Chapter 196: Prepare for the Inevitable
April’s brow furrowed in dry irritation. "If you aren’t sitting at this table to eat, then get out. You’re making Emily nervous with your stares."
The sudden sharp command sent a ripple through the men.
Alexander immediately cleared his throat, coughing awkwardly as he adjusted his collar. "R-Right! Of course, we’re eating! But... there’s no food."
Xavier let out a low, smooth chuckle, his deep voice breaking the slight tension. "The head chef was given short notice for a crowd of this size, April. He is preparing a multi-course meal, but the kitchen is currently pacing the dishes. The rest of the courses are being brought out now."
Xavier had texted his master chef while they were en route from the hospital, ordering a specialized, high-tier dining spread, aside the one that was already in preparation.
Because April could never resist an exquisite meal, he had listed out the incoming courses specifically for her: pan-seared wagyu beef, truffle-infused risotto, roasted duck breast, and freshly baked berry tarts for dessert.
As Xavier rattled off the menu, April’s brown eyes visibly perked up. The faint, stoic line of her lips softened by a fraction.
Nat cackled softly from beside her, resting his chin on his palm. "Look at those eyes light up. You really are easy to bribe when it comes to food, sweetheart."
Before April could throw a flat retort his way, Nat shifted his posture, his eyes darkening slightly as he brought up the elephant in the room.
"Speaking of," Nat said casually, "my boys have secured the Gabriel family in the lower sector facility and are currently starving them while bathing their wounds with salt water. They should—"
Clink.
Emily’s fork suddenly froze mid-air. Her chewing stopped completely, her shoulders going rigid as her face paled at the mention of the Gabriels.
The fragile peace she had found over her meal vanished in an instant, her mind spiraling back into the dark.
April’s eyes flicked sharply toward Nat. "I appreciate the report, Nat. But we can hold it off for now. We can discuss it again after we finish eating."
Nat caught the seriousness in April’s gaze, raising his hands in a smooth, easy surrender. "Alright."
Emily swallowed her food with difficulty, her hands trembling slightly as she carefully lowered her fork, her appetite momentarily dampened.
Seeing the heavy drop in mood, Alexander quickly jumped in to steer the conversation away, leaning forward with an enthusiastic smile. "So! Since we’re keeping things light, why don’t we talk about the apocalypse preparations? How is the fortress re-construction going, April? Has the dome installation started?"
April took a sip of her water, her tone returning to its clinical, organized rhythm. "I received a progress report from the head engineer this morning. The structural reinforced steel for the atmospheric dome arrived at the hillside site at dawn. Early construction is officially underway."
"When is the estimated completion date?" Xavier asked, his dark eyes locking onto hers with keen interest.
"It should be fully operational in two weeks," April stated. "If the engineers fall behind schedule, I will hire additional personnel to force a double-shift rotation. I need the entire perimeter ready and functional within fourteen days."
"Why the rush for two weeks?" Alexander asked, tilting his head. "Don’t we still have about six weeks according to your initial prediction?"
"You can never predict environmental anomalies or unexpected acceleration," April replied coldly. "Preparing early is the only absolute variable."
Nat leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "In that case, I need to clear out my lower sector operations faster. I’m finalizing the blueprints for my own safe shelter."
April looked at Nat with a speculating expression on her face. She already knew he was planning an expansive surface compound for refugees, but hearing him speak so casually about it still made her question his sanity.
Building a surface settlement with the apocalypse looming was absurdly high-risk. And taking in refugees was an even higher risk. But then again, this was Nat Collins; pushing limits and defying danger was practically his breathing habit.
If anything, she pitied those who would take shelter under his roof. God help them that they do not become baits for the zombie just for sports.
"How do you plan on securing a perimeter that wide without choking your own trade lines anyway?" April asked, her tone dry and pragmatic.
Nat’s face split into a sharp, arrogant smirk, his eyes gleaming with dark mischief as he rested his chin on his hand.
"Heavy firepower, tight chokepoints, and very loud explosives," Nat drawled playfully, winking at her. "Besides, can’t let Xavier have all the fun with his fortress."
"It isn’t just a fortress, Collins," Xavier replied smoothly, his deep voice effortlessly cutting through Nat’s boast. "It’s an interconnected network. The surface estate is merely the entry point."
April turned her eyes toward Xavier, picking up on the cue. "And how are the estate fortifications coming along?"
"Everything is being structurally reinforced," Xavier answered smoothly. "The outer perimeter walls are being doubled in thickness, high-tier filtration systems are installed, and my logistics team is securing heavy machinery. Samuel is overseeing the supply line."
Samuel nodded politely from across the table. "Yes, Miss April. I am currently executing continuous bulk orders for long-term food rations, medical supplies, and industrial fuel for both Lord Xavier’s bunker and your private compound. The procurement budget you provided has been fully integrated."
April noted it silently in her mind. Samuel’s efficiency was unmatched; having him manage the continuous real-world supply chain saved her massive amounts of time.
Once the bulk goods were ready to be transported to her fortress, she could easily sweep through and store them all into her spatial dimension.
"What about your end, Alexander?" April asked, turning her head toward the Greels’ Heir. "How is your grandfather’s botany project proceeding?"
Alexander rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. "It’s actually going great! My grandfather is completely obsessed with it. He’s building a massive, enclosed green-dome garden right behind our main safe house, equipped with soil-purification systems. He wants to make sure we can grow fresh crops even if the outer soil gets contaminated. Honestly, he’s doing everything himself—I barely have any work to do."