Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Get To Work
There was steady progress in his condition, and a quick recovery was underway.
Theresa cast a quick glance downward, stepped over his head, and made her way to her bed.
By the time she woke up the next morning, life outside the bunker had returned to its usual rhythm.
Though they hadn’t submitted to her, that annoying bunch had still managed to get the work done. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
Her vegetables were harvested, and the chickens, ducks, and goats were fed. When she went outside that morning, she saw they had even extended her fish pond.
Taking it all in, Theresa couldn’t help but feel that she needed more hands on deck. This is how things should be-people doing all the work for me.
“Theresa, where should I store these vegetables?”
“Come with me.”
Theresa guided Kyle into the bunker and instructed him to stack the vegetables by the large iron door. She intended to carry them inside on her own later.
Power and responsibility had to align. Since Kyle hadn’t been given any significant duties, he hadn’t earned full access to her warehouse. It was for their mutual benefit.
Managing others was a slow, meticulous process. Only when full control was achieved could power be distributed gradually.
Theresa enrolled Kyle’s fingerprint in the bunker access system but instructed him to leave the vegetables by the warehouse door. She would manage the rest.
Kyle had no objections, just unquestioning obedience.
When she had finished with the produce for the day, Theresa heard a melodic voice coming from outside.
“I’m delivering vegetables to Theresa!” As always, Yuki had arrived with supplies. However, today, she noticed a crowd of unfamiliar faces. She stood anxiously at the entrance.
“You’re here.”
“Theresa!”
Yuki had an instinctive closeness with Theresa. Anyone who became part of Theresa’s territory couldn’t help but feel that way about her.
Kyle was no exception. Once he committed to working for her, he gave her his complete and unwavering
trust.
He viewed her almost through a lens of admiration. When his former teammates spoke ill of Theresa, he simply couldn’t comprehend it. To him, Theresa was an incredibly kind and compassionate soul.
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“Theresa, I handed the seeds to my dad, just like you asked. He believes they’ll sprout in a week! Please be patient.”
“Okay. You haven’t run out of supplies yet, have you?”
“Not yet! My dad said there’s no need for more right now. We don’t have room for anything else. Can we trade again later?”
“Sure.” Theresa nodded, about to call Summer, when her gaze landed on a few men standing around doing nothing.
“You two-escort her back to her home!”
The two men said nothing, simply stepped forward, and escorted Yuki back to her home.
Once they were gone, Theresa turned to the others.
“Enough of standing around-come work now.”
B
They followed without protest. One sniff of her barbecue, and they were already working like slaves for her!
Theresa passed Kyle a map and several signs. “Take these and go expand the territory.”
“Expand the territory?” Graham gaped at her, clearly shocked. Why expand territory? It’s the apocalypse- everything’s deserted!
Theresa rolled her eyes. “Just do it! I expect at least ten acres to be claimed by the end of the day! Mark every piece of open land with my name!”
The group stood in complete silence.
“Yes!” Kyle answered firmly, breaking the silence.
Theresa’s expression eased. “Alright, go ahead. There’ll be food when you’re done.”
Graham grumbled, “Can we really afford to eat your food?”
Theresa nudged him hard with her foot. “Fine, don’t eat. You’re in my debt anyway.”
Concluding that silence was the wisest course, they departed for work in weary steps.
Wounded and recovering, Dave was left behind. Due to the severity of his leg injury, he was not meant to walk for several days.
Yet, Theresa found it just as hard to watch him sit idly.
“Hey, you. Get to work.”
So, this is what it’s come to, huh? One sniff of her food and suddenly we’re all her slaves. What’s worse, even I—sick and all-don’t get a break.
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What he didn’t understand was that if Lucas wasn’t unconscious in the bunker, or if he could manage to move a finger, Theresa wouldn’t let him lie around either. Everyone had to work for her!
Dave was furious but didn’t dare speak up. He rose without protest and headed to the kitchen to cook for
her.
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