The residents had no choice but to accept the government’s treatment, no matter how unfair it felt.
When it was her turn, Elena stepped forward and calmly handed over her ID.
The official handed her a small bag of flour—so light it could barely make one meal.
She accepted it without complaint but took a moment to observe the official.
Though they acted polite, their eyes betrayed a look of scorn, as if she were just another burden.
With a slight roll of her eyes, Elena took her ID back and walked off with the flour, quietly waiting for her husband to finish his turn.
But before she could leave, the same official called out to her again.
"Hey," he said, with a too-smooth voice.
"I can see you’re struggling out here. Why not come to the evacuation centre? We can help you live better."
Well, the official had noticed her photo on the ID.
Struck by her beauty, he quickly hatched a scheme—trying to lure her in, hoping to hand her over to higher officials known for collecting beautiful women for their personal pleasure.
She would definitely be sold for a high price.
Elena raised her brows slightly, sensing something foul behind the official’s offer.
The way he spoke and his eyes gleamed—not with concern, but with hidden intent.
"Are you talking to me?" she asked, curious.
"Who else could it be? Of course, I’m talking to you," the official grinned, pushing a paper toward her.
"Come join us. All you need to do is sign this form."
He was just about to call over a colleague to take his place—clearly planning to escort her personally—when Elena’s sharp, cold voice cut through his thoughts.
"No need. Is there anything else?" she said flatly, her eyes narrowing as she caught the glint of greed in his gaze.
She clenched her hand tightly, suppressing the urge to kick him hard enough to make him regret his scheme.
She had seen this kind of ploy before—in her past life.
The smiles, the fake kindness, the hidden trap. She knew all too well what his intentions were.
But now wasn’t the time to strike back. Too many eyes were watching.
"What? I’m offering you this out of goodwill. You—" he started, his voice rising. But before he could finish, another cold voice broke in.
"Wife, what’s going on?" Ethan asked, stepping forward and immediately sensing Elena’s bad mood.
"This official tried to persuade me to enter the evacuation centre," she said calmly, "but I declined. Now he seems upset about it."
The official was fuming inside, furious at Elena’s bluntness.
But when his eyes landed on Ethan—tall, striking, and calm with an air of quiet danger—his expression shifted.
His eyes lit up with a spark of greed.
That handsome face, that aura... This man could fetch a good price, too.
’Especially for those with a different kind of taste,’ the official thought darkly, his anger melting into something more sinister.
He observed Ethan carefully, though the man’s thick clothing made it hard to judge his full build.
Still, the official sensed the strength beneath—broad shoulders, firm stance, and confident movements.
This one clearly had rippling muscles underneath, healthy enough to be sold as a plaything... or perhaps trained as an officer to fight off unknown beasts.
Either way, he wanted both of them.
"Oh, are you husband and wife? That’s great! We have a private unit for small families. I could offer it to you if you’re willing," the official said with a sly smirk.
Ethan met his gaze and replied coldly, "We’re good for now. You can give it to someone else."
Seeing their firm refusal, the official’s expression darkened.
Irritated, he waved over a nearby officer, his lips curling into a nasty smile.
"Take these two to prison. They’ve been obstructing my work and demanding extra supplies even after receiving their share," he said, thinking he could deal with them in private later.
The officer didn’t hesitate.
He didn’t even ask what had happened—he simply nodded and stepped forward, ready to carry out the arrest without question.
But Elena only laughed. Without warning, she threw the bag of flour straight at the official’s face.
"There. Since I’ve returned the flour, can you still arrest me for receiving something I no longer have?"
"You... take them away!" the official snapped, flustered and red-faced, wiping flour from his eyes.
Ethan looked at the police officer, his eyes filled with disappointment.
How far they had fallen. Integrity and honesty—once the core of law enforcement—had vanished.
This disaster had truly driven people to madness.
"When did the police department turn into puppets? Just obeying officials without checking if their claims are even true?" he asked calmly, yet firmly.
As he got a better look at the man before him, a wave of recognition—and shame—washed over him.
"Chief Caldwell, I..." he began, his voice low.
He was one of the few who had admired Ethan during his time as chief of police.
He remembered Ethan’s fairness, unwavering principles, and willingness to guide others with their task.
The officer let out a deep sigh.
"Chief, I apologise. I’ll handle this matter myself. You may leave," he said, respectfully handing over two bags of flour.
The official’s eyes went wide with disbelief.
He wanted to argue, but the sharp glare from the officer silenced him instantly.
Without another word, Elena and Ethan left the evacuation centre, their frustration clear on their faces.
The government had truly lost its way.
’Should I infiltrate and take their supplies?’ Elena thought.
The government had become selfish, only working for its own benefit.
Perhaps it would be better if the military handled the evacuation centres instead.
With General Kaiser and Brother Elias leading, at least she was confident that food would reach the people fairly.
Elena was no saint. She simply wanted to ensure humanity’s survival before the awakening began.
"Wife, are you alright?" Ethan asked gently, noticing her silence.
Elena chuckled softly.
She had seen far worse in her past life.
That petty behaviour of the official meant little to her now.
It wasn’t worth getting upset over.
Still, she would remember the insult—and return it when the time was right.
"I’m fine. No need to worry. Let’s go home. I’ve already seen enough of what this government has become," she replied, brushing it off calmly.
She knew Ethan understood why the officials had targeted them, so there was no need to discuss the man’s nasty scheme.
Indeed, Ethan had sensed the official’s true intent.
He wanted to act, to make him pay—but he held back, choosing not to stir trouble in a place that wasn’t their turf.
"Alright, Xander and Daniel are already waiting for us on the other side."
They quickly left and soon arrived at a spot where a large crowd had gathered around Xander.
The people’s eyes lit up in amazement at seeing a dog—something so rare in the middle of a disaster.
As always, Poochi drew plenty of attention.
They ignored the greedy, hungry stares that followed them—used to it by now—as they left the evacuation center.
’Poochi was simply too popular.’
Elena sighed quietly, catching sight of a few people trailing behind, eyes glinting with bad intentions—likely thinking of stealing from them or taking Poochi.
She narrowed her eyes, her thoughts cold and dangerous.
’Then let them come.’