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Chapter 1 Woken Before The Apocalypse Ten years into the apocalypse, darkness spread like a sinister blanket, suffocating the world. Moss-covered skyscrapers swayed in the thick black fog, while mutant plants tore through cracked concrete, climbing upward. Freezing winds howled across the barren landscape, echoing like vengeful spirits. The streets felt haunted, every alley thick with the stench of decay. The entire world was lifeless, filled with nothing but endless despair. Chloe Yates stumbled backward on a ruined wasteland, her bare feet scraping over sharp debris. Blood seeped from her soles, leaving faint trails behind. Her short, uneven hair was a tangled mess, clumped together in dirty strands and reeking of rot. Years of survival had ravaged her face, making her almost unrecognizable. She wore a filthy, torn military coat, trembling in the freezing wind. Ragged cotton poked through the holes, stained with dried blood. "Honey, you're really being naughty," Shawn Taylor said, moving closer. His voice was eerily soft, sending a chill down her spine. "Ten years of marriage, and aren't you going to let me go?" Chloe rasped, her voice as rough as sandpaper. She staggered back, a sharp stone slicing her foot. Blood dripped, soaking into the ground. Shawn glared at her with utter contempt, his stained teeth bared in a vicious grin. "Sophie's pregnant. She needs your heart-blood to keep her strong." Chloe lifted her gaze to the churning clouds, defiance burning in her chest. When she looked back, her eyes blazed with rage. A dozen powered humans burst through the darkness, their eyes gleaming with savage hunger. They licked their dry lips, looking more like starving wolves than human beings. Sophie Gilmore stepped out from the protective circle. Her delicate figure shivered helplessly, her flawless face streaked with tears. "Chloe, I'm sorry. Shawn and I really love each other. Please, just let us be," she begged. Chloe felt a wave of disgust and bitter irony. 'These two cheaters want me dead to make their little romance work? How shameless!' Shawn pulled Sophie into his arms, his voice full of concern. "You shouldn't be here. You're pregnant; be careful." He shot Chloe a deadly glare. "Stay away from Sophie, you freak." Chloe suddenly laughed, her voice so distant it sounded like it came from another world, as if her last spark of fight had finally died. "Shawn, give me back the emerald bracelet, and let's just call this a divorce," she said wearily, wanting nothing more to do with him. Panic flashed in Sophie's eyes. Instinctively, she clutched the emerald bracelet on her wrist. "This one's mine. Yours was lost years ago." Her overreaction only made her look more guilty. Her friends started giving her suspicious looks. Shawn barked, "What are you guys waiting for? Kill her, and you'll have real meat for dinner tonight." The powered humans locked their crazed stares back on Chloe, like starving wolves eyeing fresh prey in the frozen wasteland. Suddenly, Chloe laughed maniacally, her eyes gleaming with a wicked light. "Fine, let's all go to hell together." "Everyone, run!" Shawn screamed, panicking as he dragged Sophie away. But it was already too late. The bombs Chloe had planted exploded with a thunderous roar. Instantly, a nauseating mist of blood enveloped the wreckage. When it cleared, only shredded body parts were strewn across the ground. In the eerie darkness, zombies began howling like maniacs, their screams growing closer and closer. Shawn's legs were blown off. He dragged himself forward, his eyes filled with blood and terror. Behind him, Sophie's screams abruptly stopped as the zombie horde devoured her. In the end, he watched helplessly as the zombies tore into him, ripping flesh from his bones, his eyes wide with terror until his final breath. ***** In a luxurious villa, the first sunlight slipped through the window, landing softly on Chloe's sleeping face. For a moment, everything seemed perfectly still. Suddenly, the phone alarm on the nightstand blared, shattering the silence. Chloe's long lashes fluttered, and her eyes snapped open, sharp, cold, and deadly. The room's temperature seemed to plummet instantly. As she took in her surroundings, confusion flickered in her eyes. 'Did someone save me? Ten years into the apocalypse, and there's still a place this clean and fancy? But why does it feel so familiar?' Chloe thought. Suddenly, her eyes widened, her breath catching. "This is... my home." She froze. Her voice was ethereal and crisp, nothing like the raspy one from the apocalypse. She glanced at the wall mirror and saw a stunning young woman with ruby lips, pearly teeth, and flawless skin. Every subtle expression was captivating. Her face was untouched by the rough, blackened cracks and bleeding wounds. She lacked bulky muscles, thick calluses, or a filthy, decaying body reeking of stench. Chloe stared blankly at her reflection, her eyes holding a sorrow from another lifetime. She slapped herself hard, the searing pain snapping her back to reality. She fumbled for her phone, her lashes trembling, breathing carefully. It was October 1st, 2024. She gasped. She'd returned more than four months before the apocalypse began. On Christmas Eve, at midnight, a crimson rain would spread the zombie virus. Anyone caught in it would develop an endless fever. Most people would become mindless zombies. But one in ten thousand would awaken special abilities, becoming the first powered humans of the apocalypse. Chloe wasn't one of the lucky ones. But later, she'd been bitten saving Shawn, barely surviving to become a strength-powered human. Thinking of Shawn ignited pure hatred in her eyes. Deadly energy swirled around her, the kind of deadly aura forged through countless battles. Staring at her reflection, Chloe parted her red lips, her voice hauntingly beautiful and eerily menacing. "Shawn, Sophie, I've come to collect your souls." ***** In a pasta restaurant on a bustling food street, Chloe devoured her meal, empty plates piling up in front of her. A couple nearby, Harry Hoffman and Mandy Woodward, stared in disbelief. "Wow, that gorgeous girl in designer clothes can really eat. She's kind of adorable," Harry said, swallowing hard. Chloe's massive appetite made him feel hungrier. He waved to the waiter and ordered another plate of pasta. A hint of annoyance flickered in Mandy's eyes as she sneered, "Just because she wears designer brands doesn't mean she's rich. She could just be... Chloe?" He froze, never expecting to run into