18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 197

Going to the restroom, then entering Arcadia, Stella unfurled the note, revealing just two words: Danger ahead.

The handwriting was distorted, deliberately disguised. Strange, Teddy was actually warning them?

“Not so strange, actually.” Jasper analyzed, “Teddy has been in contact with Bryce the most, and he knows him better than anyone else.”

Bryce was not only a coward, but also had a knack for burning bridges. Who would willingly follow such a leader?

Teddy had long been dissatisfied with Bryce, but he lacked the power to confront him. He was even used as a scapegoat this morning.

Once such a thing happened, it was bound to happen again.

Stella pondered, “So you're suggesting that Teddy knew Bryce was planning to kill us, but today’s events have pushed him to side with us?”

No, Teddy wanted to use Jasper to get rid of Bryce. And by then he could just sit back and reap the benefits.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, not so competent yet full of cunning plans.

However, Alpha Outpost had already been destroyed, and given Bryce's character, it was absolutely impossible for him to keep Jasper any longer, lest unexpected events occur.

Stella was a bit curious, “And how do you think he plans to do away with us, a simple spray of bullets?”

Jasper didn’t think so. “Bryce values his image. If he kills us in front of everyone, what would his followers think? Who would dare to serve him in the future?”

If Jasper guessed correctly, Bryce would resort to underhanded tactics, such as poisoning their drinks or food, then come up with some excuse to explain their sudden disappearance or death.

No matter how you look at it, tonight's celebration was a trap.

Any carelessness could lead to disaster.

Night fell quickly, the bonfire was lit in the courtyard, and a few slaughtered lambs were roasting over the fire. Nearby, a pot bubbled with a delicious aroma.

Stella dressed Rosie in a white dress, complete with a pair of trousers. Cooper was equally pampered, its fur brushed until it shone.

As night descended, people gradually gathered in the courtyard, and the atmosphere became lively. Tonight, everyone was eager to celebrate their victory.

The boss had promised, that tonight there would be plenty of food and drink!

When Jasper and his group arrived at the courtyard, they noticed guards at the entrance. No weapons were allowed inside. The excuse was to prevent any drunken brawls, but in reality, Bryce was just afraid of being killed.

Stella was speechless. Bryce was behaving like a man with paranoia.

Fortunately, the group, including the dog, had not brought any weapons, so they entered the courtyard without any issues. Those who had, had to leave their weapons in a box for safekeeping.

Upon entering the courtyard, Stella took in the scene before her, her face immediately darkened. There were many more women in the courtyard than usual, around fifty or so, all different in appearance, including the ones who were brought back from Alpha Outpost today. They were all embraced by the tattooed men and subjected to various forms of mockery and crude behavior.

Some of the women seemed to enjoy it, while others looked pained but had no choice.