18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 314

When the Porras clan weighed in, no one dared to object. They were the backbone of the neighborhood watch, the unofficial sheriffs of the block. Plus, the proposal promised revenue and reduced patrol shifts a no-brainer. And if the new tenants stirred up trouble, wasn't there a guarantor to fall back on?

So, the decision was unanimous.

Stella gave him a thumbs-up, and Bran's heart swelled with a sweetness that rivaled the richest honey.

Heeding Jasper's advice, Stella took a detour and didn't go directly to Cody and Lukas but sought out Austin instead.

Austin was a sharp one; he caught on immediately. "Ha, your influence is something else, Stella." he laughed. "I tried talking to Bran before, but he shot me down without a second thought. Looks like you're the only one who can sway him."

Soon after, Lukas' walkie-talkie crackled to life. "Stella, Cody and I are looking for a bigger place. Austin mentioned you might have something suitable. What's the deal?" They were hoping for something roomy, but Austin went above and beyond, offering them a villa. "It's a nice place, though someone died there," Stella said with a smile. "If that doesn't bother you, feel free to come and take a look."

"We've quit our jobs; we'll be there soon." The rent wouldn't be cheap, but seeing the place first was sensible.

In half an hour, four of them arrived at the gated community, and Stella showed them the vacant villas.

The place was a mess, left as-is after the body was removed and the crime scene cleared. Bloodstains still darkened the floor. In the days before the calamity, no amount of money could make someone stay in a house with such a dark past. But times had changed. Living threats were far more concerning than the dead.

After touring all the available houses, they didn't pick the largest one. The rent was steep, and a larger space was harder to defend.

They settled on Villa 42, which was similar in layout to Villa 50 but with a half-built wall that could be finished once the everlasting night ended.

When it came to discussing the rent, Stella stayed out of it, but Austin volunteered to negotiate.

Bran didn't mince words. "A hundred pounds of rice or flour."

him aside and whispered, "Come on, Bran. They're friends of Stella. You've

his eyes. "We used to feed a guard for twenty pounds of grain. Now we're

they can provide a patrol from each family. Don't talk to me about the rules before the eternal

some thought, Bran

was quick-witted. "Stella rarely asks for a favor. You're

"What's your offer?"

of Stella. Remember to have her treat me to dinner." He didn't really care about the grain; he just wanted

feeling the urge

"Stella, by asking, you owed Bran a favor. Why not maximize the benefits?

speechless. With food being so precious, she suggested using tea, tobacco, and liquor as rent payment. They settled on three

Compared to cramped quarters elsewhere, this villa was a slice of paradise even in the

and easily moved in one trip. The sprawling garden, spacious rooms, and cushy beds were more than they had dared hope for. They flopped

ground floor, while Cody and Kitty claimed

was a light

to this spacious villa, their stress

a favor for Stella and Jasper's sake.

compromise. "How about Jasper and I take one share, and the extra can be your

need the supplies; a symbolic gesture was enough

wealthier residents with a knack for

covertly claimed unattended generators-diesel and solar alike for trading

were once notable figures and didn't bother

or navigate their new homes in the dark. Solar panels were useless in the eternal night, and diesel generators cost a fortune. Even if they invested heavily, fuel was a problem. The government had anticipated the endless night and released a series of

means. They had used a similar setup