?<strong>Chapter 653:</strong>


    They quietly fell into step at the back of the group. The leader, a rough-looking type who seemed to be in charge, shouted, “Hurry up, you lot! Get over here!”


    The man, no doubt an underground broker of sorts, barked orders as they neared the entrance to the facility.


    “Keep your head down. This ce is dangerous. If you aren’t careful, you’ll lose more than your job. Don’t even think about looking at the researchers, got it?”


    “Got it!” Allison nodded dutifully, blending in like she was just another worker.


    Their identities as illegal immigrants meant no one would bat an eye if they disappeared. The facility preferred hiring people like them — disposable, easy to get rid of, and unlikely to stir up trouble.


    Once inside, they were greeted by threeyers of security, including thermal imaging scanners that could detect even the slightest hint of unauthorized devices or weapons.


    “ce everything you’ve got into the trays for inspection!” a staff member barked, sounding impatient. “No pushing!”


    Allison and Ken exchanged a brief nce. They were carrying advanced, highly concealed electronics — small enough to slip through the first few checks, but the final one would be more thorough. A strip search was inevitable.


    The staff ushered them into a ss corridor. Allison couldn’t help but notice the one-way ss lining both sides of the hall, knowing there were unseen eyes watching their every move.


    Inside the corridor, she became acutely aware of her breathing, the weight of the situation settling in. She knew the devices they were carrying wouldn’t survive a full search, and Ken was in the same boat.


    Catching his eye, Allison gave a subtle signal, hinting that he should give all his devices to her. Without hesitation, Ken trusted herpletely and handed over all his devices.


    The other cleaners ahead were being thoroughly searched. Their uniforms were yanked off, every pocket turned inside out, and those who passed were herded to the back of the line. Finally, it was their turn. They were directed to different guards — Allison to a female, Ken to a male.


    The female guard looked Allison up and down with a smirk. “Well, well, a pretty one this time.”


    “Th… thank you,” Allison stammered, ying the part of the shy, naive worker.


    The guard clicked her tongue, unimpressed. “Come on, take it off.”


    Allison hesitated, a blush creeping across her face.


    “All of it?” she asked, pretending to be caught off guard.


    “Of course, all of it,” the guard snapped.


    While Allison distracted the guard, she kept an eye on Ken. When she saw that he had passed without issue, she felt a little more confident. She began to strip off her uniform, her movements slow, almost reluctant.


    “Okay… alright,” she muttered, pretending to be embarrassed as she pulled her work top over her head, revealing a simple white tank top underneath.


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