Chloe, the spoiled princess from her dorm. "What a surprise, Chloe," Mandy said, approaching with a forced smile, her eyes betraying a hint of contempt. Chapter 2 Back With Vengeance In Mandy's eyes, Chloe was a typical naive, loaded girl who was hopelessly obsessed with romance. As long as one flattered her and played along, they'd get special treatment. Chloe didn't even glance up when she heard Mandy's voice. After ten years of near-starvation, nothing could interrupt her meal. Mandy looked momentarily embarrassed but quickly forced a friendly smile, reaching out to touch Chloe's shoulder. "Chloe, don't you usually like to eat at fancy restaurants—" Chloe had tensed as Mandy approached. The moment her hand touched Chloe's shoulder, Chloe grabbed her wrist and slammed her to the floor. Mandy screamed, "What the hell are you doing? Let go. It hurts. Harry, help me." Her arm was twisted behind her back, on the verge of dislocating. She broke out in a cold sweat from the severe pain. Harry finally snapped to attention and lunged to grab Chloe. But the smooth touch instantly made his heart race. Before he knew it, he was on his knees beside Mandy, his wrist caught and his knee throbbing with pain. "Who are you? Why are you attacking me?" Chloe's voice rang out crisp and clear. "What the hell?" Mandy cursed, close to swearing. But when she looked up, she met a pair of razor-sharp eyes that cut straight to the bone. Chloe stared at her like a venomous snake, her killer instinct palpable. She was nothing like the spoiled, bratty princess from before. The customers at the nearby tables couldn't take their eyes off Chloe, jaws practically on the floor. "Damn, that girl is way too cool. I wonder if she's single," one guy blurted out. His friend mocked, "With looks like hers, you think a nobody like you stands a chance?" The first guy downed the last spoonful of pasta, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe she's into guys like me." But he didn't dare approach. Chloe looked like she had a short fuse, and he wasn't about to risk getting knocked flat on his ass and humiliated in front of everyone. "Ch-Chloe, it's me, Mandy," Mandy stammered. Seeing the unfamiliarity in Chloe's eyes, she felt a lump of frustration stuck in his throat. "Mandy? Who's that?" Chloe frowned. Still, she loosened her grip on Mandy's wrist. The owner had just finished cooking another plate of beef pasta when he walked in on this mess. He rushed over to help the two off the floor. "Hey, no fighting! Just talk it out, okay?" he said. 'Holy crap, she looks all soft and gentle, but damn, she's fierce,' he thought to himself. Harry stood up, his face burning with embarrassment. 'Getting taken down by a girl? The guys will never let me live this down,' he grumbled internally. But as he caught sight of Chloe's stunning face, his anger melted away. He extended his hand with what he thought was a charming smile. "I'm Harry Hoffman. We're in neighboring classes. We met at the start of the semester. Maybe you don't remember," he said. Chloe's guard softened slightly, but she ignored his outstretched hand. "Chloe, it's me, Mandy. We're roommates. You can't have forgotten me," Mandy said. A flicker of confusion crossed Chloe's, but she quickly regained her composure. 'Right. It's only been a month since I started college, and the school has just given us a long break. I haven't spent much time in the dorm,' she realized. "Sorry. I don't stay in the dorm much," Chloe replied coolly, her starry eyes distant and detached. Chloe frowned and stepped back, uneasy with how close Mandy was. She'd instinctively attack when someone invaded her personal space. Harry awkwardly pulled his hand back, his eyes flickering. "No worries, we'll get to know each other soon enough." Then he plopped down right next to Chloe, acting like they were old friends. Mandy quickly squeezed between them, smiling and reaching for Chloe's hand. But Chloe dodged her like she was toxic. Mandy's smile faltered. Considering who she was dealing with, she swallowed her irritation and said, "Chloe, why aren't you wearing makeup? And eating at a place like this?" She sensed Chloe was different but couldn't pinpoint how. Chloe paused, remembering how she'd acted like a spoiled princess. She'd slathered on makeup nonstop to get Shawn's attention, and she'd always turned her nose up at street food. Mandy was just about to say something when she spotted a tall, slim figure outside. Her eyes lit up. "Shawn, what a coincidence!" Chloe stiffened, but didn't turn around. A horrible aura radiated from her, the kind only survivors of unimaginable horror possessed. In an instant, that aura vanished, leaving everyone wondering if they'd imagined it. Shawn turned at the sound of his name, seeing Mandy waving with a sweet smile. Shawn said nothing. Instead, he greeted Harry beside her. "Shawn, look who's here," Mandy said. She stepped aside, revealing Chloe. Chloe stood in a pure white designer dress, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, radiating elegance. Shawn looked at her delicate back, his eyes brightening. "Who is this?" Before Chloe could respond, Mandy burst out with excitement, "It's Chloe. She looks so stunning today. I almost didn't recognize her." Shawn paused, irritation flashing across his face.'This drama queen figured out where I'd be and showed up early to fake a coincidence?' He glared at Chloe's back. "Quit with the stalking games. I'll never be into you." His voice was cool and detached, the epitome of an aloof, reserved guy. Then he turned and walked away. A sly grin spread across his face. 