The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 749

Irene refused to believe Arthur knew the truth.

The base hospital couldn't run paternity tests, and even if he suspected something, years of disasters had wiped out most of the evidence. There was no realistic way for him to dig up what happened more than 20 years ago.

Besides, ever since she and Camila arrived at the base, neither of them mentioned Nicole. Even when Arthur first asked where they had been living before, Irene never brought up the villa community.

"Don't panic. I'll ask."

Irene took a deep breath, picked up the radio, and stepped onto the balcony to contact Arthur's secretary.

-

The military strategic zone was more than 20 miles from the residential district. On the way, they passed the base hospital, farmland, the industrial sector, and the airfield before finally reaching the coastline.

Once they entered the restricted zone, Nicole saw armed guards at their posts, military units running drills, and radar arrays rotating steadily on raised platforms.

The parking lots were lined with rows of earthquake-resistant buses. The airfield was packed with military helicopters of every size and type.

Along the coast sat oceangoing ships, military vessels, survival pods, and submarines, packed so densely that they seemed to stretch all the way to the horizon.

The sight sent a chill through Nicole. So this was what the full strength of a nation looked like.

In the distance, a massive cargo ship sounded its horn as it eased toward the dock, its deck stacked high with shipping containers.

If Nicole was right, they were filled with whatever remained of modern civilization, being moved by sea and gathered at the southern military district for safekeeping.

Since this was a restricted military zone, Nicole couldn't openly look around. She only stole a few glances, but even that was enough to leave a deep impression.

After passing through several checkpoints, the SUV stopped outside the military administration complex. Simon led the four of them inside, through two buildings and up a flight of stairs, until they reached Arthur's office.

Nicole frowned. This was far too formal for a simple thank-you, and she couldn't shake the feeling there was more to it.

Zeph clearly thought the whole thing was excessive as well, but they were on military property. All they could do was exchange a look and stay alert.

Nicole quickly started thinking through her options.

Over the past few years, she rarely entered the storage space unless she had to, mostly because it wasted time. But if her secret was exposed here, she could always hide inside for a few months.

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