18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 394

Jasper stepped forward, deftly slipping his hand into Ty's pocket and pulling out a mini pen—a recording pen, no doubt about it.

Stella listened over and over, a strange woman’s voice emanating from the device.

Ever since Black Dog hinted at being under someone's thumb, Stella had her suspicions. Matching the suspect with the voice, it seemed more and more likely.

Jasper was an expert in this area. If he wasn't mistaken, the person had not only pinched their voice but also stuffed something in their mouth to disguise it further. Such an attempt to conceal only made things more obvious—like burying treasure under a tree but insisting there's nothing there.

"Julia," Jasper said.

Sharing a bed for a long time does create a connection, and Stella was thinking the same. Who else but Julia? Stella hadn’t crossed anyone else.

But she hadn't anticipated Julia having such a powerful backer, belonging to a family of significant influence. How could someone so foolish find such a powerful protector?

Although the Kindle Society could better monitor natural disasters, Stella was no longer someone who would suffer in silence, especially now that she had the submarine in her possession. She could just walk away if need be.

She had no reason to feel aggrieved. Besides, even if she swallowed her pride, would Julia stop her antics? No, she would only grow bolder.

Stella wanted the recording pen and more. She tied up Ty and the others.

"You said you'd let us go!" Black Dog howled. "You're a beautiful woman, yet you go back on your word!"

Annoyed by his noise, Jasper knocked him out with a swift chop and stuffed him into the trunk of the car.

With the trunk full of living evidence, the trio and their dog drove back to the base.

Stella had a temper, sure, but she wasn't quick to explode. All the way, she thought things through calmly.

Every vehicle entering the base was subject to inspection, so Stella simply parked outside the base's perimeter. They were knocked out again with ether, ensuring they wouldn't wake anytime soon.

Stella headed straight for the central mall, walking with a determination that recognized no relatives.

Julia was there, and her face turned several shades paler at the sight of the very alive Stella. Stella ignored her and started browsing nonchalantly.

While wandering, she spotted Lola, who wasn't on good terms with Julia, and waved her over. "Hey, I'm looking to buy an escape pod. Can you help me out?"

Lola was all eagerness as she approached to offer her assistance. They stood with their backs to Julia, keeping a safe distance.

While unobserved, Stella slipped Lola a piece of rock candy. Half a pound of rock candy was a rare treasure in these times.

Lola was shocked by the move but quickly tucked it away. "You need something?"

Stella nodded. "I had a little run-in with Julia recently, and I've had trouble ever since. It's got to be her stirring things up. I can handle a lot, but I won’t be taken advantage of. I've heard she's got a pretty serious background, yeah?"

Lola would love to see someone put the brash Julia in her place, but with a high-ranking military father, most people had to swallow their pride. But Lola, having accepted the sweet bribe, spoke with a complicated expression after a moment's thought. "Her father is a high-ranking officer. My advice? Let it go. Eating a loss is annoying, but it's better than being wiped out, right?"

It wasn't the first time Julia had used her father's status to oppress others. At first, people resisted, but after being dealt with harshly a few times, they all learned their lesson and didn’t dare make a peep.

Stella frowned. "An officer?"

"Mr. Daniel," Lola whispered. "He's actually a decent guy, but you know... his wife, she's quite the public figure, which is why Julia acts so untouchable."

Stella was surprised. "Daniel?"