18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 462

Her question hit him like a punch to the gut, but Bran answered honestly, "Construction. Hauling bricks."

Stella sized him up, noting the scars on his face and hands-evidence of a hard-fought survival. In the face of natural disasters, everyone was equal, even a tycoon's son.

She didn't pry about his life since they'd parted ways. Even if recounted with a smile, the tales were likely steeped in brutal truths.

"How about we treat you to a meal when you're off?" she offered.

At the mention of food, Bran's eyes lit up. "Barbecue?"

"You wish. After all these years of disasters, and you're still dreaming of a feast?" Despite her words, the joy of reunion was undeniable. "Rosie's been working at the plantation. I'll see if I can scrounge up some spices so you can indulge a bit." Bran perked up. "How are Rosie and your hubby doing?"

She gave him her address. "Doing alright. Swing by when you're free."

Bran lived in Area C and spoke his mind. "Sis, I'm free on the weekend."

Alright then. A weekend it is. They'd have themselves a proper bash.

reason to keep living. He no longer ran

a hospital, a salt plant, a food factory, water purification, and plantations all operational. Life was still tough, but better than before. Of the two thousand plus from South Base, even fewer were from Griffith.

people needed emotional ties and interactions. Planning a meal together sounded pretty good. Jasper suggested, "How about we dine in the

They'd set it up for

benefiting her son and husband's health with regular practice. Monkey, all smiles, appreciated his wife's increasing kindness. He eagerly accepted the dinner invite, pondering what special thing

The submarine had an air extraction system, and Stella had set

of smoked meat. "Sis, this is the good stuff. Took

meat looked

but Stella dared

he wasn't looking,

it for a similar piece from Arcadia, Stella had prepared leeks, mustard greens, bell peppers, and chilies-plants readily available from the plantation where Rosie worked, ensuring

the prep. Miranda and her son

arrived last, bringing a pound of fish cakes. He had long since shed any pretense of dignity, choosing to hustle for

Monkey's gaze shifted. That was his sister there. Bran

humiliations. In front of them,

his former high-class neighborhood. Monkey, seasoned in business, treated everyone like a client, always

mood instantly lifted. "If you're gonna flatter me, lay it on thick." It had been ages since anyone had praised him. Oh, how he

with smoked meat, steamed salted fish with fermented black beans, and garlic