18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 171

A five or six kilometer distance from the coastline, you'd find what they called the Odeberg Mansion, but it was more aptly described as an estate.

Nestled against the mountains, with guards patrolling every three steps and posts every five, the air was thick with the scent of money.

The estate was massive, security everywhere. Once you parked, you had to pass through a security checkpoint. Any weapons carried would be detected and confiscated.

Stella, holding a portable mini-fridge, entered the mansion.

In the living room, a middle-aged man in casual attire anxiously awaited their arrival. As soon as the medical staff saw them, they rushed over, "Did you bring the vaccine?"

Inside the fridge, a single vaccine was stored. After inspecting it and finding no issues, the medical staff nodded at the middle-aged man.

Warren contemplated for a moment before instructing his secretary. After a while, the secretary returned with a box of exquisite jewelry. Inside was a dazzling gem necklace — the Azure Heart.

"This necklace is part of my collection. I bought it at an auction for 120 million. You can hold it as collateral," Warren offered.

Before the apocalypse, this necklace would've caused quite a stir. But now, it paled in comparison to a yacht.

It was a gem of the highest quality, definitely a piece Arcadia would love, and it was a fair deal.

The medical staff injected the old man with the vaccine and observed him for half an hour for any adverse reactions before allowing Stella and her team to leave.

Upon leaving the Odeberg Mansion, Austin reassured them, "Don't worry. The Warrens are wealthy and influential. They won't turn on us over a tetanus vaccine."

Stella wasn't worried. Even without the yacht, this trip was still profitable.

On their drive back to the villa, they noticed people lurking on the roadside. They ignored them, choosing to continue on their way home and prepare food for storage.

Rosie wanted bread, so Stella brought out the dough mixer and began preparing various fillings.

At dawn, Jasper drove the water truck while Stella drove the seven-seater to trade. They traded 500 pounds of dry goods, filling the car to the brim before driving back.

It was just around five in the morning, with the barest hint of dawn on the horizon. At a bend in the coastal road, Jasper slowed the car to a halt.

The road was strewn with large stones. Without their night vision goggles, they would've crashed into them.

The car came to a steady stop, and they sat quietly without getting out. After about ten minutes, the others couldn't help but show themselves.

One, two...

Over thirty people appeared, of all ages, some wielding sticks, others brandishing knives. Their faces were numb and cold, their eyes glinting with greed.

Stella got out of the car, with a crossbow ready in her hand, and coldly ordered, "Move. I don't want to kill anyone today."

But no one moved. "We don't want to kill you either. Just leave the car and goods."

Stella looked at them, "There's no way around this?"

A young man among them retorted, "You have money. What's a car full of goods to you? If you don't want to die, scram!"

Stella was calm, "So we have money, and that makes us an easy target?"

The young man got impatient, brandishing his sharp knife, "Enough with the nonsense. Leave the car behind or don't blame us for getting rough."

Once it was clear that they wouldn't back down, Stella didn't hesitate. She fired an arrow, hitting one man right in the heart.