Gerald’s frown deepened as he studied the two dusty men outside his window. “How do you know about the apocalypse?” he asked flatly.The heavier one smirked, a greasy curl of the lip that immediately set Gerald’s teeth on edge. “You don’t remember us? You used to be good with us.”The thinner man leaned closer, voice low and familiar in the worst way. “I’m Ferran. He’s Jude.”The names hit like a slap. Gerald’s pupils tightened. During the apocalypse, these two had been part of his early scavenging group. When food grew scarce they had gone out together. Gerald had done the hard work—climbing wrecked shelves, hauling crates while the other two lagged behind. He had still offered to share everything equally. That night they waited until he slept, then beat him nearly to death with iron pipes and left him bleeding in an alley. The pain, the betrayal, the cold concrete against his broken ribs—none of it had faded.He stared at them now, blinking once. “You also returned here.”Ferran

Meanwhile, Raphael returned to the NewTop headquarters.Actually, his determination to acquire the company had never been about ordinary business expansion.He had an insider.For months, one of NewTop's senior researchers had secretly fed him confidential information in exchange for money. The latest report had caught Raphael's complete attention.According to the insider, NewTop's laboratories were on the verge of completing an experimental serum capable of dramatically increasing the human body's resistance to extreme cold.Early tests suggested a person injected with the serum could survive freezing temperatures that would normally prove fatal for as long as three weeks.To Raphael, it sounded like a gold mine.Mountain expeditions. Arctic research teams. Military operations. Emergency rescue organizations. Even wealthy adventurers climbing the world's highest peaks. Countless people die every year from hypothermia.If NewTop truly possessed such a serum, every government and priv

Hannah's smile remained as she nodded. “Yes, NewTop. You probably know about them, right?”Gerald nodded slowly. “Yes, yes. Of course I know NewTop. But why do you want to meet one of their executives?”Hannah picked up her handbag from beside the chair. “I've been investing my money on one of their research projects for years now. We were actually very close to making progress with it, but recently, I haven't been able to contact the people involved. So I decided to go there myself and find out what's happening.”Gerald sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “NewTop again…”Hannah immediately noticed his reaction. She frowned slightly. “Is there a problem?”Gerald hesitated for a moment. He knew that if Hannah went to NewTop and crossed paths with Raphael, there was a real possibility that Raphael would kill her. He couldn't simply tell her about the apocalypse, but he needed to make her understand how dangerous the situation had become.“Yeah,” Gerald finally said. “There is.”Hann

Meanwhile, Gerald and the others finally returned home.The moment they entered the bunker, Mrs. Alden and Erena stopped in their tracks.They stared around in complete disbelief.The place was far larger than either of them had imagined. Long corridors stretched in several directions, while rows of shelves were already being filled with food, water, medicine, tools, fuel, and other essential supplies. There were several rooms, storage areas, and even a large central hall.Erena slowly turned toward Gerald. “All of this is yours?”Gerald nodded casually. Mrs. Alden looked around again, still stunned. “So this is where all those supplies have been going?”“Exactly.”Neither woman could hide her amazement. They had no idea why all this. Further inside the bunker, Ferran and Jude had already noticed them..Jude leaned toward Ferran and glanced at Erena with a grin.“Look at that girl. I can't wait to have her once we deal with Gerald.”Ferran immediately glanced around before whispering

Tina scoffed the moment she heard Gerald's voice.“Drop your ego. I saw the video. Good. I have already divorced you, you are so, so embarrassing. What are you calling for, then?”Gerald ignored her insults. His voice remained tense.“Is Hannah there?”Tina immediately scoffed again. “You don't even hide it. You're missing her already? You still have the audacity to call me after everything?”“Tina, please. This is very urgent. Is she there?”“No, she isn't,” Tina replied coldly. “Even Grandfather is looking for her because of your stupid relationship with her. She is about to be in trouble”Gerald's expression changed. “What do you mean he's looking for her?”But Tina had already continued. “She hasn't been here. So stop calling me about her.”Gerald immediately ended the call. He lowered the phone and sighed heavily. His face had become grim.***Meanwhile, Hannah groaned as a sharp pain spread through her head.Her vision was blurry. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking several tim