The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 358

Chapter 358

Nicole’s group of four got out of the car and followed Anthony into the villa.

There was a security scanner at the entrance. One by one, they stepped through.

The moment they walked inside, the heat dropped away, replaced by cool air that felt like a second chance at life..

A crystal chandelier hung overhead, polished marble floors stretched out beneath them, and a decorative landscape display sat in the center of the hall. The whole place looked like a high-end hotel lobby.

Another man with expensive taste.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

A man in his forties came down the spiral staircase, dressed in a khaki silk lounge set, gold-rimmed glasses, resting on his nose, his manner calm and refined. He didn’t look like the head of a base, more like a semi-retired executive with money and time to spare.

It was hard to picture him running a group of over 200 hardened men.

Looks didn’t mean anything. The worst predators knew how to play the part.

He wore expensive Hermès slippers, his smile smooth and polite as he extended a hand toward Zeph.

“Mr. Dawson, I’ve heard a lot about you. Impressive. You’ve taken down quite a few of my people.”

Zeph didn’t take the hand. His tone stayed even. “I don’t kill unless I have to.”

The man’s smile didn’t change. “That’s on me for not keeping them in line. Now that you’re here, I hope you’ll look out for us.”

“Nah. I prefer keeping to myself.”

The man laughed softly. “I can tell you’ve got potential. In times like this, someone like you could go far. Ironvale Base needs people like you.”

He walked over to the bar, opened a bottle of whiskey, and poured Zeph a glass. “I’m Felix Donovan.”

To show good faith, he raised his glass and drained it. “Your turn.”

Zeph didn’t say anything. He drank.

“Good. Then we’ll put the past behind us. Welcome to Ironvale Base.”

He glanced over, as if only now noticing the others. “And these are?”

Zeph answered simply. “My woman, my sister, and my dog.”

Felix’s attention shifted to Colą. “That’s a fine dog. You’ve taken good care of him.”

“He manages. Dogs have it easier these days. There’s always something for them to eat.”

Felix’s eyes narrowed slightly, amused. “Most dogs eat whatever they can get. This one looks like he’s seen blood.”

Zeph didn’t react. “He’s picky. Only eats fresh meat.”

Felix paused, then laughed. “I like a dog with character. Think you’d part with him?”

1/2

+15 Benus

“He’ll decide that for himself. If he chooses you, I won’t stop him.”

“That’s easy enough.” Felix waved a hand. “Bring something fresh.”

Fifteen minutes later, one of the men brought in a steaming tray and set it down in front of Cola.

Nicole understood immediately. Beneath the smile, Felix was testing them.

“Beautiful Malinois,” Felix smiled warmly at Cola, all easy charm. “Go on. It’s for you.”

Cola didn’t move. He met Felix’s gaze head-on, something sharp and dangerous in his eyes. Then, he lifted a paw and knocked the tray to the floor.

The room fell silent.

Zeph stayed calm. “Sorry. Forgot to mention. He doesn’t take handouts. He prefers hunting his own food.”

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