Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 223: I'm Engaged

After the government officially announced the extreme cold warning, prices for heating supplies shot up fast.

Luckily, the Hancocks got early notice and stocked up on coal and winter supplies in advance. Otherwise, even rich homeowners at Celestine Ridge would've had big losses.

Mariella and Chandler switched from the inflatable boat to a wooden boat and loaded it with supplies.

By the time they returned to Celestine Ridge, it was already 4:30 p.m.

Ever since the flood, the temperature seemed to have become stuck.

The sky stayed dull gray, and the air was hot and sticky. Even though autumn had started two months ago, there was still no sign of cooler weather.

Strange conditions usually meant trouble ahead. It felt like a warning of the extreme weather to come.

In her previous life, refugees weren't prepared at all, and two-thirds of them froze to death during the extreme cold.

This time, because of early warnings, people had time to get ready. Things should be better.

After arriving at Celestine Ridge by boat, Mariella called Kieran.

"Mr. Hancock, send ten workers to move some supplies."

Kieran sounded surprised and pleased. "You're donating supplies too?"

"Am I not a homeowner at Celestine Ridge?" Mariella shot back.

He laughed out loud. "Alright, I'll bring people over myself."

...

Mariella donated 500 pounds of smokeless coal.

It wasn't a huge amount, but with coal prices rising so fast, it was still very valuable.

Kieran personally brought ten workers to move everything.

While the workers hauled coal from the boat into the truck, Mariella waved at Kieran. "Mr. Hancock, come here. I need to talk to you privately."

He immediately felt pleased.

He first shot Chandler a smug, challenging look, then said in a formal tone, "Mr. Zimmer, please supervise here. I need to speak with your boss alone."

Chandler didn't get upset and replied calmly, "I'm just doing my job. No need to be polite, Mr. Hancock."

Kieran strutted toward Mariella as if he'd just won a war, all swagger and confidence.

Mariella casually brushed her hair aside with her left hand, and the large diamond ring on her middle finger caught his attention.

Kieran froze. Then he blurted out, "Y-you... what's that... ring on your hand?"

Mariella smiled and announced openly, "I'm engaged. I thought you were busy, so I didn't invite you. Sorry about that."

His face darkened immediately, and his good mood disappeared. He was too upset to even speak.

Even though he had known that Mariella had taken Chandler, he had still held onto a small hope.

After all, Chandler was just a bodyguard. He thought a bit of supplies could easily send the man away later.

But now, she was actually engaged to that bodyguard!

Kieran felt like his heart had broken in half.

Mariella didn't seem to notice at all and continued talking business. "Do you remember I borrowed 100 million from you and promised to double it in three months? It's been almost five months now, so I added extra interest. What kind of supplies do you want?"

After delivering the 500 pounds of coal, she planned to send more supplies to settle the debt.

But Kieran quickly waved his hands. "I don't need supplies right now. Just keep them. I'll tell you when I need them."

Mariella thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright. Just let me know anytime."

The coal was quickly unloaded, and the workers drove the truck back to the farm.

"Have Officer Abbott and Terry made a decision yet?" Mariella asked.

Kieran replied, "Officer Abbott hasn't decided yet, but Terry seems very willing to move to Celestine Ridge."

Mariella nodded slightly. "That makes sense. Officer Abbott lives in police housing, so it's much safer there. He might not be willing to move. But Terry is just a normal officer, and his family lives in an ordinary apartment, so they'll probably agree."

"Don't worry. I'll try my best to convince Terry's family. Once police families live here, people with bad intentions will think twice," Kieran replied knowingly.

At that moment, Denton had just finished unloading the second shipment and was getting ready for the third trip.

Mariella smiled and called out, "Denton, do you have enough boats? I can lend you this wooden boat for a few days."

Denton looked overjoyed. "Really?"

Then he quickly added, "I'll pay you! I can't borrow it for free."

Mariella didn't waste time and made a request. "You used to supply gemstones and work with jewelry stores. Can you send me their addresses?"

Denton immediately understood and replied generously, "No problem!"

Even though jewelry stores had less stock than gemstone warehouses, even small amounts were still valuable.