18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 272

As Rosie stepped into the water, she gasped, gripping the wooden edge of the hot tub. "Jasper, I'm floating."

"Don't be scared, Rosie. It's normal to float in hot springs."

Once she adjusted to the sensation, Rosie brightened. So, this was what it felt like to be in a hot spring.

They were sunbathing and soaking in the hot spring, each of them sipping fresh lemonade; it was hard to describe the sense of contentment.

The vegetation around the lake, nourished by the spring water, was lush and vibrant, noticeably more so than elsewhere. The three of them started to explore around the lake and, sure enough, they discovered numerous herbs, all of them flourishing.

That night, they pitched their tents not far from the lake. After soaking in the hot spring, Rosie, completely relaxed, fell asleep quickly.

The warm spring water was beneficial to their health, and Stella took advantage of the night to gather some. They emptied the water tower in Arcadia, replacing the water with the hot spring water. Now, they could enjoy a hot spring soak whenever they returned home.

They had plenty of water towers and various containers, enough to last them for several years.

After soaking in the hot spring, they slept extremely well. Stella guessed that if it hadn't been for Cooper keeping watch, they might have been carried away without even realizing it.

They spent three more days exploring the deep forest, collecting every potential medicinal plant they found.

With the climate becoming increasingly harsh, many young plants were barely clinging to life. Even in Arcadia's favorable environment, not all could be saved. If these species died out, it could be a case of extinction.

Upon returning to the city, Stella made a special trip to Griffith's post at the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Collin wasn't there, but there were staff members on duty.

They examined the young plants Stella had brought and recommended some nutrient solution and growth hormones. "We often encounter this situation. You can try these. They can increase the survival rate of the young plants."

The solution was developed by the Institute, and it had already been used in their greenhouse. It wasn't free, but they could barter food or young plants for it. The Institute had a government subsidy. They might not be rich, but they definitely wouldn't starve. The young plants were what they needed most.

Stella took out extra herbs from her backpack. "I'll exchange these for the solution."

The staff members were pleased. They chose either plants the Institute didn't have or those with a broad range of medicinal uses. In the end, Stella swapped 30 plants for a bottle of nutrient solution and growth hormones. Both parties were satisfied.

Carrying the solution, they drove back to their home.

After being away for several days, Stella wondered how their house had fared. As they drove into the residential area, they noticed a man lurking near the entrance of their property. Jasper floored the accelerator.

The sound of the car startled the man, who bolted, quickly disappearing around a corner.

As Stella got out of the car, a foul smell hit her. It was coming from their front door, which was covered in disgusting, smelly waste – a direct assault on their senses.

Cooper sprang out of the car and chased after the man. Worried about his safety, they hopped back into the car to follow.

They rounded the corner to see their dog pouncing on the man who had hidden in the corner of another villa.

Screams filled the air as man and dog fought. Stella, like a released arrow, rushed out of the car, landing a few punches on the man.

With the ferocious dog attacking him, the man had no way of defending himself. He was bleeding from several bite wounds, and Stella's punches had knocked out a few of his teeth.

Remembering the waste that had been thrown on their door, she didn't bother with questions. She just hit him.

The man's screams echoed around them, making Jasper feel slightly awkward.

The security patrol, hearing the commotion, rushed over. "What's going on here?"

Stella finally stopped, but the dog didn’t. He had his teeth clamped around the man's throat. One command from his master and he could end this man's life, having a taste of his warm, freshly killed leg.

The man, his windpipe crushed, wet himself in fear.

Stella ignored the security team, her cold eyes fixed on the man lying on the ground. "You have one chance to save your life. Choose wisely."

The man was trembling with fear. "Please... please spare me."

"Who told you to do this?" Stella asked.

No sooner had she finished speaking than the dog's bite tightened, sending the man into a panic. "It was Miss Julia! She's still holding a grudge against you for hitting her and for shamelessly flirting with Bran. She was so angry and wanted to teach you a lesson."

Stella remembered Julia. She didn't associate with the wealthy, but because Austin was around, she knew some of their gossip.

The Riley family had thrown a pool party for their daughter Julia to help her find a rich husband, and that man was Bran.

Women's jealousy and resentment were so strange. Instead of learning a lesson from the last beating, Julia resented Stella even more for Bran sending things, thinking that Stella was the one who had stolen her beloved man.

"Were you hired by her?"

On the brink of death, the man didn't dare to lie. "I work for her family. Miss Julia promised me 10 pounds of rice, but she's the people in charge. I didn't dare disobey her. Please, I don't want the rice anymore."

Samuel happened to be on the patrol team. "I've seen him. He really is a servant of the Riley family."

Knowing the whole story, the patrol team felt awkward. What should they do now?

Jasper spoke to the security team. "You go on with your patrol. We'll handle this peacefully."

The security team leader snapped back to reality. Yes, patrol. The safety of the residential area was the most important thing. Still, he advised, "Let's all be peaceful. We're all residents here. If there's a problem, why not sit down and discuss it?"

Jasper smiled. "Sure."

As soon as the patrol team left, Stella dragged the man toward unit 39.

The front yard of unit 39 was a garden with a white picket fence, newly planted flowers, and a pink swing.

Stella kicked the door once, twice.

A maid quickly came to open the door, but was shocked to see Stella. "What are you..."

Stella shoved the maid aside and dragged the man into the yard.

A woman in her early forties, draped in a white shawl and dressed in a cocktail dress, emerged, "Who's there?"

She was remarkably well-preserved, still possessing an alluring charm despite her age. Yet, when their eyes met, both of them froze.

It was less that Stella resembled Julia in features, and more that she was a mirror image of Tracy.

Stella's mind buzzed, feeling as if a dagger had pierced her heart. Likewise, Tracy's pupils dilated in shock, "You...."