Ashley sighed heavily as she scanned the faces of the higher-ups. Rubbing her temple, she remained silent, her mind still reeling. Her duty as Mia's bodyguard had officially ended, but the news about their relationship—especially while she was still serving in that role—had caused quite a stir within the department.

One of the higher-ups spoke up, his tone stern. "I'm utterly shocked by this news, Detective Amosa. Getting involved in a relationship while you're supposed to be ensuring the actress' safety? Our focus should be on maintaining professional etiquette. Emotions have no place at work—they can cloud your judgment, and you know that."

Ashley remained quiet, not responding to the remark. The official continued, "We had high hopes for you. You've been an exemplary police detective throughout your career, never faltering in your cases, even when you chose to transition into private detective work."

She didn't flinch.

"If you'd controlled your emotions and finished your duty before embarking on a relationship with the actress, we wouldn't be in this position," another higher-up added, his voice cold. "It's fortunate that you refrained from involving yourself in Ms. Tran's cases beyond the basics—catching her attacker, getting stabbed while protecting the production team...but you never actually investigated them. That was a smart move, keeping yourself clear of complications."

Ashley listened intently, the weight of their words sinking in.

"But the relationship, Detective," the first official pressed, "happened while you were still Ms. Tran's bodyguard. There are administrative repercussions. You're still a police detective, and even with the dual role, you represent the cantonal police department. That's the reality. Your actions reflect on us."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "Given your excellent record, we're only suspending you for two weeks. Consider yourself lucky, Detective Amosa. Your past performance has earned you some leeway."

Another official chimed in, "Use this time wisely to reflect on your actions. You have a promising career ahead of you—don't let this mistake define it."

The meeting ended, and Ashley let out a long sigh. She remained seated, swiveling her chair absentmindedly as her gaze flickered toward Natalie, who had been watching her.

"What are you looking at?" Ashley asked.

Natalie chuckled and stood up. "Two-week suspension? Not too bad," she teased, her voice light. "I haven't found a replacement for you yet—"

"Mia's got it covered," Ashley interrupted. "Her parents, at least." She shrugged nonchalantly.

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Parents, you say?" She blinked in surprise, pointing at Ashley. "Wait, you don't—"

"Oh, I met them," Ashley grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And yes, Mia asked them to provide her set of bodyguards."

"Look at you, grinning like a pervert," Natalie rolled her eyes. "Well, congrats on meeting your girlfriend's parents," she said with a sarcastic tone. "That's a big step for you."

Ashley just rolled her eyes in response. "Yeah, whatever."



Mia chuckled as she continued signing posters and magazines handed to her by her fans. Her bodyguards stood a respectful distance beside her, keeping an eye on the crowd.

"Hey, aren't you with that woman...what's her name again? Ashley, right?" one of her fans asked, trying to recall the name. Mia glanced up, amused, shaking her head lightly.

Before she could respond, another fan let out an excited exclamation. "Oh, look!"

Mia paused and followed their gaze, her pen hovering midair. Her fans suddenly shrieked with excitement as Ashley approached, carrying two boxes of cupcakes.

Mia blinked in surprise as her bodyguards immediately recognized Ashley and made space for her to stand beside Mia. Ashley nodded at them politely before turning to Mia. "Still busy, I see," she remarked with a small smile, holding up the boxes.

Mia raised an eyebrow, her gaze scanning Ashley from head to toe. "Wow," she said, momentarily setting down the items in her hands. "Is that your regular uniform, Detective?"

Ashley scoffed lightly. "Something like that," she replied.

Mia tilted her head, studying Ashley's outfit. The detective wore a crisp white long-sleeve polo paired with a striped necktie, a baby-blue blazer, matching trousers, and polished leather shoes. Her hair was tied neatly in a bun, and a sleek silver watch gleamed on her wrist.

Ashley adjusted her blazer and rolled up her sleeves slightly, revealing her wrist. Mia blinked, quickly shaking her head as she returned her attention to the fan items in front of her. "So, what's with the detective visit?" she asked.

Ashley shrugged and leaned casually against a nearby metal post. "Nothing much. Just wanted to see you."

Mia smiled faintly, continuing to sign autographs. "How'd the meeting go?"

Ashley chuckled. "Meh. Got myself a two-week suspension."

Mia paused mid-signature and glanced up. "Suspended? How is that a good thing?"

Ashley grinned. "I got off easy since I didn't involve myself in your cases. Lucky me," she said with a laugh.

Mia rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling as she accepted more posters and posed for selfies with her fans. "How is getting suspended lucky? You're impossible."

Ashley smirked and held up the boxes. "At least now I have time to bake."

Mia paused again, her eyes narrowing. "Wait...are those—"

"They're for your fans," Ashley cut her off, leaning in slightly. "Don't worry, I've got something for you in my car."

Mia blinked, caught off guard. "For my fans? Why?"

Ashley shrugged. "You love them, right? So, here." She handed the boxes to Mia, grinning. "Tell them you bought it for them."

Mia stared at the boxes, then back at Ashley. "I can't take credit for this."

Ashley chuckled softly. "Just do it. It'll make them happy."

Mia hesitated, then turned to the crowd. "Guys!" she called out, lifting the boxes. "Since Detective Ashley here is feeling generous, she wanted to share these with all of you!"

The fans erupted in cheers, thanking both Mia and Ashley.

"Make sure to share with everyone, okay? Sharing is caring!" Mia added with a laugh, glancing at Ashley, who was visibly flustered.

As Mia returned to Ashley, she smiled warmly. "That was really thoughtful. Thank you."

"Anything for you," Ashley replied, gently patting Mia's head.

Mia's fans suddenly shouted in unison, "Thank you, Detective Ashley!" Startled, Ashley's face turned a deep shade of red as she nodded at them, her smile a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. She turned to Mia, exhaling. "Please don't make me an instant celebrity to your fans."

Mia laughed. "They keep asking me about you, like I should know your every move. I think they adore you."

Ashley arched a brow. "Adore me? Your fans? That's...unexpected."

Mia gasped playfully. "I should start hiding you from them—the competition is fierce!"

Ashley blinked before bursting into laughter. "You're unbelievable!"

"What? I need to fence you in!" Mia said, puffing out her cheeks dramatically.

Ashley couldn't help but laugh again, shaking her head. "You're too cute when you do that," she said, reaching out to pinch Mia's cheeks gently.

Mia swatted Ashley's hand away with a giggle. "Stop teasing me!"