18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 258

Several SUVs rolled in, their black-suited, sunglasses-wearing bodyguards positioning themselves around the entrance of the prime villa, effectively blocking the side-street.

Soon after, a Winnebago appeared, followed by a Palazzo, disgorging a party of more than twenty people. Men, women, old, and young, all were dressed in extravagant and noble attire, seemingly untouched by the dust of the apocalypse.

The wealthy folks put on what they thought were their most appropriate smiles, initiating conversations and paying compliments. "Good day, Shane. Nice to see you, Sarah..."

Stella didn't expect to have a chance to interact with such affluent people. She continued to gossip with Jasper about them. "That man in the middle, nearly sixty, is the head of Porras Corporation."

Before she could finish her sentence, another Mercedes-Benz G-Class pulled up.

The car door opened, revealing a pair of Hermes slippers, followed by a pair of cropped casual trousers. As he stepped out of the car, he immediately became the center of attention for all the unmarried socialites.

Stella's expression changed instantly when she recognized him, and she quickly dragged Jasper away. "Let's go, now."

Jasper was puzzled. "What's wrong?"

What was wrong? The owner of those three top-of-the-line SUVs had just appeared. Why on earth would the richest family decide to settle in Griffith? Couldn’t they go to the bases?

With him around, she wouldn't even dare to show off her beloved car.

Jasper clarified her confusion. "In a pre-apocalyptic world, the Porras family would be adored wherever they went. But in this post-apocalyptic world, power lies with the strong. They wouldn't be able to throw their weight around in a military base. And as for the official base, it's not only filled with power struggles but also has its share of influential military and political second generations. It's not easy for the Porras family to stand out with just their wealth. Besides, the tallest trees catch the most wind. Rather than being targeted in an official base, it's better for them to live freely in Griffith."

Stella had to agree. With the apocalypse temporarily easing, the super-rich who had initially sought refuge in the base had been ground down over three years. Now, with cities being rebuilt, they had plenty of resources and wealth, which were exactly what was scarce.

One side sought status, and the other was willing to flatter. It was a perfect match.

Once the Porras family arrived, the influential figures in the villa area were settled.

All this had nothing to do with Stella. As long as people didn't bother her, she wouldn't bother them. She just wanted to live quietly in her corner.

She went home, closed the door, and took a nap.

In the evening, Dylan called for Rosie on the balcony. Rosie was playing with Cooper, seemingly oblivious to his call.

Stella was puzzled. "Rosie, why are you ignoring Dylan? Did he upset you?"

Rosie hesitated for a while before answering. "Dylan is nice to me, but his friends ask me for food and drool over Cooper. I don't like them."

Hmph, she wouldn't play with them then.

Apparently, it was those children who had made Rosie feel threatened. Despite her cute and soft appearance, she was actually quite alert. It seemed her years of training hadn't been in vain.

......

The truck didn't have bulletproof glass installed, so Stella was worried about their safety. The trio, along with Cooper, set off together.

One drove while the other kept watch.

In just over a month, the old city had become practically deserted. Other than the blinding sunlight, all they could see was a place devoid of life.

Upon reaching Eastwood Eden, Patrick had already finished making the door. Not only was the quality of the door excellent, but it also came with five bolts. It wouldn't be easy to break in with brute force.

At the same time, the Patrick's family started packing, planning to move in the next few days. Everyone in the small neighborhood would depart together.

After they loaded the heavy door onto the truck, Stella chatted for a bit before driving away.