’I’ll beco a businessman instead,’ he decided.
His plan was simple and ruthless. He would take this food, sell it outside at exorbitant prices, then use the profit to buy even more food.
He would repeat the cycle endlessly, growing richer with each turn. The more he thought about it, the brighter his eyes beca.
Then another idea struck him.
Before coming here, he had heard rumors that sellers within the base couldn’t obtain massive quantities of food.
So even claid there was an upper limit. Deciding to test his luck, he smiled and spoke carefully.
"I’ve contributed so much property to the base," he said smoothly. "Surely, there’s so appreciation for that. Perhaps... unlimited food?"
Martha chuckled softly, the sound light but edged with mockery.
"If we did that," she replied, "what’s stopping you from reselling everything and making an enormous profit?"
Frank imdiately waved his hand, feigning offense.
"I’m not that kind of person. I care about people. I’d never walk down such a path."
No matter how much he flattered or defended himself, Martha didn’t even bother to look at him again.
Seeing her complete disinterest, Frank could only sigh inwardly and turn to leave.
............................
anwhile, at the base entrance, Raya narrowed her eyes as she stepped forward.
’Finally,’ she thought. ’I’ve done exactly what the superior being instructed.’
She had tried countless tis to enter the base before, only to be rejected again and again.
This ti, however, her background verification had finally gone through. She had even used a different identity to ensure success.
Just then, she heard her brother’s voice.
"Is your background check done?"
Vlad looked at his sister with faint worry etched across his face.
Over the past few days, she had been acting strangely, too secretive, too withdrawn.
He had even considered asking Silas to investigate her, but first, they needed to get inside the base.
Contacting Silas directly wasn’t possible yet.
Raya turned toward him with a soft smile. "Almost."
The guard sighed, flipping through Raya’s docunts.
Normally, he would have rejected her imdiately.
But Silas had issued special instructions; his friend was considered a valuable contributor, and Raya was to be given a discount.
Even though there were inconsistencies in Raya’s background, the guard allowed her entry.
Once inside with her brother, Raya turned toward him and spoke sweetly.
"I want to visit Brother Silas. He helped us get in, after all. It’s only right that I repay him."
Vlad narrowed his eyes.
"It’s not like I don’t know what you’re thinking."
Raya imdiately put on an innocent expression. "What do you an?"
Vlad didn’t hesitate.
"You have feelings for Silas. But forget about it. He’s married to Ivy. They’re happy together."
Each word landed like a blow.
"And don’t pretend you were led on," he continued. "Silas never gave you false hope."
Raya clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.
’He’s my brother,’ she thought bitterly. ’Shouldn’t he defend ? Even if I’m wrong, couldn’t he take my side just once?’
She inhaled deeply, then forced a smile. Her eyes glistened as she spoke.
"You’re right. That’s exactly why I want to apologize to Brother Silas. I just want to visit his house. Is that really too much to ask?"
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Vlad’s heart wavered. He loved his sister deeply, and seeing her like this hurt him.
He had spoken harshly because he knew Silas better than anyone.
To him, Ivy was like a precious gem, untouchable.
"If you provoke Ivy," Vlad said quietly, "Ivy might stay silent... but Silas won’t."
Seeing her brother’s concern, Raya nodded slowly, though resignation settled deep in her heart.
Soon, they arrived outside Ivy’s apartnt.
Raya lifted her gaze and froze.
A faint pinkish aura shimred around the building, warm yet powerful. She couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
’The superior being was right,’ she thought. ’Ivy really is connected to him... just like that being said.’
She walked inside along with Vlad, her footsteps slowing as the atmosphere subtly changed.
The corridor carried the warm scent of freshly cooked food, a comforting sll that clung to the air.
As she moved forward, her gaze suddenly collided with Helena, who had just stepped out, a food tray balanced carefully in her hands.
For a brief mont, ti seed to pause.
Helena’s expression was gentle, almost glowing with warmth, her movents careful as if she were afraid to spill even a drop.
The steam rising from the tray blurred the space between them, carrying the soft aroma of ho-cooked als.
The instant Raya saw that scene, a sharp pang of jealousy pierced her chest.
’My... my, she is treated very good,’ Raya thought, her fingers tightening at her sides.
Ivy was being cared for, loved, and surrounded by people who willingly did things for her.
The sight made sothing bitter twist deep inside her.
In the past, Ivy had been nothing more than an unwanted child, ignored, unloved, cast aside by the very people who were supposed to protect her.
Everyone knew that story. Yet now, it had been revealed that those people weren’t even her real parents.
And her real family?
They loved her to the point of madness. They were willing to do anything for Ivy.
The realization stung.
Even as jealousy simred in her heart, Raya couldn’t deny it.
’She’s lucky,’ she admitted bitterly. ’Unfairly lucky.’
As she was lost in those thoughts, Helena noticed Raya and curved her lips into a warm smile.
Turning her head slightly, she glanced at Vlad and spoke lightly, "Who might this be?"
Before anyone else could respond, Silas, still dressed in his casual attire, strode forward with obvious excitent.
He walked straight up to Vlad and pulled him into a tight hug.
"It’s been a long ti," he laughed, his voice filled with familiarity.
Vlad returned the embrace, patting Silas’s back. "It really has been a long ti."
They pulled apart, both smiling, the easy comfort of old friends lingering between them.
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