The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 897

Chapter 897

Chapter 897

+5 BONUS

Nicole set out corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions ahead of time. The growing areas produced all of them, so Poppy’s job gave her an easy explanation for having so many vegetables.

The sausages and salted fish could pass for supplies she kept from before.

Weasel grinned at Nicole. “I always eat well when you’re around.’

He didn’t expect to sit back and be served, either. He jumped right in to help.

Stella and Lucas stood nearby, chopping the vegetables.

Lucas kept sneaking glances at the meat on the cutting board, swallowing hard each time. He could hardly believe they were having real meat.

Marcus arrived last with a pound of fish patties.

Keeping up appearances no longer mattered much to him. With time to kill before dinner, he even went back to the construction site to haul a few more bricks.

“Nicole, tell me we’re having barbecue. I’ve been thinking about it all day.”

Weasel looked up at the easy familiarity in his voice. He wasn’t used to sharing his place as Nicole’s favorite hanger-on.

Marcus caught the look and arched an eyebrow. “What?”

He might haul bricks now, but he was still the son of the country’s former richest man. Some of that old pride stayed with him.

Nicole and Zeph earned his respect by proving they were tougher than he was. They also put him in his place more than once and saw him through enough humiliating moments to last a lifetime.

He could drop his pride around them. That didn’t mean everyone else got the same privilege.

Certainly not a small-time trader. Back in the villa community, even Sven treated him with respect.

The raised eyebrow was pure Marcus, though his tone lacked its old arrogance.

Weasel spent years making deals. He knew how to keep people happy and saw no reason to antagonize a potential

customer.

He simply grinned. “Nothing. Just thinking you’re looking better than ever, Mr. Robinson.”

Weasel could put up with a little condescension. It was making money that mattered.

Marcus brightened. “Now that’s more like it. Keep going.”

It was the first compliment he had heard in years. He missed his diamond-studded slippers, his slicked-back hair, and flashy coats.

Poppy handled the cooking, grilling cured pork, fish, and vegetables.

The smell made Marcus’s stomach growl. He couldn’t help reaching for a bite.

Nicole was just as quick to put him to work as she was Weasel. She nudged him with her foot.

“Would Your Highness like to be spoon-fed, too? Go set the table.”

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Chapter 897

+5 BONUS

Marcus took the teasing in stride. He pulled his hand back and went to get them.

He kept talking as he worked. “Poppy, you’re getting good at this. Got a boyfriend yet?”

Poppy nearly swatted him on the forehead with her spatula.

Zeph gave him a hard look. Marcus immediately backed off. “I’m kidding! Come on, Zeph. Don’t look at me like that.”