Chapter 1050
Despite the disastrous state of the lab, Serena remained perfectly composed. Her stunning features showed absolutely no trace of panic or frustration.
“Let’s go,” she said simply.
The three of them blinked. “Where p>
“To see where we’re supposed to sleep p>
The living arrangements were somehow even worse.
Tucked away in the most neglected corner of The Dormitory Block was Sector F. It was a row of low, dilapidated single-story buildings. Huge chunks of plaster had peeled away from the walls, exposing the rotting, blackened bricks underneath.
Half the window panes were shattered, allowing the freezing ocean wind to howl directly into the rooms.
When Caleb pushed the door open, the suffocating stench of dampness and mold hit them like a physical blow. There weren’t even proper beds-just a few rotting wooden planks propped up on scattered bricks.
The roof was missing several shingles, offering a clear, depressing view of the blue sky above.
Lydia stared up at the holes in the ceiling and let out a breathless, angry laugh. “Are we supposed to be living in a pigsty p>
“Even pigs would find this insulting,” Caleb muttered, his fists clenched tight.
After seeing the state of the lab, he had expected the dorms to be bad, but this was a nightmare. The temperature on the island would plummet at night. If they slept in this freezing, damp ruin, they would all be running high fevers by morning. How were they supposed to conduct a high-level experiment while violently ill?
Serena stood in the doorway, her gaze sweeping over the wreckage. Deep in her dark eyes, a dangerous, predatory glint began to surface.
Jasper kicked the baseboard in frustration, sending a shower of crumbling plaster to the floor.
Vanessa’s eyes were red with angry tears. “This is so blatant! Why does The Dreamscape Initiative get to stay in luxury ocean-view suites when they were dead last, and we’re forced into this p>
“Well, poor people need to know their place. You’re used to living in squalor anyway. Even if we gave you a luxury penthouse, you wouldn’t know what to do with it p>
An exaggerated, mocking laugh echoed from behind them.
Bianca and Isabella strolled into view, flanked by the rest of The Dreamscape Initiative. Both women
Wereed in immaculate
designer outfits. They glanced at the ruined dorms and immediately pinched their noses in performative disgust.
Isabella frowned slightly, adopting a sickeningly fake look of concern. “Serena how about this? Our suites are private, but the living rooms are quite spacious. If you guys squeeze together, you could probably sleep on the floor p>
“But she added, a sly smile curving her lips, “you’ll have to beg Bianca. Maybe if you grovel enough, she’ll take pity on you p>
Lydia spat on the ground. “Drop the saint act. If you’re so generous, why don’t you trade rooms with us p>
“Stop pretending to be good people. You think we don’t know what the Doyle family did? Graves is nothing but a lapdog for your family! Putting us in this dump was completely intentional p>
Bianca clicked her tongue. “You can eat garbage, but you shouldn’t speak it. The Chief Arbiter is completely fair and impartial. Your room assignments were drawn by lots. What does that have to do with my family p>
She paused, covering her mouth as she giggled. “And even if it was intentional, what exactly are you going to do about it p>
Isabella chimed in, laughing. “If you don’t want to beg, that’s fine. It’s
only five days, just grit your teeth
and bear it. After all, youare Thonet
Hope nitiative. If you can’t handle a little hardship, what hope do you really have p>
Suddenly, Serena, who had been standing silently by the door, lifted her gaze.
Her cold, apathetic eyes locked onto the two women who were currently laughing uncontrollably.