commissioner folded his hands.
"We have complete confidence in you."
A short round of applause followed, though noticeably restrained from Captain Dan's side.
After a few moments, the meeting continued with discussions on security matters, ongoing investigations, and future operations.
Leo listened carefully and contributed where necessary, earning quiet respect from most of the room, despite the tension from one corner.
When the meeting finally ended, officers began leaving one by one. Some stopped briefly to shake Leo's hand before exiting. Captain Dan left without saying a word, offering only a cold glance as he passed.
Soon, only the Chief Commissioner, the deputy chief, and Leo remained.
The Chief Commissioner stood and walked toward the window overlooking the city.
"You have come a long way, Leo."
Leo remained seated.
"I was just doing my duty."
The Chief Commissioner nodded slightly.
"That is exactly why you deserved the promotion."
He turned back toward the table, his expression shifting into something more formal.
"There is another matter."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Mr. Walker has organized a reception this Sunday at his residence. It is to welcome his daughter back safely after being away for a week due to a dangerous situation. He has personally invited all senior officers involved in the operation as a way of expressing gratitude for the police force's efforts."
He placed emphasis on the next words.
"You are also invited, Leo."
The deputy chief nodded in approval.
"It will be a formal event attended by top officials."
The Chief Commissioner continued.
"This is not an order, but a gesture of appreciation from Mr. Walker himself. Your presence would be valued."
Leo gave a slight nod.
"I will attend, sir."
The Chief Commissioner smiled faintly.
"Good."
Leo rose from his seat, collected his promotion documents, and prepared to leave.
The atmosphere in the room remained formal, though Captain Dan's earlier disapproval still lingered heavily in the silence that followed.
—-
That evening after work, Myra went back to her condo instead of heading to the mansion.
She missed the place, and the moment she entered her room, she went straight to her bed and lay down, feeling a strange comfort wash over her.
For a while, she simply stayed there in silence until memories of Leo suddenly resurfaced in her mind. She sat up quickly, frustrated with herself.
"I should stop thinking about this."
She paused, sitting quietly as her thoughts settled. After a long sigh, she tried to convince herself of something else.
"I think I need to get a boyfriend. That's the only way I will forget about Leo."
With that thought lingering, she got up, took a shower, and eventually went to sleep.
***
Saturday
The following day was Saturday. Myra decided to do everything differently. She went to the salon, did her hair, had her nails done, and even went shopping on her own without calling Barbara as she usually did.
She spent most of the day moving around alone, as if trying to fill her mind with anything other than her thoughts.
In the evening, she returned to the mansion and found Cissy and Raymond seated in the living room watching the news. Cissy was the first to notice her arrival.
"Myra!"
Myra smiled and walked over, hugging her warmly. She had grown comfortable around Cisdy since the incident of her kidnapping, and their bond had naturally strengthened.
She then greeted Raymond as well before sitting down with them.
Raymond nodded with a calm smile.
"I'm glad to have you back here today. Actually, tomorrow we have a party for you. I didn't want to tell you earlier so you wouldn't stress about it, but I hope you will be around."
Myra tilted her head slightly.
"What kind of party?"
Raymond explained gently.
"I was so worried when you got kidnapped and when you and Leo got lost at the island. I want to celebrate your safe return. And… Leo has been promoted. It would be good if he comes too so we can also celebrate the success of the mission."
Myra gave a small, unsure nod.
"Okay… alright then."
Raymond continued.
"You can feel free to invite your friends too. I think it would be nice if they come along."
Myra smiled lightly and excused herself, heading to her room. Once inside, she sat down on the edge of her bed, letting the reality settle in.
She was going to see Leo again tomorrow.
***
Sunday
The Myra family was not particularly known for being religious or attending church regularly, but that Sunday morning, Raymond suggested that they all attend the church service together.
Myra agreed, and Cece was pleased by the idea. So, they went as a family.
During the service, there was a calm sense of unity between them, and Cece couldn't help but admire how Myra and Raymond had slowly grown closer over time.
It gave her a quiet sense of happiness seeing them together under one roof, sharing moments like a real family.
After the church service, preparations for the party at the mansion were already complete. By evening, guests began arriving steadily.
It was not a large or overly crowded function, but the mansion had been beautifully decorated with elegance and luxury.
Every detail reflected Raymond's wealth, influence, and reputation. He was a man respected not only in business and society, but also by senior police officials and key figures in the community.
Several important guests arrived, including the Chief Commissioner himself, Captain Dan, and a few other senior officers. They were warmly received as they settled into the event.
Leo had not yet arrived.
——
Upstairs, Myra was in her room preparing. She had chosen a soft cream gown that matched her complexion perfectly.
Her makeup was light but elegant, highlighting her natural beauty without being too bold.
As she looked at herself in the mirror, she adjusted her appearance carefully, taking a moment before finally getting ready to join the guests downstairs.
The atmosphere outside was already lively, but inside her room, everything felt quieter like the calm before a moment she wasn't fully prepared for.