18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 5

Two kilometers was quite close, and it only took a few minutes to reach the entrance of her apartment. She handed over $200 to the stranger in gratitude for his heroic act of saving her and breaking the rules. The stranger's voice was icy cold, “No need, it was on my way.”

Stella didn’t push it. As she got out of the car, she warned, “There’s a hurricane coming. It might cause power and water cuts. While there’s still time, you might want to stock up on some groceries.”

She exited the car, holding the package against the wind, and sprinted into the building. The rain started to fall in big, fat drops. Stella made her way out of the elevator, wiping her face, only to see Hector and Sadie standing in front of her apartment.

They must have been waiting for quite some time. Hector looked impatient, while Sadie, the most popular girl in school, appeared charming and innocent in her white dress.

“What took you so long?” Hector sounded annoyed. “We’ve been waiting for ages.”

Seeing them, Stella couldn’t help but remember how she was bullied in the apocalypse, and how they had stood coldly by and watched her being butchered by people. Her mood instantly went sour.

In her past life, she had been naive, but not this time. If they wanted to suck her dry and steal her superpower, they’d have to wait and see. The despair she had once experienced, they would go through twice over.

Stella's face was cold, “What do you want?” She had always been warm towards him, but now she became really cold towards him. Hector was taken aback, “Why didn’t you come to my birthday party?”

“Why should I? We hardly know each other.”

“You…” She was clearly pursuing him and had even promised to gift him something special. Of course, he wasn’t here for the gift, but because Sadie was interested in getting to know Stella.

Sadie, with a smile on her face, said, “Hi, Stella.”

Stella responded coldly, “I don’t know you. Don’t call me that.”

Sadie was slightly embarrassed but maintained her sweet voice, “Today is Hector’s birthday. We thought we could celebrate it together since we all went to the same school.”

The birthday party had already ended, inviting her to the eighth floor was just to snatch her pendant.

Stella scoffed, “Are you deaf? I just said we don’t know each other. Why the hell should I care about his birthday?”

Hector, unable to bear the insult, snapped, “Stella, what’s your problem?”

“You wear a couple’s ring with her, but keep inviting me to your place. Are you trying to have your cake and eat it too?”

“You must be delusional. I don’t have any feelings for you.” Hector was furious. “Sadie, let’s go.”

Sadie, however, didn't want to leave. "Stella, the thing is, we came to celebrate the Hector's birthday. Due to the typhoon, we can't go back. Can I stay at your place tonight?"

"What’s the matter with you? We barely even know each other."

Hector, with a stern expression, warned, "Stella, watch your words."