Chapter 294

Lieutenant Leo and his team froze at the laboratory entrance, stunned by the scene before them.

Dozens of ragged survivors huddled near the door, their faces etched with exhaustion and terror.

"Who are you?" Leo narrowed his eyes, his hand resting on his holstered pistol.

A dust-covered man stumbled forward. "Sir... we're refugees."

"Three days ago, we lost half our group to a horde..." His voice cracked. "We barely made it here."

From the rear of the formation, Lucy White's lips curved in an imperceptible smirk.

What a performance. He's wasting his talent here.

Leo's scrutinizing gaze swept over the crowd. "This area's dangerous. How'd you find this place?"

"The zombies chased us here," the man explained hastily. "We saw this building and took shelter."

He suddenly dropped to his knees. "Please... take us to the safe haven!"

The crowd erupted into murmurs, several people breaking into quiet sobs.

Leo frowned. "Not now."

He signaled his team to maintain vigilance. "We'll send transport after completing our mission."

Disappointment flashed across the man's face, but he dared not protest.

Lucy noted how Leo's eyes remained sharp despite his reassuring words.

These soldiers aren't easily fooled.

"Wait over there." Leo pointed down the corridor. "Don't wander."

Only after the survivors retreated did Leo turn to Lucy.

"We need your help."

She nodded and approached the control panel.

Her fingers flew across the keyboard with such speed that several "survivors" gaped in shock.

"No way..." someone muttered.

The biometric lock beeped, and the heavy doors slid open.

Lucy swiftly programmed access for the officers, her movements practiced as if she'd done this countless times.

A sharp intake of breath came from the corner.

Finn Wallace suppressed a laugh, cocking an eyebrow at their stunned audience. Several team leaders turned purple with rage.

"Move out." Leo entered first.

The moment the doors sealed, the corridor exploded with whispers.

"What the hell is Lucy White's background?"

"Wasn't she just some pretty face?"

"Pretty face my ass!"

Captain Rex of Team One licked his chapped lips. "Let them enjoy their moment."

His counterpart from Team Two smirked in understanding. "We'll collect our dues with interest later."

The conspirators exchanged glances, reaching silent agreement.

Let Team China strut around for now.

When finals came...

They'd make them pay back every last cent.