18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 335

The cries of the victim were futile in the affluent neighborhood plagued by a vicious virus. With everyone's strength sapped, no one had the energy or inclination to come to the aid of another. Finders keepers was the unspoken rule, though some homeowners fought tooth and nail to protect their property, often paying with their lives or being spat upon with a virus-laden bloody cough. The chaos in the villa district was different from the rioting in the streets. As long as no one broke the unspoken truce, a veneer of civility and composure remained intact.

Whispers and jealous rumors did circulate about the two families who had received more supplies, but the four individuals who managed to thrive in these apocalyptic times paid them no mind. If no one knocked on their door, life went on as usual. If anyone dared to cause trouble, they'd pay a steep price.

Several had eyed the property at building 50, but any attempt to take it by force was thwarted by Angela and Kitty, who, despite being women, had a ferocity that men often lacked. After a few close calls that left would-be invaders clutching their sides, building 50 was left in peace.

Angela went through the supply list. "Stella, anything here you need?"

Stella had no want for extra supplies, but since Angela had asked, she played along. Stella pretended to give the list a thorough look before pushing it back. "We're good for now, but we'll let you know if that changes."

Up on the rooftop, the men worked to install solar panels while Angela and Kitty busied themselves in the kitchen. The illness had left everyone weakened, and it was vital to regain strength as soon as possible.

Nearly all of Kitty's carefully reared poultry had died, save for a lone hen and drake, plus a couple of quails. Kitty decided to cook the drake, tossing together dishes like crispy kale with scrambled eggs, and spicy pepper stewed with dried greens.

None of the dead animals were wasted; they were either cooked thoroughly or preserved for future use.

Knowing Jasper and Stella's standards, Kitty hesitated to serve them the preserved meat. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to fall ill because of her cooking.

Stella, helping with the installation, mentioned, "Experts say the volcanic ash might be acidic. If it doesn't clear up soon, it might contaminate the soil. And if it rains, aren't we looking at acid rain? You might want to cover those panels with something to protect them from erosion."

building a glass enclosure. It's costly,

police were still strong. He wondered if it might be worth asking for a favor from Evan, who had always been good to them. But with everyone so busy, it might be

"Yeah, pull some

generator was a success, providing a modest power supply despite the heavy smog. It was enough to light

years. Without you, we'd be nothing but bones by now." "Don't talk like that," Stella retorted sharply. "Friends look out for each other. Besides, if you hadn't taken that brick for me when we were kids, I'd be the one reduced to bones." Cody drained his glass with a laugh.

as easily as the food, and the mood

Lukas brought up a suggestion. "Stella, now that the Eternal Night is over, what are you planning to do with the

managed to keep the neighborhood safe, it

sure. "Should we sell

remaining few lacked the strength to enforce the old rules. They could continue paying rent,

smog might not lift for a while, and the authorities have bigger problems. Keep living

took a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. As she passed the grandest villa, she caught a glimpse of a slender figure leading a little boy

took Stella a moment to

arm when he couldn't move past his heartbreak. She had nearly thrown him out of the window in her fury, declaring she could always

Bentley's charm that great, or had luck favored him, bringing

did worry about Hugh. Those who coveted rich CEOs's girl never fared well, regardless of what

to buzz with life once more, no longer resembling a ghost town. Despite low visibility,

the disaster, bold thiefs sneaked in, hoping to snatch

as a ghost, clad in nothing but a flimsy nightgown. "Wha-what are you doing here? Cough, cough,

taken aback and said. "Hey, easy there, don't