Chapter 79
Chapter 79
Neither of them noticed the figures standing in the shadows at the end of the hallway.
At the forefront was the lead interviewer who had just questioned Jessica—the head of Autumnleaf District Precinct's Criminal Investigation Division.
He'd only stepped out for some air, but unexpectedly stumbled upon this scene.
"Isn't that one of Michael's people?" a deputy examiner beside him asked in a hushed tone, voice tinged with curiosity.
"Sounds like she's having a spat with Michael," the Criminal Investigation Captain murmured, stroking his chin, a calculating gleam flickering in his eyes.
He recalled Jessica's flawless composure in the interview room just moments ago, combined with this special connection.
If they could poach someone Michael valued and bring her to Autumnleaf District Precinct, not only would they gain a talented asset, but it would also make negotiating budgets and equipment resources with City Police Headquarters far easier down the line.
"This girl—solid fundamentals, quick on her feet. She's genuinely impressive," the Captain declared, his eyes sharp with businessman-like shrewdness. "If Michael won't let her go, we'll 'take her in' ourselves. Go tell HR—Jessica Brooks is hired."
By now, Jessica had already walked out of the precinct doors. The autumn sunlight fell across her shoulders, yet it couldn't dispel the gloom weighing on her heart.
Her phone buzzed inside her bag.
Jessica pulled it out wearily, expecting another concerned message from Philip. But the notification on her screen froze her in place.
[Autumnleaf District Police Precinct HR Department: Ms. Jessica Brooks, congratulations on passing the interview for the Criminal Consultant position. Please report to the precinct at 9:00 AM next Monday.]
Hired? They actually hired her!
The oppressive fog that had lingered over her for so long finally tore open, letting in a sliver of light. Jessica clutched her phone, her fingertips trembling with excitement.
This was her first step toward breaking free from Michael's control—and the beginning of reclaiming her dignity.
Almost immediately, she dialed Philip's number, her voice carrying a lightness it hadn't held in weeks. "Philip! I passed! Autumnleaf District Precinct hired me!"
"Really? That's amazing!" Philip's excitement echoed through the line. "I knew you could do it! We have to celebrate tonight—I'll make a reservation. We're not stopping until we're drunk!"
"Deal. See you tonight!"
Jessica exhaled deeply as she hung up.
She turned toward the bus stop, but suddenly—a deafening roar of an engine ripped through the quiet street.
A bright yellow Lamborghini tore down the road like a lightning bolt, completely ignoring the school zone speed limit on the narrow street.
"Ah!"
A little boy holding a balloon stumbled in fright from the sudden gust of wind. He fell to the pavement, his balloon drifting skyward as he burst into tears.
The sports car didn't even tap the brakes. Instead, the driver gunned the engine in a taunting display, kicking up a cloud of noxious exhaust before speeding off.
Jessica's professional instincts ignited instantly, fury blazing in her chest. Reckless driving in a school zone—this was treating human lives like garbage!
She hurried over to help the boy up, checking to make sure he was only scraped, then handed him to his mother. Without hesitation, she turned and sprinted after the disappearing car, shouting, "Stop! Police!"
She'd barely taken two steps when a hand grabbed her wrist and yanked her back.
Jessica whipped around to find Lynn, the girl she'd helped during the interview.
Lynn's face was pale, and she was shaking her head frantically, her eyes filled with terror.
"Don't! Please don't go!" Lynn hissed urgently, as if fleeing some monstrous predator.
"That driver was openly speeding and nearly hit a child—I have to confront her!" Jessica said righteously.
"Are you insane?" Lynn gripped her arm tightly, her voice trembling as she forced out a name. "Do you know whose car that is? That's Isolde Porter! Chief Bishop's daughter—the Chief of Autumnleaf District Precinct!"
Jessica's body went rigid.
The Chief's... daughter?
"Isolde's spoiled rotten because Chief Bishop dotes on her," Lynn continued, voice shaking as she glanced nervously toward where the car had vanished. "She's been running wild around here for years. She hates anyone telling her what to do. If you go after her now, forget keeping your consultant contract—you'll have problems all over Sunrise City. Jessica, please listen to me. We can't afford to cross her. Just let it go!"
Jessica stared at the empty street, her righteous fury doused like a bucket of ice water dumped over her head.
This was the reality of her new job—power, privilege, and moral compromise waiting on day one. She realized that working at Autumnleaf District Precinct might be even more treacherous than City Police Department Headquarters.
It turned out that above justice and fairness, there was a layer of ice called privilege.
"Are you okay?" Lynn tugged gently at her sleeve, residual fear still lingering in her eyes.
Jessica snapped back to reality and forced a bitter smile. "I'm fine. Thanks for the warning."
Lynn's cheeks flushed slightly, and she waved it off awkwardly. "It's nothing. People like that... ordinary people like us should just stay out of their way."
Watching Lynn's kind yet timid expression, Jessica felt a warmth bloom in her chest.
In this cold, harsh reality, such genuine kindness felt precious.
She glanced at her watch and extended an invitation. "Have you eaten yet? Let me treat you to lunch—as a thank you."
Lynn hesitated at first, but when she met Jessica's clear, sincere gaze, she nodded.
The two found a clean, cozy restaurant near the precinct.
They hit it off immediately, chatting about everything from police academy anecdotes to their personal dreams. Their similar experiences quickly bridged the gap between them. Lynn eventually asked curiously about Jessica's interview results.