Chapter 292

Clatter—

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

Growl—

Miles Sutton's stomach suddenly rumbled.

Declan Ross raised an eyebrow. "Starving much?"

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

Just then, an irresistible aroma wafted from the kitchen.

"Holy—!" Ezra Vaughn bolted upright. "What's Aria cooking? My mouth is watering."

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

"No way." Declan craned his neck skeptically.

Twenty minutes later.

Clack!

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

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

Ezra patted his rounded stomach blissfully. "Aria, whoever marries you is one lucky bastard."

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

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

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

The livestream chat exploded:

[LMAO these clowns]

[Aria: Thanks but no thanks]

[Why does this bromance hit different?]

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang abruptly.

Ronan 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..."

Declan crossed his legs. "Payment first."

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

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

Next morning.

Aria was frying eggs when Lieutenant Carter barged in.

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

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

Carter reluctantly tore his gaze away. "Dr. Emmett Shaw's relocating. Specifically requested your lockpicking skills."

Aria'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. Emmett Shaw had arrived even sooner than expected.