18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 257

Stella and Jasper had already celebrated their housewarming dinner on their own, feasting on delicacies like foie gras, filet mignon wrapped in Iberian ham and caviar, and a bottle of '82 Lafite.

Cooper had his share too and licked his plate clean.

When their neighbor Austin invited them over for his housewarming party, Stella couldn't find a reason to refuse, so she readily agreed, "Sure."

"Just come over, no need to bring anything." Knowing his son liked to play with Rosie, Austin specifically instructed, "Remember to bring Rosie and Cooper."

Austin and his son lived in a sprawling villa. Whenever Monkey and others had no business, they would come over, often gathering to eat or play cards together.

The days were comfortable, no doubt, but quite boring.

Jasper was mostly silent, only becoming particularly enthusiastic when making love with Stella. The rest of the time, he would work, read, practice, eat and sleep.

It was mostly Stella who initiated conversations.

While lying in bed, Stella playfully tickled him, "What should we gift Austin for his housewarming party?"

Jasper, not adept at social etiquette, thought for a moment, "A bottle of wine and a pack of cigarettes?"

Austin lacked nothing, and his housewarming party would be grand. The appetites of the three of them, plus Cooper, were not small, especially the food-loving dog.

Stella agreed, "Sounds good."

The next day, early in the morning, the neighborhood began to buzz with activity.

Austin's men brought their families over, the yard filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing among the women while the children played happily.

Stella wasn't fond of social gatherings, especially with unfamiliar people. Thankfully, the windows were soundproof, so she quickly closed them.

Around eleven in the morning, the intercom rang, "Jasper, bring everyone over for lunch."

Soon, Dylan knocked on the door, with several children following behind him, all here to pick up Rosie and Cooper.

Stella, carrying the gift, joined the family heading across the street for lunch. As soon as they stepped out, Dylan greeted them, "Hi, I'm here to play with Rosie."

He even offered Rosie some candy. Rosie didn't accept it, but instinctively looked at her brother.

Jasper gave the command, "Rosie, say thank you."

Rosie thanked Dylan and accepted the candy but didn't eat it. She put it in her pocket.

Dylan pulled Rosie towards his house, "We have a swing at our house. You can sit on it."

Compared to the two of them, the other children looked rather shabby, their clothes and shoes old. They were better off than most children in the slums though. They just seemed out of place in the wealthy neighborhood.

As they entered, they found Monkey in the front yard, his ear being pulled by a tall woman in a red dress, "Did you ignore what I said?"

Monkey was in pain, and all he could do was beg, "Geez, honey, be gentle. Today is the boss' housewarming party. Give me some dignity."

One was thin, short, and unattractive, while the other was glamorous and tall, excessively eye-catching.

Stella finally understood why Monkey was willing to splurge on a house. If she could marry such a beautiful woman, she wouldn't mind being broke either.

Upon seeing the newcomers, the woman hid her punishing hand and Monkey, rubbing his ear, greeted Stella with a smile, "You're here. Let me introduce you, this is my wife, Miranda."

Stella greeted with a smile, "Hello, Miranda."

Just as she had guessed, even in the post-apocalyptic world, Monkey treated his wife like a treasure, letting her hit and scold him without retaliating, holding her in his hand as if she might break, cherishing her as if she might melt in his mouth.

Upon seeing Stella, Miranda was surprised, "I met you a few days ago, on the third floor of our building."

So this was the 'Miss' Monkey had talked about. Miranda had imagined an older woman in her thirties or forties, not a young woman in her early twenties.

Young, beautiful, with smooth and rosy skin, and delicate features. In the post-apocalyptic world, she shone brightly, making Miranda, who was always confident, feel inferior.

Stella nodded, "Yeah, what a coincidence."

After exchanging pleasantries, Stella and Jasper entered the living room. It was their first time visiting Austin's house, and they were impressed by the layout and decoration, especially the door installed at the staircase, just like in their own house.

Austin's crew was all there. Some were playing cards, some were chatting and eating peanuts, while the women were busy setting the table and cooking.

Unlike Miranda, their status at home was relatively low, as everything was decided by their breadwinning husbands.