18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 440

With Iran no longer a threat to Arcadia, Stella felt like a massive burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Life on the open sea could be stifling, so soaking in a hot spring was the perfect way to unwind.

That evening, they had a feast to celebrate. Salt and pepper shrimp, roast chicken, beef skewers, and a mouth-watering lobster thermidor were on the menu. The three of them raised their glasses, Stella's smile blooming like a summer rose. "Here's to a world without Iran," she toasted. Cooper, who couldn't drink alcohol, opted for a fizzy orange soda instead.

Dinner lasted well over an hour. Afterwards, Rosie cleared the table while Cooper helped with the dishes, making sure everything was spotless. Stella picked the freshest Sunburst roses, washed them, and settled on the couch to watch a movie. Jasper peeled the rose petals and playfully popped them into her mouth. "Thanks, Jasper," she said with a laugh, still amused by such romantic gestures despite their long marriage.

This was perhaps their most comfortable moment in Arcadia-no need to hide anything from Rosie, just a family on the sofa, speaking their minds freely. The villa had plenty of rooms, with Cooper and Rosie enjoying a spacious chamber to themselves.

When it was time for bed, Jasper closed the windows and doors and reached into the drawer for some contraceptives. Stella hadn't expected they'd celebrate their victory in such a way, but the physical satisfaction was undeniable. Exhausted but content, the

but wonder

unconditionally in this harsh world. She couldn't resist asking, "If you hadn't met me, what kind of woman would you have fallen for?" Jasper, not wanting to entertain hypotheticals, simply said, "There are no 'ifs' in life; such assumptions are meaningless." But Stella wouldn't let it go, playfully tickling him until he

that changes everything. "You didn't have designs on me from the start, did you?" "No," he replied honestly. "I just thought you were rather peculiar." Living next door, it was natural to want to understand her, but the more he learned, the more he wanted

lively enough for both

they couldn't be reckless. With an uncertain future, they had to save their resources. While Stella was making calculations, the colossal squid had already left the area. For safety, instead of using a submarine or

dog, boarded the escape pod and quickly left Arcadia. As soon as they surfaced, multiple forces attacked, dragging the pod down towards the ocean floor. Stella and the others were shocked as they saw red, horn-like tentacles gripping the pod. The squid, with

other crafts; made of aerospace materials, it was a fortress hard to destroy. Just as Stella had predicted, the squid couldn't crush the pod. As soon as the tentacles loosened, the

king noticed the commotion. With a flick of its enormous tentacle, it sent the escape pod flying. Its strength was immense, propelling the pod dozens of meters away. The pod soared, spun in the air, then crashed into the sea, bobbing with the waves. After the boss had flung it, none dared