Chapter 354

Sophia Sullivan was surprised. "So soon?"

Alexander Laurent gave a quiet hum of affirmation.

He retrieved an insulated water bottle from his backpack. "You got drenched. Drink some warm water first."

He unscrewed the cap.

The warm water spread a comforting heat down her throat.

Sophia's eyes brightened slightly. "Professor, you brought hot water?"

Alexander didn't answer.

He lifted his gaze to meet Sebastian Evans's scrutinizing look.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Professor Laurent is very well-prepared."

Alexander's tone was calm. "I prefer to be prepared before setting out."

"If Sophia's injuries were severe and we had no medicine on hand, the consequences could have been dire."

Sebastian fell silent.

He felt targeted.

Sophia cleared her throat softly. "Professor, do you know the way back?"

Alexander replied, "It's dark and the rain is heavy. I noted the general direction when we came in, but to retrace our exact steps, we'll need to navigate as we go."

Sebastian asked, "How confident are you?"

"Eighty percent."

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief. "Then let's follow your direction for now. We might run into someone from the base."

"Alright." Both men nodded in unison.

However...

Alexander looked at her. "Do you need to rest?"

Sophia shook her head. "It's better to get out as soon as possible."

Sebastian hoisted her onto his back.

Alexander used a flashlight to light the way.

The three of them moved forward together, but the atmosphere was strangely tense.

Silence stretched between them, each man lost in his own thoughts.

Sophia's head felt heavy, and she was nearly asleep when Alexander suddenly spoke.

"Mr. Evans, would you like me to take a turn carrying her?"

Sebastian shifted away. "No need. She's light."

Alexander glanced at the drowsy Sophia and didn't insist.

They walked for what felt like an eternity.

Then, a faint glimmer of light appeared in the darkness.

Sophia jolted awake. "There's light ahead! Let's go that way!"

Sebastian immediately changed direction.

About ten minutes later, they indeed found the exit of the tropical climate-controlled zone.

Alexander confirmed the sign. "This is the exit."

Sophia let out a long breath. "Finally, we can get out!"

A slight smile touched Sebastian's lips.

The exit was a reinforced glass door with a fingerprint lock.

The door had been open when Alexander entered, but now it was shut tight.

He moved closer to inspect it and found an emergency intercom unit next to the lock.

It was likely for contacting the outside in case of an emergency.

He was hesitating whether to press it when Sebastian, having freed a hand, reached out and pressed the button directly.

"Wait—" Alexander's warning came too late.

Sebastian frowned. "Why hesitate? A yellow bell is the universal symbol for emergency contact."

He pressed it a few more times.

Alexander's expression darkened.

Two minutes passed.

There was no response from the other end.

Sebastian was about to press it again when the alarm suddenly emitted a piercing screech.

"What's happening?" He was stunned.

Sophia's heart sank.

Seeing Alexander's grave expression, she immediately understood.

Alexander said, "You were too impulsive."

Sebastian was confused. "The symbol clearly indicated that."

Alexander explained, "A yellow bell can have two meanings. One is emergency contact. The other is a warning."

"Warning?"

"This buzzing is the warning alert. While this botanical garden doesn't have many large predators, snakes, insects, rats, and ants are inevitable. Some could be venomous."

"This button was probably for warning and seeking shelter."

Sophia spoke up suddenly. "Did I just hear the lock engage?"

Alexander nodded. "I heard it too."

He stepped forward to check the glass door.

The only door leading out of this climate-controlled zone was now completely locked.

Sebastian frowned. "What do you mean, locked?"

Alexander clarified, "This door could originally be opened with a code. Now, because the warning was triggered, it's been forcibly locked down."

Sophia asked, "The code won't work either?"

"No."

Sebastian pressed his lips together. "My apologies. I was too hasty."

Hope dashed, Sophia couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Fortunately, the exit area had electricity and lights.

Their phones also had signal again.

Alexander took out his phone. "I'll contact the garden administration. A technical issue like this should have dedicated personnel to resolve it."

Sebastian frowned. "Why didn't you call earlier?"

Alexander replied evenly, "I was about to when you pressed the button."

Sebastian had no retort.

The call connected quickly.

"Hello, this is Alexander Laurent. Sebastian Evans and I have found Sophia Sullivan. We are currently at the exit of the tropical climate-controlled zone."