The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Nicole tugged down his shoulder strap, poured the medicated wine onto the injury, and started massaging it with steady pressure.

Neither of them spoke. The silence hung awkwardly in the air.

Nicole cleared her throat. “Thanks for stepping in back there.”

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Zeph shook his head. “You could’ve dodged it. I misjudged.”

Well… She probably could’ve dodged it, but it wasn’t like he was overstepping. Besides, maybe she could dodge this time, but what about the next?

She understood what it meant. It was a concern from someone on her team. 2

Still, she felt like she had to say something. “Maybe I could’ve avoided it, maybe not. Either way, you need to look out for yourself. Don’t take risks like that again. You scared Poppy.”

“It’s fine. Just a minor injury. I know my limits.”

He might, but she didn’t want to owe him this. Debts like that were the hardest to pay back.

After more than ten minutes of working the muscle, she stuck on a medicated patch and set aside the pills he would need.

Before leaving, Nicole added, “Keep an eye on it. If anything feels off, tell me right away.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

She paused. “It’s nothing.”

He had gotten hurt because of her, after all.

Back in her place, Nicole took a shower, changed into lounge clothes, and sank into the couch, her thoughts drifting.

Things on the 18th floor were good. No one nitpicked, and after months together, there hadn’t been any

real conflict.

Because of Poppy, Zeph treated her noticeably better than Jeremy and the others. But this was the end of the world. When survival was on the line, everyone put themselves first.

Even in the same group, there was no reason for him to step in and take a hit for her. 1

If it had been Jeremy or the others, that would make sense. They grew up together and had years of history. Helping each other came naturally.

But Zeph?

Nicole thought it through and decided he had probably just been confident in his own ability, certain

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there was no real danger, and acted on instinct.

Not to sound full of herself, but she believed she ranked second in combat ability on the 18th floor, and she was the bridge between him and Hughie’s group. She also handled Poppy’s lessons seriously.

If she died, their overall strength would drop, defending the floor would get harder, and he would have to find someone else to teach Poppy.

With his cold personality, getting along with Hughie and the others wouldn’t be as smooth. If new neighbors moved in, there would probably be conflict sooner or later.

Yeah. That had to be it. 1

Once Nicole settled on that explanation, she let out a quiet breath.

Still… Something about it felt off.

Cola suddenly pounced on her, pawing at her and inviting her to play. Jumping and bouncing around, he broke her train of thought completely.

The dog had been worn out today, so dinner was extra generous. She prepared grilled chicken breast, ribs, corn soup, plus the usual greens. He ate like a king.

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