'Chloe the fool is indeed obsessed with me. I'll keep her chasing a bit longer. When I finally agreed to marry her, she would be thrilled.' The thought that Chloe's billions in inheritance would soon be his made his eyes glint with greed. "Shawn, why are you leaving? Chloe, go after him!" Mandy shoved Chloe forward, pretending to be concerned while clearly enjoying the drama. If this were the old Chloe, she would've chased Shawn like a lovesick puppy. But now, she was back from the dead, out for revenge. She yanked Mandy away hard and, before she could even react, kicked her to the ground. In her panic, Mandy grabbed the table, knocking over a soup bowl that spilled down her neck, leaving her drenched and pathetic. "Chloe Yates!" Mandy screamed, shocked and furious. "Yeah?" Chloe replied coolly as she got up, paid at the counter, and walked out without looking back. "Wow, that girl's got attitude," a man exclaimed. "She's gorgeous, and that guy's not interested? He must be crazy." Harry stared at Chloe's disappearing figure, lost in thought. Mandy looked at Harry, the rich kid she hadn't snagged yet, her voice sounding pitiful. "Harry..." "Got stuff to do," Harry said, getting up and leaving without a second glance at the disheveled, sobbing Mandy. ***** Chloe strolled down the snack street, staring intently at the food stalls. She clamped her mouth shut, struggling not to drool. During the ten years in the apocalypse, she'd eaten garbage, chewed leaves and bark, seen parents trade their own children for food, and watched people devour raw human flesh. Never did she imagine she'd see such a bustling, delicious scene again. Chapter 3 The Worst Relatives As Chloe stood at a storefront, the owner greeted her warmly, "Hey, gorgeous, want some bread?" She rubbed her stomach, swallowing hard. Despite being full, she couldn't resist. "I'll take them all," she said. "Sure... Wait, what?" The owner was about to pack up when he realized what she'd said. "I said, I'll take all the bread here," Chloe repeated. With her billions in inheritance, money meant nothing to her. Just then, Shawn's unwelcome voice sounded behind her. "I knew you were following me, Chloe." 'Of all people, I ran into this jerk twice on my first day back. What are the odds?' Chloe thought. She clenched her fists, so tightly her nails dug into her palms. The sharp pain kept her from losing control and killing Shawn in public. Shawn was about to make a sarcastic comment when Chloe turned. He froze, completely stunned by her beauty. 'Damn, who knew she'd look this stunning without makeup. She'd be amazing in bed,' Shawn thought. His voice softened, but remained bossy. "Come here." Chloe barely controlled her murderous intent, about to walk away. Just then, she spotted the emerald bracelet on his wrist and paused. Memories flooded back. Before the apocalypse, Shawn had always claimed to hate her but never removed the emerald bracelet she'd given him, the one that used to be her family heirloom. He'd kept her chasing, always giving her a glimmer of hope before pulling away. She was hooked, falling deeper and deeper into his twisted game. Suddenly, something clicked, and her eyes narrowed suspiciously. 'This emerald bracelet might be worth something now. But after the apocalypse, it couldn't even be worth a stale bread. 'So why did Shawn still treat it like treasure? And why did Sophie freak out when I asked for the bracelet back?' Chloe wondered, growing more puzzled. Shawn noticed Chloe staring and a smug smile spread across his face. 'She must be thrilled, thinking she's finally won my attention,' he thought. "Come here," he called out again, beckoning her over. The emerald bracelet swayed on his wrist, gleaming brightly in the sunlight. Chloe moved slowly toward Shawn. With sunlight behind her, she looked like an ethereal fairy, absolutely breathtaking. Passersby shot Shawn envious looks and exclaimed, "Man, this guy's got some serious luck." The crowd's comments stroked Shawn's ego. He lifted his chin proudly, curled his finger at Chloe, ready to speak. But in the blink of an eye, the whole vibe flipped. A fierce glint flashed across Chloe's face. She moved like lightning, grabbed a water tub from a nearby stall, and dumped it over Shawn's head. Before he could react, she wrenched his right arm behind his back. Her left hand clamped the back of his neck, pinning him down like a cop subduing a suspect. Despite being six feet tall, he was completely helpless. Passersby nearly dropped their jaws. They stopped in their tracks to watch the drama unfold while murmuring to each other. "Wamn, what a plot twist." "Thought this was a romantic scene, but she took him down. This girl's got a serious attitude. I wanted to win her over." "Hey, gorgeous, single? Want to give me a shot?"People in the crowd started cheering and whistling at her. Some people in the crowd hooted and hollered, while some wolf-whistled. The tub crashed off Shawn's head. He was drenched to the bone, water dripping from his hair. Rotten vegetable leaves stuck to his face, making him look utterly disheveled. His face turned pitch black. His voice trembled with fury, jaw clenched so tight his teeth nearly cracked. "Chloe Yates!" He'd never been this humiliated. He took deep breaths to control himself. After a few violent jerks, he finally broke free from Chloe's grip. Chloe's hand was already on the emerald bracelet. When Shawn tried to pull away, she smoothly snatched it off his wrist and slipped it onto her own. "This is mine. You don't deserve it," she said, walking away without looking back. If she stayed, she might kill him on the spot. In her previous life, Shawn always kept her hanging with his teasing and mixed signals. Whenever she got her hopes up, he'd dismiss her, saying, "You're reading too much into it." So when he finally proposed marriage, she was so excited she threw all caution aside. But then the apocalypse hit, and everything went to hell. Chloe was pushed out as zombie bait, forced to scavenge for supplies. After a zombie bite, she awakened with super strength. One day, she rescued a naked Sophie on the street, marking the beginning of an even darker chapter. Sophie was water-powered. While everyone else struggled for survival, she could still wash up occasionally. Compared to others who constantly reeked, Sophie seemed almost pristine. "You'll regret this," Shawn yelled from behind Chloe, his voice tight with rage. Chloe found it hilarious. 'Regret? I regret ever meeting you, Shawn. Don't you dare die too soon. I'll be waiting when the world ends.' She then sped in her Mercedes, racing home. When she arrived at the villa, a crowd was gathered outside. Looking at those familiar faces, she felt like she'd stepped into a time machine. As Chloe stepped out, her half-sister, Rosalie Stimson, rushed over excitedly. "Chloe, you're back. I missed you so much." Rosalie tried to hug her, but Chloe dodged, causing her to tumble to the ground. Chloe gave Rosalie a cold stare, her tone icy and distant. "What are you doing here?" Rosalie looked shocked and hurt, tears instantly welling up, appearing utterly pitiful. Sam Stimson strode from the crowd. In his fifties, he still radiated mature, manly charm. Too bad he was nothing but a total scumbag beneath the fancy exterior. As he passed Chloe, he shoulder-checked her hard, nearly knocking her down. "Rosalie, are you okay? Did you get hurt?" Sam asked, helping her up, his voice full of concern. "Dad, I'm fine. I think Chloe just doesn't like me," Rosalie