Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 245: Changing Things Up

Mariella had originally planned to turn him down, but then she thought of a certain man sulking upstairs. Fine, I won't go back early.

She responded, "Sure! I'll be right there."

She grabbed a large backpack and, under the cover of rummaging through it, quietly pulled out some deli meats and cooked dishes from her storage space and packed them inside.

After thinking for a moment, she added a few bags of snacks and nuts. Finally, she stuffed in a few bottles of drinks, filling the bag to the brim.

Should I use a sack instead?

Forget it. There's going to be another housewarming tomorrow anyway. I'll just bring something better tomorrow.

The backpack was too big and heavy, and she felt ridiculous carrying it.

Besides, it was late. She was a girl, and she didn't want to scare the neighbors, so she decided to bring a bodyguard with her.

She looked up, scanning for a target, and just happened to spot Number One lingering nearby.

Their eyes met.

"Deputy Captain, are you free to come out with me for a bit?" she asked, casually grabbing the nearest person who could help her.

Number One froze, like he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

Seeing his hesitation, Mariella thought she might have put him in an awkward position and quickly said, "If it's not convenient, forget it. I'll ask someone else..."

"I'm free!" Number One said quickly.

Mariella handed him the backpack. With his build, he was definitely the right person to carry something this big.

Number One took it, holding it in one hand without even slinging it over his shoulder.

The two of them left the townhouse one after the other.

Even though they kept a low profile, sharp-eyed teammates still noticed.

"Wait, why did Ms. Townsend leave with the deputy captain?"

"What?" A group of people rushed over and pressed their faces against the glass door to watch.

Sure enough, they watched as the two of them reached the courtyard gate. Number One was holding a backpack, and Mariella opened the iron gate before they walked out together like they were taking an evening stroll.

Everyone wondered where they were going at this time of night.

After all, Captain Zimmer had always been the one who escorted her everywhere. Now, it looked like Number One had somehow replaced him.

Mariella's visit made No. 101 buzz with excitement.

Denton, his men, along with their families and children, were gathered around a dining table, filling the whole place with noise and warmth.

Mariella was a little surprised. "You've already moved in?"

Denton quickly stood up to greet her with a big grin. "You're here! Thanks for coming. I'm seriously happy tonight. Come, have a drink with us!"

They had originally lived somewhere less safe, and over the past few days, they'd gradually started moving their supplies over.

His men were skilled at everything, so most of the renovation work was done by them. Their families had helped move supplies, cook, and clean. The kids had been brought along too, since there was no one else to look after them.

Even though it wasn't officially a full move yet, most of them were already living there.

Mariella motioned for Number One to open the bag, and they took out roast beef slices, barbecue ribs, and several packs of roasted chicken. There was also a bag of mixed nuts. Alongside that were bags of snacks, some yogurt, and bottles of juice.

The sight of these rare treats made everyone freeze. The kids cheered and rushed forward at once.

The smell of meat made their mouths water, along with the roasted nuts, snacks, and drinks that the kids loved. It felt like a dream to them.

The women quickly snapped out of it and hurried to stop them. "Don't grab! Don't touch it! No one else has eaten yet!"

Denton cleared his throat politely. "This is way too generous of you."

Mariella smiled, "Just some snacks I brought along. I'll bring a proper housewarming gift tomorrow."

Denton glanced at Number One beside her and raised an eyebrow. "Where's Chandler? Didn't he come with you? You two have a fight?"

Mariella didn't bat an eye. "Just changing things up."

Number One's face instantly turned red, and he awkwardly lowered his head.

Denton laughed and smoothly changed the topic. "Let me introduce everyone. This is my wife, Natasha, and my two sons. These are Patrick's kids, and these are Simon's..."

Denton introduced Mariella to all the women and children there.

Denton's wife had a gentle, classic kind of beauty, like a refined young lady from a wealthy family. Their two children were well-behaved. The older one was six, the younger only three.

"Your wife has such a refined, elegant vibe," Mariella teased, glancing at Denton. "How did you manage to win her over?"

Denton scratched his receding hairline and chuckled proudly. "She fell for my inner beauty."

Everyone burst out laughing. Patrick immediately exposed him. "He chased her for seven years, that's what happened!"

Mariella blinked in surprise. "Seven years?"

That's some serious persistence.

Natasha Mack smiled shyly and quickly changed the subject. "Please, have a seat. I'll get you two some utensils."

Number One stood stiffly at the side, but Mariella patted the seat next to her. "Everyone else is sitting. Why are you standing there making yourself stand out?"