The Endgame Chronicles (by Hugh White) novel Chapter 65

Sending people out to expand the territory actually increased Hayley’s land.

That made her wonder–if the residents of her base moved outward and settled more ground, would that count as hers too?

She wanted to test it, but she only had one household living under her roof. And when it came to accepting new residents, she was cautious.

The truth was, she didn’t really like people.

After finishing her run, Hayley returned to the base and suddenly found herself with nothing to do. She wasn’t used to being idle.

She wasn’t about to go and expand land herself. Not while there were outsiders in her shelter. She would never leave it unguarded.

So, after stretching and cooling down, she stepped into the open space and started practicing combat drills.

Ethan, stuck with cooking duty, heard the sharp thuds of her movements and turned his head. What he saw made his jaw drop.

Damn. She was strong.

The way Hayley fought was unbelievable. There was so much power behind her punches and kicks.

Even as a trained soldier, Ethan couldn’t help but admire it. Her strikes were fast, brutal, precise. Every move landed with deadly efficiency.

Just watching made his eyes light up.

“What are you staring at? Trying to steal my moves?”

Her sudden voice made Ethan’s stomach twist. That same familiar fear of being under her thumb returned instantly. He ducked his head and went back to chopping.

Still, he couldn’t help sneaking another glance every now and then.

She was so strong. Honestly, maybe even stronger than their captain.

By afternoon, the group she had sent out came back. And, like she had promised, dinner was waiting.

Ethan had spent all day cooking giant pots of food–scrambled eggs with scallions and a massive stew made from last night’s leftovers.

This was the apocalypse. Supplies were scarce, and Hayley never wasted food. Instead of throwing out what was left from yesterday, she had Ethan reheat it in a big pot for everyone.

When the men saw real, hot dishes laid out, some of them almost cried.

They grabbed bowls and shoveled food as if they hadn’t eaten in weeks. The stew broth was thick and oily, but nobody complained. Everyone scooped big ladles of it onto their plates with pasta and ate like it was the best thing in the world.

Since the world had fallen apart, none of them had tasted food this rich.

What used to be greasy, heavy meals before the apocalypse had now become something they craved more than

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anything.

For them, too much oil didn’t exist anymore. They’d drink it straight like soup.

Of course, Hayley and Leonard ate differently.

She had set aside a plate of glazed pork belly just for the two of them. The rich, sweet aroma filled the air as she dug in.

“Nothing beats glazed pork belly. Right, Leonard?”

“Right, Boss,” Leonard said firmly.

“I made plenty. Shame it’s only us two. Could really use a few more people to help finish it.”

Across the fire, the rest of the men froze mid–bite. At that moment, their loyalty almost cracked. Did she tempt them like that?

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