18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 110

Facing his invitation, Stella flatly declined, "No thank you, we're just civilians."

Evan shifted his gaze to Jasper, saying, "What about you? If I'm not mistaken, you have a military background. The country needs people like you now. Have you considered joining us?" Rosie, taken aback, instinctively clung to his arm, "Jasper."

Jasper, calming his sister, responded, "I've been discharged due to an injury. Our parents are dead, and I have to take care of my little sister."

"I'm sorry," said Evan, somewhat regretful. "If you change your mind, you can always find me at the police station."

They got in the car and left. With plenty of time to spare, they headed to the mall.

Throughout the journey, Jasper was solemn and silent. Although he was usually a man of few words, Stella could tell something was off. He seemed a bit downcast. Could Evan's words have affected him?

It was possible. Military men were known for their spirit of sacrifice and dedication, and his skills were definitely up to par. His discharge due to injury could just be a ruse.

He probably had deeper secrets, and only retired because he had no choice. Yet, the responsibilities and mission of a soldier were still tormenting him.

People always had to make choices. You can't please everyone.

Rosie held her brother's hand, a smile appearing involuntarily in her eyes.

Stella couldn't help but lower her head, just as Cooper looked up, his eyes reflecting her full image.

Cody and Lukas were fooling around in front, with Angela following behind.

The mall was crowded, and for safety reasons, Stella put the dog in her backpack and entered the bustling market.

It was her first time here, but Cody and the others had been here several times and were familiar with the place.

people coming and going. However, there were more onlookers, and

owners were

and could only walk and look around. She stopped at

clinic before the disaster. The stall was filled with pet supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming tools, nail clippers, etc. If it were before

dog since she

a teething toy, a chew ball, a leash, a

on the dog and took everything she

excited and held up three fingers. Just

of rice might be a lot for others, but not for Stella. Not wanting to reveal her wealth, she didn't rush to

owner, fearing she wouldn't agree, hurriedly reduced the price, "Two pounds. I really can't go any lower. I have a child to

thin as a rail, his eyes sunk deep into their

of

taken aback for a moment before excitedly saying,

under the pretext of looking for her purse, took out three pounds of broken rice from Arcadia and put it

it into his thick clothes, fearing that someone would see it and pose a threat. He gave Stella the items and explained how to use the deworming medicine as he packed up his stall, ready

was

was having trouble choosing, "Which one looks

pink, orange, or blue. Looking at what Jasper chose. It's all black, white, and gray.

a shrewd man, saw the protective stance of the man behind the woman and came up with an idea. He stealthily moved closer and asked, "Miss, need any protections?" Protections? Stella was a bit confused and didn't react for

vendor mysteriously took one out of his pocket and waved it in front of Stella, "It's genuine, and the quality is

meant. Why did

it's hard enough for you two with a child. If you get pregnant again, it could be life-threatening. The child

was eagerly promoting his product, "Miss, buy some to keep at

condoms. She was wrapped from head to toe with only her eyes

diverted, and she seemed to forget that Jasper was

"Five pounds of white rice or