mumbled. She glanced nervously at Chloe, looking scared and pitiful. Sam frowned, shooting Chloe a hostile glare. He was about to speak when Vanessa, his wife, stopped him with a head shake. Remembering their real purpose here, he swallowed his harsh words. A chubby kid poked his head out, shouting rudely, "Chloe, Rosalie was talking to you. Why'd you shove her? Guess your mom forgot to teach you how to behave." Kiera tugged her grandson's hand and said in a mild tone, "Don't say stuff like that." Niko, the chunky kid, stared up at Kiera with wide eyes. "Grandma, weren't you the one who said that?" "Shut up," Kiera cut him off. Chloe, about to leave, suddenly stopped. She walked toward the seven-year-old Niko, staring him down with a cold, almost creepy look. Kiera instantly pulled Niko behind her. He peeked out, shooting Chloe a nasty glare. Chapter 4 They Came Chloe bent down, locking eyes with Niko, her voice glacial. "Your mom slept with my dad before my parents even divorced. She's a shameless homewrecker, and you and Rosalie are nothing but bastards." The Stimsons around shifted uncomfortably. Kiera put her hands on her hips, snapping, "Chloe, Niko's your brother. How can you talk like that?" Ignoring Kiera, Chloe stared at Niko with a deadly look. "Let me teach you some manners, little bastard." Her right hand raised high, looking like she was about to slap him. Scared, he lost his balance and fell to the ground, breaking into loud sobs. Kiera went ballistic. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to slap Chloe, only to have her wrist snatched mid-move. Chloe's eyes burned with rage, her voice ice-cold. "Back off, old witch. I'm not as easy to bully as my mom was." With that, she shoved hard, sending Kiera stumbling backwards and crashing to the ground. Kiera wailed loudly on the floor, "Everyone, look. My granddaughter hit me. How unfilial!" But this was a high-end villa area. The houses were spaced out, and no one was around. Even passing cars just drove by without stopping. Sam stormed over, hand raised to slap Chloe. She kicked him hard, sending him sprawling. Vanessa quickly helped Sam up and glared at Chloe. "Are you crazy? You just hit your father!" Chloe snorted coldly, staring down Sam without fear. "Dear Dad, last time we met, you and your mistress threw Mom and me onto the street." She leaned closer, a cryptic smile playing on her stunning face. "So now, after all these years, you suddenly remember me?" Meeting her cold, piercing gaze, Sam shivered, momentarily speechless. "You ungrateful brat, that's your father," shouted a sharp-tongued woman, her features remarkably similar to Kiera's. It was Chloe's never-before-met aunt, Luna Grant. She shoved Chloe aside and rolled up her sleeves, ready to fight, but Vanessa quickly stopped her. Vanessa gave Chloe an indulgent look, typical of elders tolerating younger generations. But a greedy glint lurked in her eyes. "Chloe, don't be angry with your dad," she coaxed. "Be good. It's not safe for a girl out here alone. Come home with us." Only then did Kiera remember their real purpose here today. She dropped her vicious expression, brushed imaginary dust off her clothes, and flashed a grandmotherly smile. "Vanessa is right, Chloe. You're so young. It's dangerous out here alone. Come home with me," she cooed, her voice sweet as syrup. Luna tugged Kiera's arm, winked, and gestured toward the villa in front of them. Kiera's eyes gleamed. "Chloe, such a big villa must be lonely. Why don't we all move in together? It'll be much more lively." Chloe sneered silently, 'Finally showed their scheme. Is this family? Mom's barely cold in her grave, and they're already lining up to leech off me.' She yanked her hand free and walked away coldly. Any longer, and she might kill the Stimsons. She whipped out her phone and dialed security. "What the hell are you guys doing? How did you let these scammers in?" With a loud bang, she slammed the door shut. Only then did Kiera snap out of it. She stormed up, banging on the door. "You little bastard, your mom's inheritance belongs to us too. Don't you dare keep it all." Even Thomas, Luna's husband, couldn't take it. "Kiera, Chloe's mom and Sam have been divorced for over ten years. You're not entitled to anything..." Luna slapped him across the face, cutting him off. "Are you fending that brat? Don't tell me you're bewitched by her looks." Thomas was stunned by the slap and her words, his face flushing with anger, his fingers trembling. "What nonsense are you saying? Chloe's your niece. How could you talk like this?" Luna didn't seem remorseful. She sneered, "The moment that little bitch showed up, you looked spell-bound. Now you're all worked up, feeling guilty?" "Whatever," Thomas muttered, walking away. Thinking she'd scored a point, Luna chased after him, scratching and screaming. The scene devolved into chaos. ***** Chloe listened to the noise outside, her eyes cold, not a flicker of emotion. 'How stupid was I in my previous life? I let these greedy relatives into my home for some fake sense of family,' she thought. Ever since the apocalypse hit, she'd always been the one tossed out to fend off the zombies. When food ran out, Sam handed her over to a bunch of powered humans to be their plaything. She could still remember his cold, dead eyes after drugging her and walking away. It chilled her to the bone, more heart-wrenching than any physical pain. 'Sam, my dear father,' Chloe thought, her lips curling into a cold smirk. 'The apocalypse is coming. Without me risking my life for supplies and being zombie bait, I wonder what ending you'll get. I'm truly looking forward to it.' Chloe stayed icy calm. Right now, hoarding supplies was all that mattered. Old grudges would be settled when the world collapsed. She lay back on the bed, raising her wrist and examining the emerald bracelet. Its clear, shimmering green made her skin look even smoother. After long scrutiny, she found nothing unusual, just a pretty accessory. On a whim, she pulled out a dagger, slashed her finger lightly, and let a drop of blood fall onto the bracelet. Her expression changed instantly. "Grandma's emerald bracelet... It's draining my blood?" Before she could process this, a thin green thread shot from the bracelet, stabbing into her wrist. 'Seriously? It's force-feeding on my blood!' Chloe thought, horrified. And just hours after she'd traveled back in time, she blacked out from blood loss. ***** In an open field, Chloe lay motionless, breathtakingly beautiful, like a fairy fallen to earth. Everything felt so serene and peaceful. Before long, her long lashes fluttered, revealing a pair of starry eyes. One look was enough to reel anyone in. "Where am I?" Chloe whispered, her voice barely audible. 