Chapter 194

Chapter 194

"Yeah, it's that wild. So, you see, we're not even in the same league as him. Trying to get into his circle is just a pipe dream. Do you think his family, with all their money, would let Alexander become a detective if he wasn't going to climb the ranks?"

Zoey listened but didn't quite agree.

Emma started mumbling to herself again, "But honestly, Alexander is so handsome."

"Yeah, he is pretty good-looking."

"You think so too?"

"My eyesight's just fine."

Emma glanced at Zoey. Even though Zoey usually had a cold expression, she was really beautiful.

Emma suddenly thought of some scenes from TV dramas. "You know, you spend so much time with Alexander. It's hard to say you won't develop feelings over time. If he confesses to you, what would you do? Would you say yes?"

"Of course," Zoey answered without even thinking.

Emma was shocked. "You guys aren't already together, are you?"

"No, we're just colleagues for now."

"Then why did you say..."

Zoey explained her reasoning, "Dating him would improve my quality of life. I don't need to think about the long term because we won't get married. Like you said, his family wouldn't agree. But I'd choose to be with him, enjoy it while it lasts, and then go back to my happy single life."

His presence would just be the cherry on top.

Emma understood, "You've really thought this through."

"You don't get it. This is called a love-career balance," Zoey said naturally, not feeling there was anything wrong with her answer.

Emma was speechless. She really didn't get it. Most people probably couldn't understand Zoey's way of thinking.

Zoey changed the subject, "But if I were Alexander, I wouldn't date."

"Why?"

Zoey replied, "When you have everything, love is the best way to destroy it all. Love isn't for the rich; it's for people like me who have nothing."

Every time Emma talked to Zoey, she felt tired. She couldn't take it anymore and changed the topic, "Remember to introduce me to some other guys. Oh, by the way, there was a video going viral yesterday. I heard it was you. You're really something."

The next day at work, Zoey was swamped. Her Facebook notifications were going off every second. She was busy writing a case report while checking her phone for important messages. Most of them were from Vernon. She felt like deleting him.

Vernon: [Zoey, I heard you're at the Emerald City Police Department. Can you give me a tour?]

Vernon: [How's that case going? Any progress? Did you catch the culprit? I've been following the news, but there's nothing. What's the update?]

Vernon: [My mom says you're amazing for making it into the detective squad. I told her you've always been awesome, my idol.]

Vernon: [Why aren't you replying? Are you busy, Zoey?]

Vernon: [Okay, you must be busy. But text me when you're free.]

Half an hour later.

Vernon: [You said you'd reply.]

Vernon: [I'll treat you to dinner!]

Zoey replied: [Okay.]

Vernon was speechless but happy to get a response from Zoey. He started sending her various cuisine options. After listing about ten different types, Zoey replied: [Anything's fine.]

Vernon narrowed it down and finally chose a Mexican restaurant. He texted Zoey: [How about here? What time do you get off work?]

Zoey: [Six.]

Vernon: [OK, I'll pick you up.]

They confirmed the plan, and Vernon stopped texting. Zoey's phone finally got a break. Knowing Vernon, she guessed he wanted to hear about some of the bizarre cases she had worked on, preferably with a supernatural twist. He loved those stories.

As the end of her shift approached, Zoey told Robert she had plans, so he wouldn't wait for her.

"Alright, stay safe. I'll head out first," Robert said.

"Thanks, Officer Davis."

Dennis overheard and asked, "Zoey, what are you up to? Not taking Officer Davis' car?"

"Dinner."

"With who?"

"A high school friend."

Dennis was surprised, "A guy?"

"Yes."

Alexander, who had just finished organizing his work on the side, overheard the conversation between a few people and also asked, "Is it the same boy that Savory Haven ran into last time?

"Yeah." Zoey quickly got the closure report and left first.

Dennis looked at Zoey's back and seemed to be thinking. "I bet Zoey's going to start dating soon."

Charles joined in, "Really? You said the same thing when Alexander joined."

Dennis was speechless. Alexander, hearing their conversation, smiled, "I just want to focus on work. I'm not interested in dating. But Dennis, Charles, you guys should get out more and meet some girls."

Dennis and Charles were speechless. They were gossiping about others, and now the topic had turned to them.

At the Mexican restaurant, Zoey got out of the car and walked straight inside. She approached the hostess and said politely, "Hi, I have a reservation."

"What's the name under?"

"Jordan."

"Sable Jordan's friend, right? Follow me."

Zoey thought for a moment. Sable? That must be Vernon's sister. She followed the hostess to a private room on the second floor. It looked quite luxurious, definitely not a place she would normally go.

"Here you are."

"Thank you."

Zoey had just sat down when the door opened again. A group of unfamiliar girls walked in. She recognized one of them. "Sable?"