18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 298

Stella didn't mention Tracy's arrival. She truly felt there was no need to discuss it.

The truth wasn't hard to guess. Having to deal with someone like Tracy, Stella felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from her heart. So it was about being selfish, well, who wasn't capable of that?

What Stella actually feared was the possibility of Tracy having some unavoidable circumstances that she would use to gain Stella’s pity.

In this apocalyptic world, familial bonds weren't exactly unshakeable, let alone when dealing with a sophisticated egoist like Tracy.

"Jasper, do you think I'm too selfish?"

Her question caught Jasper off guard, "Why do you ask?"

Stella gave a small chuckle, "Just a sudden thought."

She wasn't one to ask questions without reason, and Jasper seemed to have realized it. "You once said, we're humans, not gods. Doing what we can is enough."

Sure, she had Arcadia, but it was a mere drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things. Plus, she had already warned the authorities about the impending disaster in a coded message. She had also left a large amount of supplies for Evan twice. She also saved the people of Eastwood Eden.

She had done more than enough. All she needed to do was to not hold the authorities back and live her life. Let what comes, come. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

"Jasper, thank you." If not for him, she might have lived a more self-absorbed life.

Jasper ruffled her hair, "Stop overthinking things."

Days went by and their neighborhood was relatively calm for the time being. It wasn't that there were no troublemakers lurking around, but Bran was shamelessly enough to pester Jasper into making Molotov cocktails, saying, "Jasper, those capable should take charge. Our team nominates you as our leader."

Indeed, he had used his connections to get into Jasper's team.

Molotov cocktails were too cool, weren't they.

Jasper wasn't easily swayed, but given Bran's contribution of gasoline, he ended up making a few Molotov cocktails.

Austin provided several backpack-style pesticide sprayers, filled with gasoline, ready to spray wherever needed

There were also two alert dogs, always on guard.

With the Porras family's wide connections, they even managed to secure a batch of the latest military gear from the base. Not much, just ten sets.

Bran couldn't help but be cheeky, taking two sets and giving them to Jasper and Stella.

Upon learning the truth, Shane was close to beating him with a large stick, "What the hell are you thinking!"

"Dad, do you understand the principle of Stronger Together?" Bran, who had been hit, didn't submit. He grumbled, "The people in Building 50 could take on the entire neighborhood. Who else should we support if not them? You're stupid."

"What did you say? Say that again, you little rascal!"

Bentley, pushing up his gold-rimmed glasses, said, "Uncle, my cousin is right. We should help the people in Building 50."

Once the gear was in Stella's hands, there was no way she was going to give it up.

The newly developed military gear was impressive. The bulletproof vest was of superior quality, the night vision goggles more clear than her own stash, and when the viewing distance was too far at night, it would automatically switch to thermal imaging. The electric shock baton was top-tier.

She loved this equipment.

Shane was willing to gift the equipment to those in building 50, but he feared Bran's wastefulness. What if he casually gave it to someone else someday?

Shane still brought out four sets of equipment, two for each team, and all for those who were dutiful and loyal. The rest were kept for emergencies.

After this incident, the strength of the people in Building 50 could no longer be hidden. The residents who once despised them now wanted to curry favor with them. Unfortunately, Jasper wasn't one for small talk.

Despite her persistent attempts, Tracy was still treated like invisible by Stella, who didn't even bother to open the door for her, let alone bury the hatchet.

Eventually, Tracy came to understand Stella's heart of stone. Feeling dejected, Tracy returned home and made a decision to leave.

Julia was shocked, "Mom, are you out of your mind? Where else can we go if we leave here? It's even more dangerous outside."

Outside it was indeed dangerous, but it was still worth taking a gamble. By staying here, Tracy had to patrol for 12 hours every day. Food and medication were becoming scarce. It was only a matter of time before they ran out.

"Your father stashed some supplies outside. As long as we can find a way to the military base, things will get better."

Julia was stunned, "Mom, I know dad's death has hit you hard, but getting into the military base isn't as easy as you think. Even dad couldn't get in despite all his connections."

Even the Porras family couldn't get in, how could they?

"As long as you listen to me, we'll have a chance."

Tracy was resolute, holding her daughter's hand firmly, "But you have to remember a few things, or else all our efforts could go to waste."

They could go to the military base? Julia was intrigued, "Mom, go on."

"You're not just turned 22, but 23 years old, and you also have a pendant."

Julia was taken aback, pulling her hand back after a moment, "Mom, is Stella your daughter?"

"Julia, no matter what I do, it's all for your good."

"She is your daughter!" Julia was instantly riled up, "You had an illegitimate child with someone else!"

No more lies, she had been following her mother's visits to Stella secretly. No wonder they looked so alike. No wonder every time Stella was mentioned, her mother would warn her not to provoke her and to keep her distance.

Tracy stared at her defiant daughter, pain visible in her eyes, "So, do you want to go to the military base or not?"

As much as she resented this, who wouldn't want to survive? Bran was clearly smitten with Stella and barely noticed her.

Julia quickly regained her composure. As long as she could get into the military base, she didn't mind transforming herself into Stella. However, Julia had two younger brothers at home. Should they take them along?

Tracy’s face hardened, "They're not my biological children. Taking them along would only slow us down, and we might not be allowed to stay at the military base."

Why should she raise her late husband's illegitimate children? The humiliation she had endured over the years was enough.

"Mom, we need to leave quietly, without letting them know."

Whatever was happening with the Riley family, Stella was completely unaware. Stella spent her time either at home or tuning into the world outside through the radio or the walkie-talkie.

The nights were never quiet. Sirens and gunfire sounded intermittently in the darkness, sometimes near, sometimes far. At times, they could see the flames flickering in the distance.

Darkness persisted, and so did crime.

Even though the military and police equipment had improved, the intelligence of the rioters had also increased.

The massive rioting had ceased, but they quickly bounced back from the iron-fisted suppression, resorting to cunning guerrilla tactics. They'd strike hard and fast, skedaddling before the patrolling

cops could even show up.

It was like a game of Whack-a-mole; even the best hunting dogs would eventually tire.

Stella hadn't expected that the house Lukas and his crew had just purchased would fall victim too.