'Am I space-powered? No way. In my previous life, I only got strength power after a zombie bit me,' she thought, her mind racing. Suddenly, she remembered the emerald bracelet before passing out. Her throat tightened as she murmured, "The spiritual space of the emerald bracelet?" The moment she thought about leaving, her vision went dark. And then she was back in bed, exactly as before. Chapter 5 Liquidating Assets Chloe's eyes lit up with excitement. 'No wonder Sophie was so worked up about this emerald bracelet and always had plenty of food and water without any powers. 'How dumb was I in my previous life, to give away such a priceless treasure?' She stepped into the spiritual space. It was basketball court-sized, ground covered in white pebbles, with a hazy mist hanging everywhere. Moving toward the white fog's edge, she hit a jelly-like barrier. Curious, she pinched a bit and placed it in her palm. It quickly dissolved into mist. Peering through the semi-transparent wall, she could faintly make out the pristine landscape: lush mountains, chirping birds, and blooming flowers. She took another step, trying to get a better view. But the moment her emerald pendant touched the wall, the barrier absorbed it. The pendant lost its vibrant green color and turned into an ordinary stone, cracking and crumbling to the ground. Chloe was stunned for a moment, then her face broke into a huge grin. 'So this is why Sophie kept collecting useless emeralds in my previous life. This spiritual space can be powered up with emeralds?' she thought. Before she could celebrate, everything went black. She was back in the villa room, and the spiritual space was now off-limits. 'What's going on?' she wondered. But sensing her connection to the space, she breathed a sigh of relief. Reflecting on Sophie's past behavior, Chloe mused, 'There must be a time limit for staying inside. The key to longer access is probably emeralds and zombie cores.' Thinking of emeralds, Chloe made a beeline for the largest room in the villa. She opened the door and found a thin layer of dust coating the inside. The familiar, cozy space felt like a distant memory. This was the room her mother, Lavinia, had lived in before she passed away. Blinking back tears, Chloe headed to a hidden corner. There was a safe, containing all the valuables Lavinia had left behind. Lavinia was obsessed with emeralds, and most of her collections were incredibly rare; each one could easily sell for tens of millions. Compared to these treasures, the bracelet on Chloe's wrist seemed unremarkable. But it was her grandma's only keepsake, making it priceless to her. Lavinia would often hold it, thinking of her mother, tears silently falling. Later, Chloe learned Lavinia had run away with Sam, dropping out of college. Her grandma was so devastated that she suffered a fatal heart attack. Lavinia never got to say goodbye, and it became an unhealing wound. Chloe opened the safe and transferred all the emeralds into her spiritual space. She opened the door and saw that a thin layer of dust had settled inside. The familiar, warm environment felt like a distant memory. ***** "Ms. Yates, these items are worth a fortune. I'll call the manager immediately," the salesgirl said, her eyes sparkling. Chloe nodded slightly. The manager quickly arrived, wiping sweat from his forehead, clearly having rushed over. Spotting Chloe, he was stunned by her beauty. But he quickly composed himself and asked, "Hello, Ms. Yates. Are you sure you want to sell everything?" The counter was stacked with luxury goods. Every single item was a top international brand, and plenty were exclusive custom pieces. Chloe nodded calmly and handed over her ID. The manager called in experts. After a thorough appraisal, a notification for over three million dollars hitting Chloe's bank account popped up in no time. "Got the money," Chloe said, about to leave. Just then, a group of girls came in through the door, laughing and chatting. Rosalie stood at the center, with Mandy and the other three girls surrounding her. When Mandy saw Chloe, a calculating glint flashed in her eyes before she plastered on a fake smile. "Chloe, what a surprise. Here to shop?" "Just wandering around," Chloe said coldly, not even bothering to glance at them as she walked forward. As she passed, Mandy exchanged a look with one of the girls, then stuck out a foot. Chloe caught the move, her eyes flashing with disdain. She slammed her heel down hard on Mandy's foot. And of all days, Chloe was wearing killer stilettos. As her heel "accidentally" dug into Mandy's ankle, Mandy's eyes filled with tears. Her scream was so piercing that everyone nearby turned to look. Chloe didn't stop. She twisted her heel on Mandy's foot before pulling away, acting flustered. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't even see your foot," Chloe said, her big eyes wide with fake innocence. "You did that on purpose!" Mandy snapped. Mandy doubled over. As she saw blood seep through her sock, tears streamed down her face. Although her family wasn't as rich as Chloe's, Mandy had always been treated like a princess. She'd never been humiliated like this. 'Chloe used to be so clueless. What happened? Did she get possessed?' Mandy wondered. "Mandy, are you okay? Need a hospital?" Rosalie asked, rushing to help her up. Then she turned to Chloe, disappointment written all over her face. "What's wrong with you? Mandy's your friend. You're out of line." Chloe laughed coldly, "Come on, I don't need friends like her." Without bothering with Mandy's angry yelling, Chloe walked away. 'Who has time for these immature drama queens? Now that I've got cash, I gotta stock up on supplies,' she thought. In her previous life, Chloe was so desperate for acceptance that she'd blow cash trying to buy friendship. Behind her back, her so-called friends trashed her, with Rosalie calling the shots. This time, Chloe was gonna call her own shots. She drove to a real estate office and listed her luxury cars and villa. She slashed prices by 20%, prioritizing a quick sale. "By the way, do you guys have any vacant warehouses? The bigger, the better," Chloe asked. The salesperson perked up. "I know a massive warehouse, but it's pretty far out. The owner's desperate, so the price is dirt cheap. Besides, he wants a year-long lease or a buyer." "Alright, let's go check it out right now," Chloe said. The warehouse was indeed remote, taking over an hour to drive there. But it was huge, situated in the middle of nowhere, exactly what she wanted. She signed the contract on the spot. Then, Chloe drove to the wholesale market. Though late afternoon, some vendors remained. She went stall by stall, stocking up on fresh produce, fruits, and dried foods. She gave the vendors her number and warehouse address, requesting daily deliveries. After the apocalypse, winters became brutal, like a new Ice Age. Coal, heaters, and extreme cold weather gear were survival essentials. 