18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 587

After getting the Willowbrook Military folks settled, Daniel and his son-in-law didn’t get home until it was quite late. Daniel pulled Stella into his study for a private chat.

"Secrets don’t stay hidden long; Griffith’s growth is evident to everyone, and news travels fast."

The Willowbrook Military had two goals for their visit. First, they wanted to reach out from Australia, which had been doing pretty well over the past couple of years. They had wanted to visit ever since they got Daniel's handwritten invitation, but their base was at a critical point in its development, and they were bogged down with countless issues.

As land emerged from the sea, survivors from various countries began claiming territories. China, Russia, and the UK, among others, were fighting for resources and land in their desperate struggle to survive. Plus, numerous private factions with their own bases popped up, intensifying conflicts and making survival even tougher.

Whether it’s Willowbrook or Griffith, both were built on military foundations, sharing the same roots and the duty to uphold Australian civilization. They had a responsibility to unite and not let outsiders push them around.

Moreover, the legend of the Griffith base had traveled across the seas, taking on an almost mythical status, and even the Ocean Point Naval Station had heard about them. With time, location, and people on their side, Ocean Point Naval Station had stabilized after more than two years of governance. Whether it was due to friendship, blood ties, or the potential for collaboration, they came.

Daniel had weathered many storms to get to his current position, and he was no stranger to military power struggles. After today’s reception, he was confident. "You don’t need to worry too much. The land reclamation equipment you left behind and everything else you’ve done means the staff officer owes us a favor. Even if they have different ideas, this is Griffith. They won’t act rashly here, nor do they have the power to."

He had already done everything he could for the country and had no intention of stopping. Now, he wanted to spend his remaining years with his family, protecting them from harm. Stella had special abilities, but she had also fulfilled her human responsibilities. Daniel wouldn’t allow anyone to harm her, under any name or pretense.

Seeing Stella’s worried expression, Daniel spoke firmly, "Stella, I’m your father. Whatever happens, I will always be on your side and protect you first and foremost. You just need to do what you think is right; don’t worry about the rest."

He regretted not being able to protect her when the land was sinking. That would not happen again.

Stella looked at him, feeling the unconditional warmth of a father’s harbor, realizing that with such security, she feared nothing, not even the sky falling. She smiled at Daniel, reflecting her comfort and trust.

Returning from the neighboring room, Stella felt a new lightness. Marrying the right woman could give you leaps in life. Choosing the right father-in-law could open boundless horizons. Jasper had risen to the rank of Major, and Reagan had handed over the special salvage operations to him, maintaining only a nominal position himself.

Unlike at Willowbrook, encountering Justice today, Jasper was no longer afraid of Stella’s secret being exposed; he was calm and composed. Not only had he grown stronger, but the Project Genesis tied their interests closely with Griffith. If anything were to happen, the base would be the first to object. They exchanged glances and shared a knowing smile. After all the twists and turns, they were back at Griffith.

For today’s reception, Jasper had been by their side throughout, showing Willowbrook’s delegation Griffith’s utmost sincerity. Chicken, ducks, geese, and vegetables prepared every which way filled the tables with twelve courses each. The sight of fresh poultry amazed the staff officers, "Old Daniel, you have livestock on your base?"