Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 8: Stockpiling Bodyguards

Mariella's ears twitched at the mention of Chandler's name.

Yesterday at Celestine Ridge, she'd been attacked by Kingston. It was a bodyguard named Chandler who had stepped in, seized the gun, and shot the dog dead. And today, there happened to be a Chandler who had just been fired by his employer?

It couldn't be such a coincidence, right?

Bruce didn't get angry. He actually looked pleased. He immediately told Mariella, "We actually have a bodyguard who fits your requirements perfectly. Ms. Townsend, do you want to meet him?"

...

The assistant called Chandler into the manager's office.

Mariella looked up at the tall, well-built man. When their eyes met, he clearly froze for a moment.

She smiled. It really was him!

Seeing Mariella's satisfied expression, Bruce beamed as he introduced him, "Chandler is our top bodyguard at Flameshield Security. He's a retired special forces soldier, extremely skilled. Most importantly, he meets all your criteria—no immediate family, unmarried, and no girlfriend!"

Chandler's eyes sharpened as he looked at Bruce.

Bruce spread his hands. "You should rein in your attitude a bit. It doesn't matter how skilled you are if clients keep firing you. So, tell me—what was the reason this time?"

In peaceful times, wealthy clients prioritized obedience. A bodyguard who was rebellious, talked back, or challenged orders usually ended up getting fired immediately.

Mariella vaguely guessed what was going on and asked Chandler, "Did you get fired because of yesterday's incident?"

He replied flatly, "It was personal reasons."

Bruce looked surprised. "You two know each other?"

Mariella briefly explained yesterday's events. "... Luckily, Mr. Zimmer stepped in. Otherwise, I might have gotten hurt."

The outcome might not have changed, but she couldn't have walked away unscathed.

Bruce was delighted. "Looks like you two were destined to meet!"

He then turned to Chandler. "Ms. Townsend is offering a high salary. It's 200,000 for the first month, 300,000 for the second, and 500,000 for the third. You meet the requirements—unmarried, no girlfriend, no immediate family."

Mariella noticed Chandler's expression darken. Realizing her conditions might have sounded offensive, she quickly added, "Mr. Zimmer can be an exception."

Rules were fixed, but people were flexible.

For someone like Chandler, with exceptional skills and a solid character, the other requirements could be relaxed slightly.

Bruce smiled. "Then it's settled. Chandler is your first bodyguard. There are 15 more to hire."

Chandler glanced at Mariella and didn't refuse.

He had been fired so many times. If he missed this opportunity, he could be unemployed again.

...

Mariella paid a one-million deposit, and Bruce personally went to arrange the remaining 15 bodyguards.

Since Chandler was already on the job, he naturally stayed by her side, ready to protect her at any moment.

Mariella gestured for him to sit. "You were fired because of me."

It was a statement, not a question.

Chandler didn't hide it anymore and said evenly, "My former employer thought I meddled too much. He complained that I offended the Shepherds and indirectly offended the Grahams. He wanted me to go to Shepherd Residence and apologize. I refused."

Mariella looked at him more deeply, a little emotional as she rubbed her hands. "Bodyguards like you—honest, kind, and principled—are rare. Your former employer was blind. That's his loss."

If that employer hadn't been blind, she wouldn't have gotten such a bargain. At least it saved her the effort and time of recruiting Chandler.

Chandler noticed her excitement, and his mouth slightly twitched.

He felt like she was looking at him the way a predator looked at prey.

...

Mariella's time was precious. She wasn't going to sit here waiting.

She had already secured Chandler, satisfied with both his skill and character, and led him out of the manager's office.

"Ms. Townsend, I've found five more bodyguards who meet your criteria. Take a look!" Bruce hurried back, afraid she'd walk off.

Mariella stopped and scanned the five bodyguards Bruce brought.

All were tall, muscular, and sharp-eyed, with clean, short haircuts. At a glance, they looked decent.

She assessed each one, nodding slightly.

Bruce pressed on, "Why not take them all with you? I'll find the rest as soon as possible."

Even hiring a single bodyguard meant nearly 7,000 dollars a day, with the agency taking a 30% cut and the manager half of that, and the monthly pay increasing thereafter.

Bruce felt his blood pump thinking of the commission, only frustrated that he couldn't find so many loners all at once.

Mariella requested the five bodyguards. "Besides daytime training, we'll install surveillance in the dorms at night. Can you guys accept that?"

The five bodyguards' expressions all changed.

"What? Cameras even while we're sleeping? That's too much!"

"You're invading our privacy!"

"Aren't we humans? Don't we deserve some dignity and private space?"

It wasn't just the five of them who were outraged. Chandler's expression darkened as well.

He was the first to speak clearly, "I don't agree—"

"You're the exception!" Mariella quickly cut him off, blinking. "You're the team leader. You'll have a private room. No surveillance needed."

Chandler was speechless.

Hearing that, the five bodyguards grew even more indignant. "Why the special treatment? Aren't we human too?"

"He already passed the assessment and has been officially hired!" Mariella raised her chin and arched an eyebrow. "You guys haven't passed yet; you can be eliminated at any time."

Hearing they might be eliminated, they fell silent.

The first month paid 200,000, the second month 300,000, and the third month 500,000. Their previous best was maybe 10 thousand a month. Occasionally, they might get 20,000 or 30,000, and that already counted as elite pay.

Mariella's offer was too good to refuse.

If cameras had to be installed in the dorms, then so be it. Sacrificing privacy for a high salary was worth it.

...

Mariella had successfully stockpiled six bodyguards in one trip, including Chandler, whom she had already set her sights on yesterday. It was quite a haul.

She exchanged contact information with Chandler and handed him a bank card with instructions.

"There's one million on this card. First, rent a temporary space for half a month. Ideally, a warehouse or factory near Celestine Ridge. It has to be big enough for 16 bodyguards to train and sleep, plus space for storing supplies.

"Then arrange meals and lodging. Besides your own room, all other dorms need surveillance. Equip them with a complete set of self-defense protective equipment. Just according to the standards you used in the military. Pay for all expenses with this card and keep receipts for all expenses for accounting.

"Oh, and you'll need to rent several vehicles, at least enough to transport 16 people. And don't forget to set up a bedroom for me. I'll be staying there as well."

Chandler was a bit surprised, but he quickly grasped the key points. "Equip them according to military standards?"

Mariella smiled faintly. "If it's something you can get, just spend the money and buy it. If it can't be obtained, we'll figure it out later."

Currently, firearms were still strictly controlled. But when the apocalypse came, she would find a way.

In the apocalypse, firearms would be essential for survival.