Apocalypse Survivor

Chapter 7 lawsuit

“For a project of that scale? Around three months.” The contractor said politely. This was a big-shot client so he sounded very respectful and calm.

Ethan frowned. “I need it ready in three weeks.”

“Three weeks?” The contractor was surprised. He had a lot of questions, but as long as the client had the money, he could do that.

“That would require a massive workforce, multiple shifts, and expedited materials.”

“I don't care.” Ethan sat down. “Tell me the price.”

The contractor hesitated before giving him a figure. Ethan didn't even blink.

“Send me the invoice. I'll send the payment today.”

The contractor's voice immediately changed. His eyes sparkled, realizing he had hit a gold mine on this

“Yes, sir.”

“Start work tomorrow.” Ethan ended the call. Then he looked toward the dining room.

“Now…”

A smile appeared on his face. “Let's start with an expensive breakfast.”

By evening, news of Ethan's purchase had spread throughout the city. 

A mysterious young man had appeared out of nowhere and bought a Ten-million-dollar abandoned military facility.

People began speculating. Who was he? Where had his money come from? Was he an investor? A businessman?

A wealthy heir? Nobody knew.

But the next morning, one person thought she might have an answer. Benita arrived at Claire's home.

She had assumed Ethan's sudden wealth must have come from some wealthy family connection. She wanted to congratulate Claire and also look for a way to curry favor with Ethan after embarrassing herself.

She knocked for a while before the front door opened. Claire stood there. Her eyes were red, and her hair was disheveled. 

Benita froze. She wasn’t expecting this kind of look from the wife of someone so rich.

“Uh… Claire. Long time. I... came to congratulate you.”

Claire's expression darkened.

“Congratulations!” She held her hands as she entered the house. “It took a while I heard you moved. I was expecting you to have moved to the mansion with Ethan.” She tried to sound flattering.

“I'm divorced. Don’t mention his name.” Claire clenched her fists.

Benita stared. “What?”

“Ethan divorced me.”

“But…” She couldn't process it. “Didn't he barely have any money? How was he able to…”

Claire laughed bitterly. “That's what I thought.”

Her eyes burned with anger. “Apparently, I was wrong. There is no way he became rich overnight. He had been hiding assets all these years and was waiting for the moment to find a reason to end the marriage.”

Benita swallowed. “What are you going to do?”

Claire's expression hardened. “I'll sue him.”

She clenched her teeth. “If Ethan suddenly has money, then I want to know where it came from.”

*********

The abandoned military facility had become a construction site.

Ethan stood on the second floor of the old command building, looking over the enormous property.

The transformation had already begun.

Dozens of trucks rolled through the newly cleared entrance, carrying concrete, steel, pipes, generators, construction equipment, and other materials.

More arrived every few minutes. Some came during the day while others arrived long after midnight.

The construction company had mobilized an enormous workforce. Hundreds of laborers were working in shifts, ensuring the project continued around the clock. Floodlights illuminated the entire property.

Crane arms stretched into the sky, excavators tore through the earth and concrete mixers rumbled continuously.

Ethan folded his arms as he watched. The first phase was progressing exactly as he wanted. The entire property was to be surrounded by a massive, thick, tall reinforced wall. Once completed, climbing over it would be extremely difficult.

The main entrance was also being reinforced with heavy steel gates. Security checkpoints would eventually be installed along the perimeter.

Ethan had no intention of letting anyone casually walk into his survival base once the apocalypse began.

The contractor approached him with a helmet under his arm. “Mr. Ethan, the perimeter wall should be completed within the next few days.”

“Good.”

“We've also started reinforcing the underground structures.”

“Keep everything on schedule.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ethan nodded as he turned back toward the construction site.

This was only the beginning. The base needed storage facilities, water systems, power generation, medical rooms, living quarters, defensive positions, food storage, workshops, and multiple emergency exits.

Three weeks wasn't much time but Ethan had money and money could buy manpower.

As he watched another convoy enter the property, several pedestrians stopped outside the fence.

Some had been watching the construction for days.

Others had heard rumors about the mysterious young man who had purchased the abandoned military facility.

“He's wasting his money.”

A middle-aged man shook his head. “I heard he suddenly became rich.”

Another man laughed. “Probably won some investment or inherited money.”

“And this is what he's doing with it?”

They stared at the massive walls being constructed. “What a waste.”

“He could have invested in businesses.”

“Or bought several commercial properties.”

“Instead, he's building a fortress in the middle of nowhere.”

Someone laughed. “What an idiot. Some people get lucky once and immediately lose everything.”

Ethan happened to hear these rumors, but they didn’t bother him. They could laugh but only he knew what was coming. 

“Mr. Ethan.” Ethan turned. 

“Some government officials are waiting for you at the entrance.” A worker informed him.

“Government officials?”

“Yes, sir. They said it's urgent.”

Ethan frowned. What would they be concerned about? He wondered as he walked toward the entrance.

Three officials stood outside the construction area.

One of them stepped forward. “Mr. Ethan?”

“Yes.”

The official pulled out a document. “You are required to appear before the court in two days.”

Ethan's eyes narrowed. “For what?”

The official handed him the document. “You have been accused of concealing assets during your recent marital separation.”

Ethan almost laughed. Claire, of course.

The official continued. “Failure to appear may result in further legal action. Concealing assets during a separation proceeding can constitute a criminal offense.”

Ethan glanced at the document. Claire had realized she couldn't simply take his money through the divorce. Now she was trying to claim he had hidden assets. Probably hoping the court would freeze whatever he had left?

Ethan folded the document. “I'll be there.”

The officials nodded. “Good. Your appearance is mandatory.”

Ethan stood silently for several seconds.  The contractor walked over after they disappeared. He sighed and patted Ethan lightly on the shoulder.

“Mr. Ethan, I'm sorry.”

Ethan glanced at him.

“The law is the law.” The contractor hesitated. “Could this affect the construction?”

Ethan looked across the massive site. “No.” He shook his head. “Keep everything moving exactly as planned.”

The contractor nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Ethan pulled out his phone. If Claire wanted to take him to court, fine. He searched through his contacts and called one of the most prestigious law firms in the city.

The call connected. “Good afternoon. How may we assist you?”

“I need your best legal team.”

“May I ask what the matter concerns?”

“A divorce-related asset dispute.”

“I see.” Ethan looked toward the construction site. “I don't care how much it costs.”

His voice became cold. “Give me your best lawyers.”