Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 162: Love Built on Lies

Mariella raised an eyebrow and didn't hold back. "I checked the security footage. Number Six never tried to open the gate. He stood his post and did his job. You overreacted and insisted he was going to open it.

"I cleared Number Six of suspicion, so of course I gave him a gun for protection. Everyone else has one. He shouldn't be left out. As for you, I just wanted to watch you a little longer. Didn't expect you to expose yourself so fast.

"Guns are valuable. I only give them to loyal people. Someone like you—two-faced, acting one way and thinking another—doesn't deserve one. Keep dreaming."

...

Number One returned with the team. They brought back a large haul—guns, melee weapons, gear, and food.

The bandits' bodies were piled at the edge of the neighborhood. Gasoline was poured over them, and they were set on fire.

In just over half an hour, the fight was over. Everyone went back inside the villa.

Matthew closed the iron gate and began logging the newly collected weapons.

Mariella picked out an AK rifle. She handed it to Number Six along with four magazines and 200 rounds of ammo. "Tomorrow, go see Dr. Lester for the rest of your tactical gear. Whatever the others have, you'll have too."

Number Six broke into a wide smile. "Thank you, Ms. Townsend!"

"You still have a leg injury. Go rest first."

"I'm fine!" he insisted.

His leg wasn't fully healed, but he felt full of energy.

He felt awfully lucky to work for someone like Mariella.

Mariella didn't push him further. She turned her gaze to Number Ten and Number Four. "Anything else you two want to say?"

Number Four burst into tears, begging over and over. "I know I was wrong! Please, Ms. Townsend, spare me. Just let me go!"

Number Ten glanced at him with disgust and sneered. "You call yourself a man? Why are you so scared of her? We work for her, not her slaves. If she's not happy with us, she can fire us. We leave her villa and can survive anywhere. We're not going to starve."

Mariella sneered at this, but her eyes were cold.

She didn't look at Number Ten. Instead, she fixed her gaze on Number Four. "Do you really think I'll give you a second chance to betray me?"

Number Four shook all over. His voice trembled. "Ms. Townsend, please... just one more chance. I won't do it again..."

He truly regretted it.

When Mariella had let him and Number Seven go, he should have left. At least he would still be alive.

She had given them a way out, returned their supplies, and gave them two combat knives and even a kayak.

If they had left Celestine Ridge, they could have survived, even as drifters.

But greed got the better of them. They made a deal with dangerous people. Number Seven had already lost his life. Now it was his turn.

Full of regret, he begged Mariella again and again. At the same time, he reached out, trying to grab her pants.

Mariella didn't let him touch her. The others didn't either.

As she stepped back, Chandler and Number One moved at the same time... no, they kicked at the same time.

Both of them lifted a foot and stomped down on Number Four's reaching hand. A sharp crack followed.

Number Four screamed. The veins on his forehead bulged from the pain.

"Mariella, let my boyfriend go!" Number Ten shouted, panicked and angry. "We love each other! He stayed here because of me! If you want to punish someone, come at me. Don't hurt him!"

Before Mariella could reply, Number Five spoke first.

"Where did you get the idea that he stayed for you?" Number Five rolled her eyes. "What makes you think he really loves you? You probably don't know this, but every time he flirted with you, he also tried the same thing on me. I just ignored him."

"That's not true! I don't believe you!" Number Ten snapped, her chin raised stubbornly. "You always talk bad about him in front of me. You're just afraid I'd get close to him! He only likes me!"

Mariella looked at Number Four and spoke calmly. "Do you really love Number Ten? Did you stay here for her? Think carefully before you answer."

Desperate, Number Four saw a small chance to survive. He quickly shook his head. "I never loved her! I was just bored, messing around. Yeah, I flirted with Number Five too, but she ignored me. Number Ten was easier to mess with."

Mariella turned to Number Ten, who looked furious, her face stiff. "You heard him?" Mariella said with a cold smile. "He didn't stay for you."

Number Ten's expression shifted rapidly. Her body shook with anger. "I don't believe this. Mariella, you force him to say this to hurt me! You're doing this on purpose. That's cruel!"

Mariella clicked her tongue. You can't wake someone who refuses to listen.