'Man, I need cash badly,' Chloe thought. The next two days, she did nothing but cash out every asset she owned. Even her mom's company shares got dumped at a 20% discount. Chapter 6 Counterplot Only the souped-up Hummer remained. Chloe had spent a fortune on a bulletproof shell and reinforced glass. This beast was practically indestructible. Suddenly, her phone rang with an unknown number. "Hello?" she answered. Sam's furious voice erupted. "Chloe, what's wrong with you? Why did you pick on Rosalie?" Chloe paused, setting down the gas can she'd just bought as she let out a cold laugh. "Sam, are you out of your mind? When have I ever bullied her?" Sam roared, "Have you no respect? I'm your father!" "My father's been dead for years," Chloe retorted, hanging up and powering off her phone. "Hello?" Sam shouted into dead air. He yanked at his tie, his face twisting with rage. Kiera jabbed a finger at his nose, her voice vicious. "Look what you've brought into this world. So defiant! If I'd known she'd turn out like this, I should've smashed her at birth." Rosalie snuggled into Kiera's arms, putting on her sweetest act. "Grandma, don't yell at Dad. It's my fault. I shouldn't have argued with Chloe." Kiera poked Rosalie's forehead with her index finger. "You're no better. Why provoke that brat? If she bullied you, you deserved it." Rosalie's eyes darkened as she nestled closer, secretly pressing her lips together in disdain. Vanessa came downstairs in silk pajamas. Though not young, her face remained smooth. She knew how to take care of herself. Spotting Kiera, Vanessa put on a sweet smile. "You're here, Kiera." Kiera rolled her eyes and jabbed a finger at Vanessa's cleavage. "You slut, all you ever do is throw yourself at Sam. With everything going on, you still have the nerve to sleep?" 'If Vanessa hadn't given me a grandson, I'd give her a real lesson,' Kiera thought. She turned to Sam urgently. "Lavinia left a huge inheritance to Chloe, and you're doing nothing? We can't let Chloe keep it. It should go to Niko." Sam nodded seriously, his brow furrowed. "We were so close to pulling it off. But suddenly, Chloe's acting like a completely different person." Vanessa smiled, a glint of triumph in her eyes as she took Kiera's hand and said, "Chloe's a good kid. If you talk to her, she'll listen. After all, you and Sam are the only family she has left." Sam's frown eased, and he let out a cold laugh. "Yeah, I'm her guardian. Everything she owns should be in my hands." Just then, Sam's phone rang. He answered, and instantly, his face darkened. "What's wrong?" Vanessa asked softly. Sam gritted his teeth. "That little bastard is selling her company shares." Kiera was furious. She whipped out her phone and tried to call Chloe. But it wouldn't go through. Chloe had blocked her. "Let's go find her. How dare she sell Niko's shares?" Kiera snapped, storming out. Vanessa followed, her eyes gleaming with greed. ***** After spending the entire afternoon hunting around, Chloe tracked down several bakeshops, along with all sorts of snack bars, diners, and other eateries. She put down deposits and set up fixed daily orders, planning to pick everything up herself. To make deliveries easier, she even bought a mini truck. By the time she finished, night had fallen. Pulling up to the villa, she saw the place blazing with lights. Instantly, she knew exactly who had come. A scheming smirk curled on her lips. 'Just as I expected, Sam couldn't wait to make a move.' She opened the gate and drove into the underground garage. Inside, only the Hummer and her new mini truck remained. Rosalie was the first to spot Chloe pulling in from the window. "Grandma, Chloe's back!" she shouted. Kiera sprang up, glaring fiercely at everyone. "Agree to whatever she says. Our main goal is getting those shares from her." She turned to Vanessa. "You were Sam's mistress. Chloe definitely hates you. So keep your mouth shut later." "Got it," Vanessa muttered while silently cursing Kiera. ***** Chloe walked out of the garage and strolled into the living room. Sam stood front and center, with Kiera, Vanessa, Rosalie, and Niko gathered around, each wearing a fake smile. "You're back, sweetheart. Must be tired after being out all day, right? I brought you some fried chicken," Kiera cooed, holding out a greasy bag eagerly. Chloe shot a frosty glance at the bag and walked through the group without a second look. Sam's face darkened. He'd never been able to warm up to the rebellious Chloe. Vanessa grabbed his arm, signaling him to control his anger. He forced a calm demeanor and sat next to Chloe. "Chloe, I heard you're selling company shares. Why didn't you consult me first?" Sam asked, feigning concern. "My mom left me those shares. What do they have to do with you?" Chloe shot back coldly. Kiera, uncharacteristically composed, laughed, "Chloe, honey, your dad's your guardian. He should protect your shares, houses, and cars. You're just a kid; don't let anyone trick you." As she spoke, she casually set the fried chicken and burgers down on the table. Niko immediately grabbed them and started eating. "Chloe, even if you're upset, he's still your dad. You should've at least told him before you sold those stocks. We're family, aren't we?" Rosalie said softly. She sat beside Chloe and reached for her hand. Chloe pulled away instantly. Rosalie remained unfazed, smiling sweetly as if nothing had happened. Chloe laughed coldly, completely ignoring Rosalie. She turned to Sam. "So you guys broke into my house just for this?" She tucked her hair back, her voice icy. "I'm eighteen. I'm an adult and can handle my own business. Don't worry about me." Seeing Sam's face darken, Chloe suddenly switched tactics. "But if you really want those shares, Dad, I could sell them to you at a discount." Sam had always assumed those shares were his for the taking. So even when Chloe offered a discount, he still bitched about having to pay anything. Right on cue, Chloe's phone buzzed. A potential buyer was calling about