18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 162

In a show of good faith, Austin had handpicked only the finest goods, each one personally inspected by himself.

Stella responded with a smile, "My family has been passionate about antiques for three generations, so I have some knowledge in this area."

Austin was taken aback, but he wasn't an expert in the field, "I may have been mistaken. I'll replace them with new ones tomorrow."

All of his books and antiques were traded from wealthy individuals, and he never thought that there could be counterfeits among them. He took his mistake in stride. He would review his records when he returned and then cease collaboration. After the transaction, Stella left with her bag.

At that time, it was approaching dawn,. The eastern sky was slowly brightening, dispelling the darkness and a new day was beginning. Ignoring the harsh, dry heat, the sight of a clear blue sky bathed in the red light of dawn was indeed a rare beauty. On their way back to the neighbourhood, the streets were getting crowded. Some were returning home from work, others were out seeking food and resources, and some... were robbers. "Help me."

A frail girl, who had somehow found a dead snake, was being targeted by a similarly emaciated man with a knife, demanding her to hand over the snake.

This was happening in broad daylight, with many passersby around, each with an indifferent expression. None stepped in to help, instead quickening their pace, eager to avoid any trouble.

Stella initially didn't want to get involved, but the desperate girl reminded her of herself three years ago. At that time, she had caught a rat, but was immediately surrounded by a group of people wanting to snatch it away. Their eyes glowed with greed, fixated on the dead rat.

Watching the girl struggle, Stella picked up a stone and threw it at them. Despite the distance, her aim was accurate, the stone hitting the man in the back. He stumbled and fell to the ground.

The girl, holding the snake, didn't even thank Stella or look back. She just quickly fled.

The man got up, looking around for the person who had attacked him. Upon seeing Stella and Jasper across the street and realizing he was no match for them, he left in a huff.

In the sweltering heat, it was impossible to hide the truth about your circumstances.

Even though Stella and Jasper were in disguise, they stood out, and were attracting more and more attention. As they neared the city, Jasper turned to look at their followers. Without a word, he drew his weapon. Immediately, their followers scattered like birds. They managed to reach home safely before the sun was fully up.

going about her morning routine of brushing her teeth, washing her face, and practicing boxing and archery. Cooper was

out some cereal and bagels, calling Rosie and the dog over for

floor and expanded The Garden by a hundred square feet. Quite a profitable deal. After a

when she finished

with Jasper, followed by dinner, watching a show,

Monkey had come, but the man who had come with the car was familiar - the one who had collected

with him. After verification by Arcadia, it was

nocturnal lifestyle, sleeping during the day at home and releasing

there were a lot of counterfeits in this business. Almost every time, there were one or two fake items. But Austin was a good sport, always taking the counterfeits

Stella's generous feeding, the fourth floor of Arcadia finally

longer expanding. It seemed like it was a

showed up, "Could you spare two cars

Stella frowned, "That much?"

moment before saying, "I'll

pushed his luck further, "Can you get

"That wouldn't be easy."

so extravagant, not only throwing

boss was eager to secure this deal, not only for the potential earnings but also for the opportunity to establish a new

providing a car of ice, they were

could provide the ice, she could

of ice in Arcadia, enough for

looked at Jasper, should they take

had expanded by about 1000 square feet, and Austin had given a heads up that he didn't have many antiques and paintings left, and subsequent

So Stella planned to exchange all the antiques and paintings in Austin's