Respect followed him naturally.
Fear often did as well.
Arthur frowned.
He had invited several retired officers to the charity gala, but the Admiral's appearance had been unexpected.
Thomas Reed stopped only inches from Celeste.
For one brief second, the entire room waited for him to condemn her as everyone else already had.
Instead...
He straightened.
His weathered face softened with unmistakable respect.
One word escaped his lips.
"Commander."
Nothing more.
No explanation.
No dramatic announcement.
Just one title.
Celeste immediately stood taller.
Her posture shifted almost imperceptibly.
The timid daughter everyone believed they knew vanished.
In her place stood someone forged by years of discipline, sacrifice, and command.
Without hesitation, she raised her hand in a crisp military salute.
The Admiral returned it.
The sound that followed froze the blood in Arthur's veins.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Dozens of chairs scraped against polished marble.