Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 43: Get Moving

Chandler ordered dinner from a nearby restaurant, and the delivery carts were pushed straight into the villa's dining hall.

The bodyguards ate together in the spacious first-floor dining area.

Matthew and Serena each had their own spread, and Serena even carried her plate over to Mariella.

Chandler glanced up and told her he had saved her a meal.

Mariella took her dinner and found a seat.

As she ate, she looked around at the dozen or so people in the dining hall and suddenly felt a huge weight on her shoulders.

How much money would it take to support all of them?

They had already moved into the new place. Tonight, the entire team had to begin stockpiling.

Good teammates should be able to support themselves. She wasn't running a charity.

After dinner, the restaurant staff collected the dishes and carts and even helped clean up.

The bodyguards were already used to this kind of life. At mealtime, delicious food would be delivered, they could eat as much as they wanted, and they didn't have to wash a single dish.

Mariella knew very well that these comfortable days were about to end.

Once the delivery carts left, she began asking everyone about their afternoon tasks.

Matthew spoke first, saying he had brought over everything he could from home.

He had a vague sense that Mariella wanted to recruit him as her personal doctor. Even though she hadn't said it outright, he had already accepted it in his heart.

It wasn't just that Serena liked Mariella and the villa. He himself was willing to work for her too.

As for salary, he didn't care. She could decide whatever she thought was fair.

Seeing his calm expression, Mariella realized she didn't even need to make her prepared pitch. He had already agreed to stay.

She smiled and nodded. "We'll talk about the details when we have time."

"Salary isn't an issue. I can work part-time," Matthew added, glancing at the bodyguards beside him, clearly feeling the pressure on Mariella's finances.

Supporting so many bodyguards had to be expensive.

He went on, "I know quite a few homeowners in Celestine Ridge. I can serve as their family doctor. I can also work as a regular healthcare consultant for Brightcastle Kindergarten."

In short, he could support himself and didn't need Mariella to pay him. She only needed to cover his and Serena's living expenses.

Mariella felt a warm stir in her chest.

In both her past life and this one, Matthew had always treated her well.

"Don't worry. I won't shortchange you," she said gently, then turned her attention to Chandler.

Chandler reported the details of the vehicle returns, deposit refunds, lease termination, and deposit recovery. He also confirmed the purchase of three Chevrolet vans.

At the mention of this, the bodyguards were all puzzled.

Why did our generous boss return the high-end seven-seater vans and replaced them with Chevrolet vans?

No one could figure out what she was thinking.

Chandler then sent the amount of cash he had withdrawn to Mariella's phone. "The cash is in the safe."

As for the location of the safe, that would be discussed privately.

Mariella glanced at the amount. He had managed to withdraw several hundred thousand, which was already impressive.

"I withdrew 100 grand from the bank counter. The rest was pulled out from various ATMs by the team," Chandler explained.

Mariella nodded, signaling him to continue.

Chandler added, "I've scheduled a one-million withdrawal for tomorrow. The rest will have to wait until the day after."

Mariella thought for a moment before making a decision. "Transfer 20 grand to each person. Tonight, go out and buy one month's worth of living supplies. Stick to proper stores and keep all receipts for accounting."

Chandler carried out the order immediately.

Each bodyguard suddenly had an extra 20 grand in their account, and they all broke into smiles. Our boss is seriously generous.

"Split into groups of three and take one vehicle each. You must spend the full 20 grand tonight. Only buy daily necessities. That means food, winter clothing, and basic supplies. Especially for women, stock up on enough sanitary products. If you buy anything else, it won't be reimbursed, and I'll deduct it from your pay," Mariella added.

Everyone looked confused, exchanging glances but still not understanding.

"Chandler and Number One are with me. Dr. Lester and Serena stay behind at the villa. Lucky guards the house." She continued assigning roles.

She checked the time. It was already 7 p.m.

"Everyone move. Go!"

...

Three Chevrolet vans and one pickup truck drove out of the villa in a line.

Under normal circumstances, this would have attracted attention from the other residents, but thankfully, the heatwave had driven everyone indoors with their air conditioning on.

Even though the sun had set, the heat from the day lingered like a giant steam oven. No one was out to watch the commotion.