the shares. After she hung up, Sam's face went pitch black. Chloe looked at him with crystal-clear eyes, as if seeing right through him. "Dad, Lucas is offering 1.5 billion. What's your offer?" Niko looked up from his snacks. "No way! Grandma said the company, money, and house are all mine." He glared at Chloe like she was the villain trying to rob him blind. The second she lifted her hand, he scrambled to bury himself in Kiera's arms, scared she might smack him. Kiera's heart ached like crazy. She clutched him tight, fussing and cooing like a mother hen. Chapter 7 Start Hoarding Supplies Chloe looked up, smiling at Sam. "You're my dad. If you agree, I'll sign the share transfer for 600 million right now." Her gaze was shadowy, a deep scheming glint hidden in her eyes. Sam still looked reluctant, gritting his teeth. "The company's stock is rising. You can't sell now. "Silly girl, you're young and can be tricked. Let me handle your shares. I promise you won't lose out." "Really?" Chloe looked at him, appearing lost. 'She's buying it,' Sam thought, a flash of delight crossing his eyes. Vanessa, barely containing her excitement, jumped in, "Sam's your dad. He'd never hurt you." Chloe turned to Vanessa, her hesitation instantly vanishing. She sprang up, glaring with blazing fury. "You homewrecker," she shouted, "you destroyed my mom's marriage, and now you want my shares for Niko the bastard? Get lost, all of you!" Sam shot Vanessa a sharp, angry look. 'Useless woman,' he thought. "Get out! Put up 600 million or leave," Chloe snapped. "Why do you have to sell your shares?" Sam sounded disappointed. Chloe sneered inwardly, 'He's got some nerve being disappointed, huh?' "I want to do charity, can't I?" she said coldly. "Are you in or not? If not, I'll sell to someone else." "Alright, alright, I agree. Just don't sell to anyone else, okay? I'll go back and try to raise the money," Sam hurriedly agreed, afraid Chloe might sell the shares to someone else. Even selling everything he owned wouldn't cover 600 million, but he could borrow from everyone to make it happen. Kiera shot up, yelling, "Sam, are you crazy? That's 600 million, not pocket change." Before Sam could respond, Chloe waved them off. "Go home and discuss. You have three days. After that, I'll consider other buyers." Kiera looked ready to argue, but Sam held her back and shook his head. No sooner had they left the villa than Kiera started bitching. "Why did you stop me? What makes Chloe think she deserves 600 million? She's totally lost her mind chasing cash." Niko hollered the whole way, yelling that Chloe was robbing him blind. Vanessa wasn't happy about it either. She muttered, her eyes dark, "Sam, how will we get that much money? Sure, you've got a tiny company, but after all our spending, there's practically nothing left." Sam's face clouded over. "This is your fault. Chloe hates you for getting between her mom and me. Why did you have to speak up and provoke her?" Vanessa looked hurt but didn't dare say a word, following meekly. ***** After days of non-stop work receiving warehouse shipments and managing assets, Chloe finally found a moment to enter her spiritual space. Her jaw dropped at the sight inside. Past the white-pebble ground, a full-eighteen-story-high mall towered in the north, shooting up to the clouds. Chloe closed her eyes and sensed that the warehouse inside her spiritual space was roughly the size of an entire city. She was ecstatic. With this mall, she could stash unlimited supplies and be unbeatable when the apocalypse hit. Even better, she now got an extra three minutes inside her spiritual space daily, with unused time stackable for later. Chloe could hardly believe her luck. After leaving her spiritual space, she carefully sorted her daily purchases. Then she went online, ordering a massive haul of survival gear like tents, binoculars, night vision goggles, and compressed biscuits. The store even called to verify her massive order. She blew through several million in one night and finally crashed, falling into a deep sleep in the early hours. Early the next morning, she was thrilled to find the cup of hot milk she'd left in her spiritual space mall was still steaming. 'Looks like my hunch is right,' Chloe thought, grinning. 'Everything stored in this space stays perfectly preserved forever.' She jumped into her truck and drove to every breakfast shop on her list, picking up pre-ordered massive quantities. Once the truck was packed, she dumped everything into her spiritual space and rushed to the next stop. Next, she hit the wholesale market for grains and oil, grabbing huge amounts of flour, pasta, cooking oil, and so on. She made sure to stock up on tons of bottled water. After the apocalypse started, regular water would be toxic. Only water-powered humans could provide safe drinking water. She then headed to a seed company and bought a huge haul of seeds. Right then, her phone buzzed. The warehouse guys called to say her shipment had arrived. "Drop it at the door. I'm on my way," she told them. When she arrived, the warehouse entrance was packed to the brim with supplies. To save money, she focused on cheap, filling staple foods like sweet potatoes, potatoes, rations, and loads of fruit. During the apocalypse, fruit would become a precious, nearly impossible-to-find commodity. Chloe did a quick inventory, settled the payment, and instructed, "Tomorrow, drop everything in the other warehouse." This warehouse had filled up in just days, but she'd already rented two smaller ones next door. The vendors grinned from ear to ear. "What do you need all this stuff for?" one asked. Chloe gave her rehearsed excuse. "I'm gathering supplies to donate to families in need." After thinking for a moment, "The weather's turning cold soon, so I should get some warm clothes ready too." A middle-aged woman quickly stepped up. "My sister runs a clothing factory. She can get you a good price on winter gear." Chloe arched a brow. "These are for needy families, so the fabric needs to be sturdy and practical." "Absolutely! Folks like that just want warmth, not fashion," the woman replied, grinning. Truth was, her sister's clothing business had failed, leaving warehouses full of unsold, old-fashioned rough clothes nobody wanted. Chloe glanced at the woman but didn't call her out. She bought all those dusty clothes and fabric at 50% below market value. That was a total bargain. All day long, Chloe was either busy stashing supplies or out on the road hunting for more. On the seventh day after her time jump, her real estate agent rang, saying the villa buyer was eager to seal the deal. Chloe's eyes lit up. She didn't waste a second and rushed straight to the real estate office. The buyer was easygoing, offering to wait a week before moving in, giving Chloe plenty of time to pack and settle elsewhere. Chapter 8 The Simp Exhausted, Chloe collapsed into bed the moment she was back at the villa. 