18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 257

Stella and Jasper had already celebrated their housewarming dinner on their own, feasting on delicacies like foie gras, filet mignon wrapped in Iberian ham and caviar, and a bottle of '82 Lafite. Cooper had his share too and licked his plate clean.

When their neighbor Austin invited them over for his housewarming party, Stella couldn't find a reason to refuse, so she readily agreed, "Sure."

"Just come over, no need to bring anything." Knowing his son liked to play with Rosie, Austin specifically instructed, "Remember to bring Rosie and Cooper." Austin and his son lived in a sprawling villa. Whenever Monkey and others had no business, they would come over, often gathering to eat or play cards together. The days were comfortable, no doubt, but quite boring.

Jasper was mostly silent, only becoming particularly enthusiastic when making love with Stella. The rest of the time, he would work, read, practice, eat and sleep. It was mostly Stella who initiated conversations.

While lying in bed, Stella playfully tickled him, "What should we gift Austin for his housewarming party?"

Jasper, not adept at social etiquette, thought for a moment, "A bottle of wine and a pack of cigarettes?"

Austin lacked nothing, and his housewarming party would be grand. The appetites of the three of them, plus Cooper, were not small, especially the food-loving dog. Stella agreed, "Sounds good."

The next day, early in the morning, the neighborhood began to buzz with activity.

Austin's men brought their families over, the yard filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing among the women while the children played happily.

Stella wasn't fond of social gatherings, especially with unfamiliar people. Thankfully, the windows were soundproof, so she quickly closed them.

Around eleven in the morning, the intercom rang, "Jasper, bring everyone over for lunch."

Soon, Dylan knocked on the door, with several children following behind him, all here to pick up Rosie and Cooper.

Stella, carrying the gift, joined the family heading across the street for lunch. As soon as they stepped out, Dylan greeted them, "Hi, I'm here to play with Rosie."

He even offered Rosie some candy. Rosie didn't accept it, but instinctively looked at her brother.

Jasper gave the command, "Rosie, say thank you."

Rosie thanked Dylan and accepted the candy but didn't eat it. She put it in her pocket.

Rosie towards his house, "We have a swing at our house.

of them, the other children looked rather shabby, their clothes and shoes old. They were better

found Monkey in the front yard, his ear being pulled by a

was beg, "Geez, honey, be gentle. Today is

while the other was glamorous and tall, excessively

If she could marry such a beautiful woman, she wouldn't mind being

his ear, greeted Stella with

greeted with a smile,

a treasure, letting her hit and scold him without retaliating, holding her in his hand as if she might break, cherishing her as if she might melt in his mouth. Upon seeing Stella, Miranda was surprised, "I met you a

was the 'Miss' Monkey had talked about. Miranda had imagined an older woman in her thirties or forties, not a young woman in her early

features. In the post-apocalyptic

"Yeah,

pleasantries, Stella and Jasper entered the living room. It was their first time visiting Austin's house, and they were impressed by the layout and decoration, especially the door installed at the staircase, just like in their own house. Austin's crew was all there. Some were playing cards, some were chatting and eating peanuts, while the

low, as everything

woman, they would be willing to be her servant, even if it meant being a

greetings with everyone, Stella

liquor and a pack of premium cigarettes, rare commodities that

were

and the smell was addictive. He immediately opened the pack, shared some with his men, and offered one

declined, "No thanks,

weren't as polite, they inhaled the smoke as if they were

pork, pork belly, and a variety of seafood. Drinks and liquor

for Austin and his son along with Stella and her family, and two for the women and

voluntarily sat with his

and cunning; she secretly added meat

and took their seats to

was all smiles, he seemed less enthusiastic than a few days ago. He occasionally glanced outside, appearing a bit disappointed. From the looks of it, there were empty seats. The guests he had really invited hadn't arrived. In the post-apocalyptic world, where tomorrow was uncertain, the only thing not to be wasted was good food. Stella put her

others were

filled with people dining together, men drinking beer, women chatting away, children

was so intense that it made