Time briefly rewound to the moment Chloe became completely absorbed in watching every video sent by her subordinates.
It was already time for her to return to the excavation site, to lend a hand if the workers ran into any trouble.
She emerged alone from one of the empty tents, located some distance away from the main work area.
Her steps were light, as if all the burdens and irritation that had wrapped tightly around her heart had faded, melting away like plastic exposed to extreme heat.
But the moment Chloe reentered the excavation zone, she abruptly halted. A large group of cadets stood gathered ahead, led by a third-year.
In front of everyone, Oliver stood with his arms crossed. His foot tapped restlessly against the ground, an unmistakable sign of impatience.
The blue-haired girl swallowed.
Her body instinctively stepped back, but her attempt didn't go unnoticed. Oliver happened to glance her way.
'Damn it.'
She cursed inwardly.
