18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 271

"Absolutely not!" Bran almost choked on his disbelief.

He'd admit, Stella was a looker, but women were the last thing he lacked. What kind of beauty hadn't he seen? Hollywood starlets, social media influencers, budding models, small-town girls... all he had to do was snap his fingers and they were his. "You're overthinking." Bran said dismissively, "I'm just intrigued by your mystery."

That was a relief. Stella would've been terrified to be on his radar, "So what?"

"I got curious, so I accidentally hit you with my car."

Stella laughed, "Bran, I'm curious about what goes on in your head. Should I crack it open with a knife to take a look?"

Yep, she was definitely the first woman to speak to him like that.

Bran looked uncomfortable, his eyes darting elsewhere, "I didn't expect such a big fuss today. My... my apologies."

Well, what a surprise! The rich boy apologizing. Had it been anyone else, Stella might not have let it go. But considering the vehicles and parts in Arcadia, and the swallowed pink diamond, she felt slightly uneasy.

Moreover, her ultimate goal was to continue living in the villa, and the Porras family wasn't to be messed with. Since he had given her an out, there was no need to push it.

"Of course, if you people insist on causing trouble, we're not afraid."

By "you people", she meant the self-proclaimed elites of the neighborhood. Her words were not only for Bran but also for those who thought highly of themselves.

Bran's pride took a hit, but considering his father's sudden change of attitude after meeting Evan, he decided to swallow his pride. He waved nonchalantly and strutted away. Cooper stubbornly remained where he was, staring at Bran's retreating figure, baring his teeth.

Stella patted him and turned to go home.

came downstairs, "What did he say to

was attracted to me,"

you?" Stella leaned forward, sniffing, "You smell like jealousy." Jasper pulled her into a hug,

you jealous?" Stella laughed, "Don't you have faith

he couldn't

he's just a little dazed." Stella sat down to explain, "Bran is the youngest of the Porras family, spoiled since childhood. Everyone praises

it were before the apocalypse, anyone who dared disrespect the Porras family would probably be annihilated. After the bloodshed of the apocalypse, the Porras family became more cautious and low-key,

family didn't provoke them,

her surprise, Bran actually sent people to deliver food. Stella was speechless

He mentioned clearing up the misunderstanding and dropping the case at the

they wilted for several days. Eventually, they gradually adapted to the

Arcadia, which allowed them to gradually transition to the greenhouse. If they had found seedlings in the wild, most would have

herbs was quite

to treat a cold and resultant pneumonia, which was like providing a standard answer. Stella wanted to go into the mountains to find as

Dylan take care of them.

of poultry and it might be too much for a child to handle. Moreover, everyone knew

and decided

bring them over. Dylan has been nagging about wanting

be good for the kid to experience some hardship, to understand the

of poultry were carried over, along with a big bag of feed made from crushed corn and

had probably been thoroughly searched by many people. They chose to enter the mountains from another direction in Ivywood Estates, aiming for an unexplored area. The seasons became more distinct, and many early-budding plants and

of time teaching the siblings about herbs, and now they split up to search. Rosie was assigned Cooper

had gathered dozens of herbs, all

out the mummy

up on insect repellent, so Stella would regularly