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.

the other children looked rather shabby, their clothes and shoes old. They were better off than most children in the slums though. They just seemed out of place

entered, they found Monkey in the front yard, his ear being pulled by a tall woman in a red dress, "Did

honey, be gentle. Today is the boss'

and unattractive, while the other was glamorous and tall, excessively

house. If she

ear, greeted Stella

with a smile, "Hello,

her in his hand as if she

this 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

post-apocalyptic world, she

"Yeah, what a

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

home was relatively low, as everything was

had such a beautiful woman, they would be willing to be her servant, even if

with everyone,

premium cigarettes, rare commodities that even Austin found difficult to source, especially

were quite

kind of premium brands, and the smell was addictive. He immediately opened

declined, "No

as polite, they inhaled the smoke as if

feast was extravagant, with smoked chicken, duck, and pork, pork belly,

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

sat with his

was fiery and cunning; she secretly

Austin well and took their

noticed that although Austin 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

while others were a pity.

together, men drinking beer, women chatting away, children eagerly digging into their plates of food,

intense that