Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 244: What Will Be, Will Be

Mariella said, "The extreme cold the authorities warned about could hit at any time. Everyone should prepare in advance. From now on, whenever you go out, don't just bring warm clothes. You'll also need diesel generators, heating equipment, and snowmobiles."

Number One answered on behalf of the group, "Understood."

Mariella checked the time. It was already half past seven.

"If there's nothing else, let's eat."

...

After dinner, Mariella pulled Serena close and lowered her voice. "Is there anything you want? I'll take you to the department store tomorrow."

Serena's dark eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity. "Really?"

Since moving into No. 98, she had hardly gone outside at all. It was difficult for a five or six-year-old child to be cooped up for this long.

Matthew walked over and said gently to his daughter, "Tell me what you want, and I'll go buy it for you. You shouldn't go out for now."

It had been about five months since the apocalypse. Other than Celestine Ridge, this rare haven that still enjoyed stability, the world beyond had long descended into chaos.

He truly didn't want his daughter taking risks by leaving the safety of the estate.

Understanding his concern, Mariella explained, "I've taken over the shares from the Grahams and the Shepherds. I'm now the second-largest shareholder of Imperial Crest Plaza and Greenfield Organic Farm. With my stake in both companies, I'm entitled to a good amount of supplies from them. Imperial Crest Plaza is right here inside Celestine Ridge, and it still has security guards. If you're worried, Captain Zimmer can come along. You should come too and help Serena pick out some clothes and a few other things. And if you see anything you like, feel free to pick out something for yourself too."

Now it wasn't just Serena; Matthew was tempted as well.

His eyes flickered, but he was also a little embarrassed. "Is... that really appropriate?"

"What's inappropriate about it?" Mariella said with a smile. "I may have plenty of supplies, but it's nothing compared to the variety a large mall would have. Besides, there are plenty of world-class luxury brands there."

When she had stocked up before the disaster, she had focused on quality and quantity. She hadn't splurged on designer clothing.

Matthew lowered his gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Alright. Whatever you say."

Chandler walked over then, a smile on his lips, but there was no warmth in his brown eyes. "What are we talking about?"

Mariella fell silent.

Why is this guy acting like a possessive dog guarding his food? Every time I get even a little close to another man, he bristles, all sharp edges and protectiveness. That's a terrible habit.

She didn't like domineering men. She liked guys who were steady, loyal, and well-behaved.

Before Matthew could explain, Mariella cut in first. "Tomorrow I'm going shopping with Dr. Lester and Serena. You can go with Number One to chop firewood."

Chandler's lifted lips stiffened slightly, and his gaze toward her turned a bit colder.

Mariella didn't plan to indulge him. She crossed her arms and met his eyes directly.

Serena wasn't sure what was going on between Mariella and Chandler, but she could feel the tension in the air.

It almost looked like sparks were flying between them, crackling and snapping.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Matthew quickly picked up his daughter, knowing it was time for him to go. "You two talk..."

"There's nothing to talk about!" Both of them said at the same time.

They were extremely in sync, but Chandler wasn't pleased at all.

With a dark expression, he turned and went straight upstairs.

"Go after him," Matthew urged Mariella.

Mariella shrugged. "What will be, will be. If Captain Zimmer wants to go upstairs, who am I to stop him? Let him be."

...

Mariella stayed with Serena a while longer. When she saw the little girl yawning, she asked Matthew to carry her upstairs to bed.

At that moment, Denton sent her a message, "My place is all set. When are you coming over to check it out?"

Along with the message was a photo of the new interior.

Mariella looked at it and felt a little speechless. The layout was almost identical to her own place. Even so, she wasn't surprised.

After all, nearly the entire Celestine Ridge had started using No. 98 as a reference, so much so that most of the townhouses now looked the same.

However, when she saw the unit number in the photo, she couldn't help but freeze. "You picked No. 101? Don't you know it used to be the thug leader Tigre's base, which later got taken over by Black Bear?"

That place had seen bloodshed twice over.

"I know," Denton replied casually, showing he didn't really care. "In times like these, what does it matter? Don't worry, I've got strong luck. I can handle it."

Seeing how relaxed he was, Mariella didn't say more and asked, "When are you moving in?"

"I just finished packing tonight, and I'll move in tomorrow. Oh, and my guys are moving into No. 102. We'll be neighbors from now on, so we should look out for each other." He paused, then added casually, "We're all eating together tonight. Want to come over for a drink?"