The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 363

Chapter 363

+15 Велия

Poppy might be young, but she picked up on things adults missed. She edged back behind Zeph, clearly uneasy.

That left Felix looking a little awkward.

Zeph said, “She’s shy around strangers.”

“It’s fine. Kids are like that. Come on, have a seat.”

Felix took the head of the table and sighed.

“I owe you an apology. You just got here. I should’ve given you a proper welcome. Instead, Drakehold came looking for trouble and ruined things for all of us.

“Even in the apocalypse, there should be rules. First come, first served. But Drakehold acts like they answer to no one. They rolled in with an armored vehicle and wiped out our people like it was nothing.”

He spoke with growing intensity, his voice tight with anger.

Zeph listened without saying a word.

The silence stretched.

Anthony stepped in. “Exactly. Some of our guys already took people to settle the score. They’ll be back later. Hope you understand.”

Nicole smiled faintly. “With you in charge, Felix, I’m sure Ironvale will come out ahead.”

Anthony picked it up. “Well said. The lamb’s ready. Let’s eat.”

Felix waved them in. “Come on. There’s plenty of food and drink tonight.”

Zeph spoke first. “Sorry, I don’t handle alcohol well. I’m still feeling what I had at lunch.”

Anthony uncorked a bottle of red wine. “You’ve got to drink. This dinner’s for you.”

“Old habits. I really can’t drink much.”

Nicole cut in, casual. “It’s been two years. Those rules don’t mean much anymore. Felix is offering. Have a little.”

Zeph didn’t respond, but he didn’t refuse again.

Felix took the opening. “Zeph, sounds like your work before all this wasn’t ordinary. Two years in, and you’re still sticking to those habits. What did you do?”

Nicole answered directly, “He was in special ops, but he was forced out after an injury. Took the fall for something that wasn’t entirely his. It’s hard to break habits like that.”

Felix’s expression shifted to approval. “That explains it. No wonder you’re so capable. Nothing seems to slow you down.”

“You’re too kind.” Something in Zeph’s expression dimmed, and he drained his glass in one go. 1

Anthony quickly filled it again.

The roasted lamb was brought out, fresh and fragrant, the smell making mouths water.

Felix tried to keep the conversation going, but Zeph stayed quiet and drank again.

1/2

+15 Bohus

Nicole stepped in smoothly. “He didn’t leave on good terms. Best not to bring it up.”

“My mistake.” Felix raised his glass. “Let’s leave it there.”

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