Chapter 669: Chapter 669

Chapter 669:

She had initially feared being confined to the first basement level, but she was pleasantly surprised at how easily she’d been moved up to the second level. Glancing up at Jareth, she asked, “Was there something else you needed from me tonight?”

Jareth glanced at his wristwatch and nodded. “Your shift ended a while ago. It’s standard procedure for me to escort new employees out on their first day.”

“I appreciate it,” Allison replied, keeping her tone polite.

Before they left, she cast a final look around the bustling lab. The researchers were still at their stations, working with an intensity that suggested a critical deadline.

She blinked, genuinely puzzled. “Am I the only one heading out? Aren’t the others done for the day?”

Jareth shook his head. “Mr. Shaw is in today, which means extra work for everyone. They won’t be leaving anytime soon. Focus on yourself, Alice. The rest is none of your concern.”

“Got it,” she said, knowing there was no point in prying further. Allison knew that the man before her was tight-lipped and not easily persuaded into revealing information.

As they rode down in the elevator, Allison’s thoughts wandered. If Verruckt occupied the second basement, what secrets could be hidden in the third? Was it connected to Room 9 they mentioned earlier?

Breaking her thoughts, Jareth suddenly turned to her. “Do you have a place to stay? If not, the institute can provide housing.” Clearly, he had done his homework on her fabricated background, knowing she had smuggled herself into Vrining and would likely have trouble securing accommodations.

Allison hesitated briefly, then offered a polite smile. “Thank you, but my boyfriend and I already found a place. I wouldn’t want to impose further.”

At the mention of her boyfriend, a glimmer of something passed through Jareth’s eyes. His tone remained gentle, but there was a subtle undercurrent of suggestion.

“Fair enough. But sometimes, Alice, it’s wise to keep your options open. You never know when a better opportunity might come along.”

Jareth had spent years working under Verruckt and had never once seen him extend mercy to anyone. Allison, however, played her part perfectly, smiling as if she were none the wiser.

“Alright, I’ll talk to my boyfriend about possibly moving.”

Just then, the elevator chimed, announcing their arrival. The doors slid open to reveal Kellan standing there, waiting. The moment he spotted Jareth beside Allison, a flicker of something dangerous flashed in his eyes.

“Darling, you came to pick me up,” Allison said brightly, quickly linking her arm with Kellan’s. She turned to Jareth, her smile never faltering. “Thanks for looking after me today. I’m heading out with my boyfriend now.”

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