Chapter 46: High Voltage

In building 25, Alexander's reign of terror, marked by the robbery of several households and the indirect deaths of five people, had driven the residents to drastic measures. They began to unite, opting to live together in a bid for safety. They fortified their homes and gathered snow for water through windows and balconies, adapting to the relentless challenges of this new, harsh world.

Mira and Iris, among others, found refuge in Annie's apartment on the 18th floor. Annie, a successful entrepreneur in the cosmetics business, owned a spacious three-bedroom apartment. In these desperate times, trust was scarce, and only familiar faces were welcome in their collective living arrangement.

The mood in Annie's apartment was tense, especially due to Phoenix's refusal to let them stay in his secure home. Annie, who had initially allowed Mira and Iris to stay because of Zhou Peng's influence, expressed her dissatisfaction. Mira attempted to persuade the group by highlighting the comforts of Phoenix's home, sharing photos and videos to showcase its amenities.

As the group discussed their options, Sun suggested considering more aggressive measures against Phoenix, hinting at a forced entry. Jack, claiming his locksmith skills, supported the idea. Fueled by desperation and enticed by Phoenix's home, they devised a plan.

Upon reaching Phoenix's door, the group, armed with umbrellas and tools, tried to pick the lock. Unbeknownst to them, Phoenix watched through his sophisticated security system, unconcerned about the breach. His door was fortified with multiple layers of security, including a thick steel rod from the inside.

Deciding to send a stern message, Phoenix activated an electric defense mechanism. Jack, attempting to pick the lock, was electrocuted. His companions, shocked and horrified, backed away as Jack succumbed to the lethal shock.

Phoenix, observing the chaos, felt no remorse. For him, their attempt to break into his home was deserving of death. The group outside, realizing their plan had catastrophically failed, were engulfed in shock and anger. Sun, enraged by his friend's death, accused Phoenix of being more ruthless than Alexander.

Annie and the others, now fearful of Phoenix's capabilities, debated their next move. Phoenix, listening to their conversation through his surveillance system, mocked their efforts and firmly refused to let them in.

The group outside Phoenix's door grew increasingly desperate. They tried to negotiate, offering Phoenix the master bedroom and priority access to supplies. However, Phoenix was immovable. His home was his sanctuary, and he had no intention of sharing it, especially with those who had just attempted a forced entry.

As the standoff ensued, Phoenix prepared for any further attempts. He loaded his pistol and armed his crossbow, ready to defend his home at all costs. Outside, the group's resolve diminished, their initial bravado replaced by fear and uncertainty. Ge Jia Liang suggested a retreat, wary of drawing Alexander's attention.

Sun, still driven by vengeance, dismissed the idea, confident of their safety on the higher floor. Annie, however, recognized the difficulty of their situation, realizing that Phoenix was not an easy target.

Amid the despair and desperation, the group outside Phoenix's door grappled with their next steps, their dream of a safe haven within Phoenix's home slipping further away. Phoenix, secure within his fortress, watched and waited, ready to confront any threats to his sanctuary.