Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 71: No Turning Back

"You're not Mariella!" Kingston realized something and tried to back away in terror.

But his limbs were tightly bound, and with the mess beneath him, even moving was difficult.

"You've been possessed!" Kingston blurted, as if he'd finally figured it out. He was on the verge of tears.

If I'd known this idiot woman had been taken over by some evil spirit, I would've never walked straight into this.

Now, no matter how much he regretted it, it was too late.

"Idiot. You being alive is nothing but a waste of food and space," Mariella said coldly, killing intent filling her eyes.

She lifted her leg and kicked the writhing Kingston like he was nothing more than a worm.

He flew out through the open window like a ball, plunging into the endless flood below.

A tiny splash burst up, then vanished without a trace.

...

After dealing with Kingston, Mariella calmly took stock of the new additions in her storage space.

One helicopter, three handguns, two AK rifles, six magazines, and 100 rounds of ammo.

All that gear, and he still couldn't do anything right.

Seeing it was getting late, Mariella took her boat from the storage space, started the engine, and headed back toward Celestine Ridge.

On the way, she casually checked her phone.

As expected, Matthew, Chandler, and even Number One had all sent her multiple messages asking when she'd be back.

In a playful mood, Mariella sent them all the same message. "On my way. Wash up and wait for me in bed."

And just like that, the world went quiet.

...

As usual, Matthew was waiting by the door for Mariella to return.

When she got out of the car, she noticed his gaze shifting away, his fair face tinged with an unmistakable blush.

Only then did she remember her offhand joke and explain, "Picked up some rare supplies tonight. Got a little carried away. Don't take it seriously."

Matthew let out a quiet breath, looking like he wanted to say something but was holding back.

In the end, he only said, "It's late. You should get some rest."

He turned and walked inside ahead of her, his steps oddly stiff.

Mariella was speechless.

Yeah... that joke might've gone a little too far.

If his wife were still alive, she never would've joked like that with him.

Just because he was single, she teased him on impulse.

But he was a decent, proper man. That kind of joke clearly made him uncomfortable.

She decided she would have to watch herself in the future. No more messing around like that.

...

Mariella knocked on Chandler's door.

It took a while before it opened.

Before she could step inside, Chandler came out and shut the door behind him with a firm click.

He clearly intended to talk in the hallway.

He was fully dressed, every button fastened neatly.

Even his usually calm gaze looked tense now, like he was bracing for something. "If you have something to say, say it here."

Mariella paused.

Alright. I scared him again.

"Come to my room?" she suggested.

Chandler stared at her for a moment before silently reopening his door.

Mariella lifted her chin and walked in without hesitation.

Chandler glanced around. Almost every door on the second floor was cracked open just a little.

Pairs of curious eyes peeked out, watching closely.

His lips pressed into a thin line as he stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

The moment the door closed, those half-open doors swung wide.

They'd just come back from a night mission, but none of them looked tired.

Instead, their eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Ms. Townsend went into Captain Zimmer's room... Does that mean...?"

"Now I get why she gave him a private room. It makes things convenient."

"Or maybe it's just because he's the captain?"

...

The door shut, cutting off all the whispers and prying eyes outside.

Mariella didn't waste time. "Can you fly a helicopter?"

Chandler paused, then nodded. "Yes."

Mariella wasn't surprised.

She smiled. "Figured you could handle anything. I picked up a helicopter tonight. Can you help me shut it down?"

Since Chandler already knew about her storage space, she didn't bother hiding it anymore.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside.

Chandler froze in place, stunned by what he saw.

A two-story villa sat within the space, complete with a roughly 650-square-foot garden. Wheat, corn, and sweet potatoes were planted there, along with three pumpkin vines, three spinach plants, and three blueberry bushes.

Everything looked like it was growing well, though the leaves were slightly drooping, as if they needed watering.

Beside the garden was a small pond, its water crystal clear, filled with lush green aquatic plants, almost like it existed solely to feed and sustain the garden.