Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 66: Eyes Everywhere

He decided to move all the supplies to Celestine Ridge first, then figure out the next step.

Just then, the bounty hunter called. "We've got news on the assassin. He's captured Mariella alive, but he wants more money if you want her handed over."

That night, they still split into two teams.

Chandler led ten bodyguards, divided into three groups, moving together.

Mariella went solo.

She had Chandler take the team out first while she stayed behind to sort a few more things.

After everyone left the villa, she turned to Matthew and gave him a few instructions.

"Practice your shooting at home. Get used to handling the gun. Don't worry about wasting ammo."

She took out a suppressor and handed it to him. "If you're worried about noise, use this."

Serena bounced over, eyes full of curiosity. "What's that?"

Matthew stopped her. "Don't ask."

Serena obediently closed her mouth.

Mariella, however, pulled out a compact handgun from her bag. It was also taken from that unlucky assassin.

"This one's small. Fits Serena."

Serena was still young. Even with training from Chandler and Number One, her physical strength was limited.

If she learned to use a gun, her ability to protect herself would increase dramatically.

Matthew hesitated. "A weapon this valuable, and you're giving it to a child?"

Isn't that a waste?

"That's exactly why she needs it," Mariella said, looking him straight in the eye. "Look up proper shooting techniques and safety guidelines online. Teach her carefully."

She knew Matthew was sharp. He could pick things up quickly.

Even if he'd never handled a gun before, he'd learn fast.

Matthew's eyes turned red. In the end, all he said was, "Thank you, Mariella."

He truly meant it.

Mariella smiled. "Just keep it quiet. Don't let anyone else know."

The moment she said that, a chill ran down her spine, like someone was watching her.

Wait... is someone else here?

She looked around and spotted the surveillance camera pointed right at them.

Right. Chandler had installed several cameras in the courtyard to monitor training and keep people from slacking.

His phone app was connected to the system, letting him check everything in real time.

Which meant that what she thought was a private conversation with Matthew had been clearly seen by Chandler.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced down.

A message from Chandler popped up. "I saw everything."

Mariella ignored him. Let him see, then.

Her stuff was hers. She could give it to whoever she wanted, and if she wanted to give one person more, that was none of anyone else's business.

If he had a problem with it, he could keep it to himself. She needed him to understand that her tolerance had limits.

After leaving Lucky behind with Matthew and Serena, Mariella drove out in the pickup.

...

Harvey's use of helicopters to move supplies drew attention across all of Celestine Ridge.

People started talking. Did he hear something? Why is he making such a big move?

Harvey explained in the homeowners' group chat, "Since the company building is flooded, I've had no choice but to move operations home. Sorry for the disturbance."

He sent out dozens of cash gifts in the chat, each person receiving several thousand dollars.

The residents of Celestine Ridge weren't short on money, but they appreciated the gesture.

"No need to be so polite, Mr. Graham. We're neighbors, after all."

"This damn weather... Who knows when the rain will stop?"

"My company got flooded too. Maybe I should move operations home as well."

"Our warehouse is underwater. We've lost tens of millions."

"When is this rain ever going to stop?"

Everyone's attention shifted to the weather, and Harvey's helicopter operations faded into the background.

Seeing that no one was focusing on him anymore, Harvey finally let out a quiet breath.

He told Roxanna about the assassin capturing Mariella and asked for her opinion.

"Should I kill her now, or keep her alive for now and marry her after the flood? Once your father completes the will's conditions, he'll gain full inheritance rights. I've always thought you deserved the Townsend Group shares more."

"You decide," Roxanna said. She blinked her soft eyes before calling out, "Kingston!"

Kingston appeared from the side, visibly excited. "I heard Mariella's been caught!"

Though his bandages were off, his injuries hadn't fully healed. He still limped when he walked.

Thinking about how Mariella had caused his injuries made him want to tear her apart.

"Harvey's people captured Mariella, but that assassin's demanding another 10,000,000. Harvey's trying to figure out who to send to bring her back," Roxanna said with a sigh.