Chapter 4: Oh! He’s the Police Captain

Clara transferred to the forensic department of the Economic Development Zone Police Branch.

She rented an apartment in a complex not far from the station.

It was a move-in-ready unit, so she drove straight there.

On the way, she received a call from her mother, who nagged her to sleep on time, eat well, and not overwork herself.

After reassuring her mother repeatedly, she hung up.

She would have to find a time when her mother was in a good mood to tell her about the divorce.

The apartment was a nice two-unit-per-floor setup.

Standing on the balcony, she could see the police branch’s office building.

She clenched her fist and gave herself a silent pep talk.

Clara Ye, your new life has begun. Keep it up!

Without the distraction of toxic people and messy drama, Clara slept exceptionally well that night.

When she woke up, she put on a professional outfit—a white blouse paired with a black A-line skirt.

She tied her hair into a ponytail and applied light makeup.

After reporting to the forensic department, Chief Joe, the department head, took her to the detectives' office.

"Everyone, let me introduce you. This is our new Forensic Lead, Clara Ye."

The sounds of typing and case discussions in the office stopped instantly.

More than a dozen pairs of eyes turned toward her.

Facing their scrutiny, Clara greeted them with bright confidence. "Hi everyone, I'm Clara Ye. From now on, I'll be involved in all the field investigations and autopsies for this branch. I look forward to working with you."

As soon as she finished, a round of enthusiastic applause erupted in the office.

"Welcome, gorgeous doc!"

"Forensic Ye is more beautiful than a movie star!"

A few of the younger detectives were visibly starstruck.

Clara was tall, stunning, and had naturally porcelain skin. She stood there radiating elegance and charm.

Clara smiled. "Thank you for the compliments."

The detectives stood up one by one to introduce themselves.

"Where’s your boss?" Chief Joe asked.

"The Captain is in the Director’s office," Rocky replied. Just as he finished speaking, a tall, commanding figure entered the office.

The man wore a crisp police uniform without a single wrinkle. A tactical belt was fastened around his waist, and his straight trousers accentuated his long legs. He wore his police cap low, and beneath it, his eyes were cold and sharp. His nose was high, and his jawline was chiseled.

He radiated an undeniable aura of authority and righteousness.

"The Captain's back!" Rocky rushed over to the man, excitedly introducing her. "Captain, we have a beautiful new lead in the forensic department."

Leo Sterling’s gaze swept toward Clara.

Clara was already looking him up and down. Their eyes collided unexpectedly.

Seeing the cold, sharp glint in his eyes, Clara’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile.

She truly hadn't expected that Bianca White’s ex-fiancé would be the police captain at her new workplace.

Bianca had insisted he was poor and useless—she had imagined he would be far worse.

To become a police captain at such a young age, he clearly had significant ability.

And the way he looked in that uniform... he was the definition of "cool and disciplined."

Why did her throat suddenly feel a bit dry?

Leo looked at Clara. Seeing her throat move slightly, his expression became even more severe.

"Forensic Ye, this is our leader, Captain Sterling," Rocky introduced.

Clara walked up to Leo and extended her hand with a smile. "Hello, Captain Sterling."

Leo reached out and shook her hand. "Hello."

His expression was indifferent, and his eyes were devoid of any emotion, as if he had never met Clara before.

Looking at his stern, hypocritical act, Clara couldn't help but find it hilarious.

Acting all serious on the outside... wasn't he just gasping for breath on top of her the other night?

After a brief handshake, Leo went to withdraw his hand, but Clara held on firmly.

His dark eyes narrowed at her.

She nonchalantly raised an eyebrow at him, a flirtatious glint dancing in her peach-blossom eyes.

Leo’s expression grew even colder.

He forcibly pulled his hand back. As he did, her slender fingertips lightly brushed against his palm.

It felt like a faint electric shock—tingling and sharp.

Leo’s face was grim. "Forensic Ye, I hope your professional skills are up to par. Don't disappoint me."

Looking at his cold, impersonal face that pretended not to know her, Clara felt a sudden urge to tear away that disciplined mask.

Taking advantage of a moment when no one was looking, Clara stepped closer to Leo and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Did I disappoint you in bed the other night, Captain?"

Leo: "..."

Without giving Clara another look, he turned and strode toward his office.

Clara returned to the forensic department to familiarize herself with the new autopsy table and supply cabinets.

Just as she was about to start working, her assistant Vivian rushed over. "Clara, a fisherman found a suitcase in Greenwood Lake. There's a decomposing body inside..."

Greenwood Lake, suburbs.

By the time Clara arrived, Leo and his team were already there.

Even from a distance, Clara could smell the stench of decay.

Leo was questioning the fisherman who found the suitcase. Rocky and a few other young detectives had their faces covered, clearly overwhelmed by the smell.

"Forensic Ye, the smell is really intense. Are you sure you're okay?" Rocky asked with concern.

Clara nodded. "No problem."

She put on her goggles and latex gloves.

The suitcase had been placed on a waterproof tarp. The lid was open, and the intense stench of rot mixed with the fishy smell of lake water hit her full force.

Behind her, Vivian couldn't help but gag.

Clara, however, didn't flinch. She examined the remains with focused, serious intensity.

Leo glanced at Clara out of the corner of his eye.

She was completely different from the provocative, seductive woman he had met that night. When she worked, she was serious, calm, and entirely focused.

"Forensic Ye, with the body decayed like this, can you identify her?" Rocky asked.

Clara was examining the pelvic bone of the remains. "The deceased is female, aged between 40 and 45, height approximately 160 to 165 cm. She has been dead for at least a year. As for the specific cause of death, I'll need to do a further examination back at the lab."

Leo had already taken off his cap and jacket. He rolled up the sleeves of his navy-blue shirt, revealing his lean, muscular forearms.

After finishing the questioning, he assigned tasks in a deep voice. "Rocky, contact the hydrology department. Get the water flow and level data for the past year to analyze the time and location of the dumping."

Then, he looked at another team member. "Arthur, check the missing persons reports for women in this city over the past year. Filter for age and height matches. Also, track the source of this specific model of suitcase."

Everyone got to work.

That afternoon.

Leo came to the forensic lab and looked at Clara standing by the autopsy table. "Do we have the cause of death yet?"

Clara nodded. "Yes—"