CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As evening approached, Alva decided to head home. Ryan offered to give her a ride, but she declined.

When she arrived home, she found Kira waiting for her in the living room. Kira's eyes widened as she spotted Ava coming in "Oh my God, you're finally back! What took you so long?"

Alva chuckled and replied, "I'll tell you all about it later. What's for dinner?"

Kira smiled mischievously. "Just go into the kitchen and serve yourself."

Ava headed to the kitchen and was blown away. Kira had prepared an amazing meal - cautious rice with scrambled eggs and grilled chicken. "Oh my God, this looks incredible!" Ava exclaimed. The kitchen was spotless, and everything was perfectly arranged. Kira's cooking skills and attention to detail never failed to impress Ava.

Ava walked back into the living room with her food and sat down. Kira asked, "So, how was your day?"

Alva replied, "Nothing much. Just a murder case. A man killed his wife. It looks like he was on drugs."

Kira's eyes widened. "Oh, things are really happening"

Ava took a bite of her food before responding, "We apprehended the man and took him into custody. He's in a cell now."

Ava continued eating, savoring her meal.

Kira asked, "Aren't you due for a break or some time off? When will you be free?"

Ava replied, "Not here, I'm only free on Sundays."

Kira's eyes sparkled. "There's this party I want us to attend. It's going to be amazing!"

Ava's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of party is it?"

Kira grinned. "Just a party! It'll be fun, I promise."

Alva raised an eyebrow. "Where's the party taking place?"

Kira explained, "It's at a grand ballroom, a ground-breaking event for high-society people."

Alva's eyes widened. "Oh, so it's for rich people?"

Kira smiled. "So, you have a rich friend,and I thought it would be great if you could come with me. Can you take a day off? We can go shopping for a beautiful dress and get ready together."

"I have a lot on my plate," Alva said, "I have work to do and cases to attend to. I won't be able to come with you."

Kira smiled persistently. "Okay, no problem. But we still need to go shopping for those dresses."

Ava laughed. "You don't give up, do you?"

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Ethan and Ryan decided to grab a drink before heading home. Ryan asked, "So, do you have a new client yet?"

Ethan replied, "Not yet, I'm still waiting for one."

They clinked glasses and took a sip. Ethan mentioned, "There's a ball party happening soon, and I'd love for you to come."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Aren't ball parties for wealthy people? I'm not exactly rich."

Ethan smiled. "Don't worry about that. I've got everything covered. You should come!"

Ethan asked Ryan, "Don't you think Ava is cute?"

Ryan nodded, "Yeah, she's cute."

Ethan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is she married?"

Ryan replied, "From what I know, she's not."

Ryan raised an eyebrow, "Are you interested in her? You'd better not – she's always serious and preoccupied with work cases."

Ethan smiled slyly. "Woah..."

Ryan chuckled. "Oh,besides,for how long do i call you Ethan?"

Ethan shot him a look. "Just deal with it, okay?

Ethan took a sip from his drink. "Well, I think Alva is absolutely stunning. She's my type, but... she's my superior, so I don't dare make a move."

Ryan burst out laughing. "You'd better not! You'll just get punched instead. She's a tough detective, always serious. I wonder if she'll ever get married – she doesn't seem to have time for guys..."

Two girls, one blonde and one brunette, approached Ethan and Ryan's table. "Hi!" they chimed in unison.

Ethan and Ryan echoed, "Hi!"

The blonde girl smiled. "We've noticed you two,Mind if we join you?"

Ethan nodded, "Sure, of course! Have a seat."

The girls had a one-night stand with Ryan and Ethan, and that was the extent of their encounter.

***********************

Ava stood up, "I'm going to bed."

Kira raised an eyebrow, "You're going to bed so soon?"

Ava replied, "I have work tomorrow."

Kira asked again, "But isn't it a bit early?"

Ava shook her head, "No, it's not. I need to get some rest."

With that, Ava headed off to bed.

**********************

The next morning, Ava woke up to a delicious breakfast spread. Kira had prepared toast and scrambled eggs.

As Ava approached the table, Kira caught her hand, preventing her from picking up a slice of bread.

"You're not eating this breakfast until you agree to come with me to that party," Kira said, her eyes sparkling with persuasion.

Ava sighed, "I told you, I have work to do."

Kira raised an eyebrow, "What work? What kind of job works you to the bone without even giving you a break?"

Ava shrugged, "Fine, don't want me to eat your precious breakfast? I'll just grab something outside."

With that, Ava walked out, leaving Kira and the breakfast behind.

Alva arrived at work, exchanging greetings with her colleagues as she settled in. Noticing Ryan and Ethan's absence, she shrugged it off and focused on her day.

Spotting Agent Thompson, she approached him. "Good morning, Agent Thompson."

Thompson nodded. "Morning, Alva. We've got a new case."

Alva's interest piqued. "What kind of case?"

Thompson hesitated. "A woman was found hanged. Looks like a suicide."

Alva's expression turned somber. "Did she leave a note?"

Thompson shook his head. "Not yet. The victim had been struggling with depression."

Alva nodded thoughtfully. "I'm not surprised. Suicide cases have been rising alarmingly in this country."

She turned to Thompson. "Have they taken the body to the mortuary?"

Thompson nodded. "Yes, they have. The investigation is ongoing."