Chapter 292

Clatter—

Lucy White neatly organized the collected supplies with swift precision, her movements resembling a game of Tetris.

Growl—

Finn Wallace's stomach suddenly rumbled.

Jasper King raised an eyebrow. "Starving much?"

"You wouldn't get it," Finn grumbled, rubbing his belly. "Haven't had a hot meal in three days."

Just then, an irresistible aroma wafted from the kitchen.

"Holy—!" Asher York bolted upright. "What's Lucy cooking? My mouth is watering."

Xavier Boone adjusted his glasses, the lenses flashing with wisdom. "Anyone who's seen her cooking segments knows she's Michelin-star level."

"No way." Jasper craned his neck skeptically.

Twenty minutes later.

Clack!

Finn's chopsticks dropped onto the table as he stared at the empty plates in disbelief. "Did I just eat four bowls?"

"That braised pork..." Jasper smacked his lips. "Beats my mom's version."

Asher patted his rounded stomach blissfully. "Lucy, whoever marries you is one lucky bastard."

"Damn right!" Finn suddenly slammed the table. "Future partners gotta pass our approval first!"

Xavier dabbed his mouth calmly. "I know a few private investigators—"

"Hey!" Lucy laughed helplessly. "Are you guys forming a dating screening committee now?"

The livestream chat exploded:

[LMAO these clowns]

[Lucy: Thanks but no thanks]

[Why does this bromance hit different?]

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang abruptly.

Xavier opened it to reveal several disheveled contestants, their eyes glued to the empty plates on the table.

"Uh..." Their leader swallowed hard. "We came to buy intel..."

Jasper crossed his legs. "Payment first."

After the transaction, they kept stealing glances toward the kitchen.

"What're you staring at?" Finn growled like a territorial guard dog. "Keep looking and I'll charge extra!"

Next morning.

Lucy was frying eggs when Lieutenant Leo barged in.

"Smells amazing!" His eyes locked onto the sizzling pan.

With a deft wrist flick, Lucy plated the golden-brown eggs. "Need something?"

Leo reluctantly tore his gaze away. "Dr. Roland's relocating. Specifically requested your lockpicking skills."

Lucy's lips curved slightly.

—The fish took the bait.

She'd anticipated the base would come crawling eventually. Those precious research files meant more than life itself.

"No problem." She untied her apron briskly. "When do we leave?"

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled light across her delicate profile. No one noticed the fleeting shadow in her eyes.

This opportunity to approach Dr. Roland had arrived even sooner than expected.