'I'm too weak, and time's running out. Gotta hustle and grab more supplies,' she grumbled to herself before passing out. Suddenly, her phone rang. Half-asleep, she answered, "Hello?" Loud music blared in the background, and then a cocky voice came through. "Chloe, it's Shawn's birthday. Why aren't you here? We're at Nightfall Bar. Come pay the bill. Don't say I didn't help you out." The voice sounded familiar, but Chloe couldn't quite place it. She racked her brain, trying to remember who it was. Then it clicked. This was Kyler Cain, one of Shawn's buddies. In her previous life, she'd bribed him with designer gear to get any information about Shawn. 'Oh, I got a call like this in my previous life too. What did I do back then? I ran over there and paid the bill, only to get humiliated,' Chloe thought. Getting no response, Kyler said, "Hello? Are you listening—" Chloe ended the call, not even letting him finish. ***** In a private booth at Nightfall Bar, Kyler glared at his phone, totally pissed off. A hot girl sauntered over, swirling red wine. "That idiot rushed over before you finished talking, right?" Kyler squinted. "Looks like so." Shawn sat quietly, a faint smirk on his lips. 'I knew it. Chloe was just playing hard to get,' he thought. A guy laughed, "Shawn, when Chloe shows up to pay, can we..." Before he could finish, Daisy, Shawn's younger sister, flagged down a waiter. "Bring the top-shelf tasting menu and ten bottles of '82 Lafite." She hooked her arm through Shawn's, acting all innocent. "Shawn, I ordered so much. You're not mad, are you?" Before Shawn could say a word, Kyler burst out laughing. "Why would he be mad? Chloe the simp's paying anyway." The room erupted in mocking laughter. "That simp's loaded, so why not go for it, Shawn?" Kyler joked. "Marry her and you'll be rolling in cash, living a high life." Daisy rolled her eyes in disgust. "Kyler, please. That idiot isn't good enough for Shawn." She acted like even mentioning Chloe would insult Shawn, totally forgetting how she used to suck up to Chloe to score a designer bag. Harry sat in the corner, swirling wine and lost in thought. 'Chloe isn't acting like her old self. Will she show up tonight?' he wondered. ***** Chloe was swamped and had already forgotten about Kyler's call the moment she hung up. When the apocalypse hit, eighty percent of humanity would turn into zombies or die. She didn't want to waste energy on those dead men walking. After a 30-minute nap, Chloe drove to a restaurant. The owner waited nervously at the entrance, wiping sweat in relief when she arrived. 'Phew, crisis averted. Thought she might ditch the order,' he thought, rushing his staff to load the packed food into Chloe's car. "Sorry, things have been hectic at the factory. My crew hasn't had a proper meal," Chloe said apologetically. "No big deal. Let's swap numbers so we can keep in touch if anything comes up," the owner replied. After adding the contact info, Chloe popped the trunk, tossed the ready-to-eat food into her spiritual space, and then headed to the next spot. After picking up breakfast orders, she visited hole-in-the-wall joints, ordering big, budget-friendly party platters. Then she charged into a massive supermarket, heading to the hot food section. She stuffed her cart with cheap, filling eats like pancakes, bread, and meat pies. She also bought several carts with non-perishables, like chocolate, bread, and canned food. She grabbed just a small amount of each item; each package had a supplier's number, so she could call and order directly later. The store clerk stared in shock. "Need any help?" "Yeah, can you hold these carts? I've got more stuff to grab. I'll check out everything together," Chloe said. She pushed another cart to the toiletries aisle, grabbing one of each item. She prioritized disposable hygiene products like pads, toilet paper, and wet wipes. She roamed every aisle, tossing anything potentially useful into her cart. Back home, she'd hit up the suppliers and order in bulk. By the time Chloe reached the checkout, several cashiers and staff were already waiting nervously, worried she might leave without paying. Once she paid, they enthusiastically helped her push the items to the parking lot and load them into her truck. As the sky darkened, Chloe returned, stashed warehouse goods in her spiritual space, and headed to the night market. ***** By 1 AM at Nightfall Bar, everyone was stuffed, drunk, and partied out. And only then did they realize the expected bill-payer hadn't arrived. "Shawn, where's Chloe? Why isn't she here?" someone asked anxiously, constantly checking the entrance. The tab was massive. As college kids, they couldn't afford it if Chloe didn't show. Someone suggested, "Shawn, maybe call her? She might be stuck in traffic." "Stuck in traffic? She's probably running around buying Shawn gifts," Kyler sneered, blowing smoke. Daisy rolled her eyes, looking totally disgusted. "Kyler, seriously? She's not even worth a call from Shawn." Harry, who'd been quiet all day, swirled his wine glass with a subtle look of disdain. Out of nowhere, he asked, "Have you guys ever seen Chloe without makeup?" Everyone shook their heads. Daisy scoffed, "She looks rough even with makeup. Without it, she'd freak people out." That comment was pure shade. Despite her terrible makeup skills, Chloe was still a total knockout, definitely the campus beauty queen. Harry chuckled softly, turning his gaze to Shawn. At six feet tall with sharp, aloof looks, Shawn carried himself like a high-class CEO, despite being broke. 'Man, this guy's got no clue,' Harry thought. He raised an eyebrow at Shawn. "You really don't have any feelings for Chloe?" Shawn's mind flashed with Chloe's gorgeous face and smoking hot body. For a moment, he was caught off guard. Then he let out a cold laugh. "She's dumb as a brick, totally entitled, with a terrible temper. Having her chase me is honestly disgusting." Shawn and Chloe went to the same private school. He was there on a full scholarship, always top of his class, while she was dead last in grades, with her mom's money keeping her enrolled. Harry uncharacteristically cracked up and squeezed in next to Shawn, throwing an arm around his neck.