Chapter 42 Barbecue Feast


    Theresa hadn’t intentionally undermined Kyle’s rtionships with his teammates or encouraged him to sever those connections. On the contrary, she quietly tolerated much of his behavior-like taking the pain relief gel or leaving with the ribs.


    She let it slide, knowing that pressuring him would only backfire.


    People had feelings-she couldn’t ignore that. His teammates were still out there, and that bond had always mattered to him.


    What if I could get them all on my side, working for me?


    Theresa observed the men at work, their speed and efficiency clear. With each passing moment, her interest visibly deepened.


    Having them all stay and work for her felt like a surprisingly good n.


    &


    When dusk settled, Theresa wandered out of the bunker, moving slowly as she took stock of her surroundings.


    Her territory had a fresh, renewed look. The vegetable plots had been carefully tended, fresh vegetables neatly piled in the shade, each variety sorted and arranged with care.


    All the weeds were gone. The pens were pristine. Even the minor repairs had been handled. There wasn’t a


    peck of dirt out of ce.


    A quiet sense of satisfaction settled over her. These men can really get things done!


    Theresa, where should I store the vegetables?”


    No hurry-grab a few and rinse them off. We’ll be having a barbecueter!”


    At the mention of barbecue, the guys who’d been lounging around perked up instantly.


    In no time, Theresa had the grill set up in an open space, with every ingredient prepped and ready to go.


    Trays of skewered meat, fish, vegetables, and tofu were lined up. Dave and the others could barely contain their hunger.


    “Wow, Theresa, that’s a serious spread.”


    “This? Please. If you’re rolling with me, good food is the minimum. This is just a regr day-better get


    used to it.”


    A subtle flick of their ears gave them away. One by one, they turned to Kyle, envy written inly on their


    faces.


    A regr day?


    When they’d left the army, they had nothing but a few dry biscuits and a couple of cans of beef to survive <ol><li></li></ol>


    At camp, food was scarce, and soldiers like them were the first to feel the sting of ration cuts. Their meals had dwindled down to a bowl of rice, a single dish, and a thin soup. The soup, if one could call it that, was little more than eggless water with only the faintest trace of vor.


    However, even that was a luxury beyond reach for many-some couldn’t even get a piece of bread.


    Compared to that, Theresa’s table was heaven after hell. She set down skewers of beef, pork, shrimp, and fish on the hot grill, the fire licking at the edges.


    The scent of sizzling meat filled the air, making everyone’s mouths water.


    They were practically starving.


    “Guess we should eat too,” someone muttered.


    “I don’t feel like eating,” Graham replied, turning away. Watching them eat made the dry biscuits in his hand taste like sandpaper.


    ‘If you can’t eat, just drink some water.” They all took a few gulps, hoping silently that Kyle would bring back some leftovers after Theresa was done.


    As soon as the meal ended and she wiped her mouth, she spoke before Kyle could.


    ‘Kyle, let’s put the leftovers away,” she said with a smile. “Looks like you didn’t eat much-guess I’ll make ess next time.”


    Her words hit the group like a ton of bricks.


    He hadn’t expected that. He’d deliberately left a third of his meal, hoping to save it for the others. Now, he didn’t know what to do.


    ‘Theresa! I’m not full yet!”


    ‘Not full? Go ahead and eat some more. I’m going inside to let my stomach catch up.”


    ‘Alright, Theresa! I’ll take care of the mess once I’m finished,” Kyle promised, his eyes trailing after her as she walked away.


    The moment she disappeared inside, he spun around and waved the others over. “Hurry up, guys! Come


    eat!”


    Graham, Dave, and the rest scrambled over, tossing whatever was left onto the grill in a frenzy. Rubbing their hands in eager anticipation, they stared at the sizzling food, their faces lit up with


    unrestrained excitement.


    Just then, a calm but firm female voice called out from behind them. “Well, who gave you permission to cat my food?”


    Her voice sliced through the air, freezing them in ce. Not one of them dared to move.


    It was almost hrious-these hardened men frozen like mice spotting a cat. Had there been a hole nearby, they might have fought each other to dive into it.


    “What? Are you hungry?” Theresa stepped toward the grill, eyes narrowing as she locked onto them, each face etched with guilt.


    “We didn’t eat anything!” Graham was the first to speak, his youthful face turning to meet her gaze.


    At just twenty, he was the youngest of the group.