18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 566

Jasper was never really clued in on matters of the heart. In two lifetimes, he'd only ever fallen for Stella. He had no intention of confessing, content to keep his feelings buried, especially since the apocalypse was hardly a time for romance.

But then Stella surprised him by asking straight out if he liked her.

In that moment, he was stunned. Admitting it could change everything, maybe not for the better.

In a moment of madness, he said there was "a little" something there.

And she turned him down.

Driven by instinct, and after a lot of ups and downs, they eventually found their way to each other.

Love was indeed beautiful, but when he reflected on it, he didn’t want his sister to follow in his footsteps.

Because if he hadn’t loved Stella, he wouldn’t have risked his life to protect her.

In a world gone mad, where human nature was complex, he had found the right person. But what if he hadn’t?

Everyone has their own self-interests. Even if it is true love, he didn’t want his sister making the same mistakes.

Love was fine, but it should wait until after the apocalypse when humanity's moral compass had been reset.

When Rosie insisted, “Bro, I swear I'm not hiding anything!” Jasper felt a surge of urgency.

The disaster had lasted twelve years. She admired her brother and sister-in-law’s love, but had seen the darkest sides of human nature: couples turning on each other, families torn apart, siblings betraying siblings, children killing their own parents...

At the Griffith compound, all the men who came around offering their help had their own agendas.

“Alright, if you say so,” Jasper trusted his sister. “Rosie, you're not even of age yet. If you ever think about dating or marriage, it can wait a few more years.”

Determined, Rosie replied, “Brother, I have zero interest in guys.”

Jasper frowned, considering her words for a moment before asking, “What do you think about Bran?”

His wife had asked her just the day before, and now here was her brother, asking the same thing. Rosie might have been innocent, but she wasn't clueless.

It was so frustrating!

But she knew the game that was being played. Bran and the Porras family were tacticians, their interests intertwined. The Porras were certainly influential.

Rosie calmed herself quickly, using Poppy’s terminology, “Uncle Bran is useful, but slippery as an eel. I'd rather not deal with him too much.”

She preferred the straightforward, dependable uncle who was honest and hardworking without any hidden agendas.

Seeing her expression, Jasper felt reassured. “Rosie, in these times, you can't predict people's true intentions. No matter how well you think you know someone, always keep your guard up.”

With twelve years of hard lessons, Rosie’s character was well-formed. “I know, brother,” she assured him.

…

Stella woke up around noon, while Jasper had already left for the docks to tally up supplies. Rosie was busy at the farm.

After a quick bite, Stella took Cooper out for a walk, while Snowflake stayed home to care for the kids.

The beautiful woman and the handsome dog were a sight to behold, attracting countless stares.

Stella was used to it, but Cooper took full advantage of his human companion, baring teeth at anyone he sensed malice from along the way.

If he wasn't muzzled, he might have torn a few folks to shreds.

Including the 12 men hired by the Porras family to manage the daily workings of the farm.

They were just trying to earn their keep. Working the farm was a lot easier than trying to make it on their own, so they were all diligent, afraid of losing their jobs.

The greenhouse, built of standard glass and reinforced with wooden frames to protect against sandstorms and hail, was a project spearheaded by Josef.

Inside, sparse sunlight filtered through, allowing for the cultivation of crops like asparagus, leeks, and even some Western herbs.

Rosie had also set up various shelving units to maximize the planting space.

Upon seeing Stella, he was struck by how little she had changed over the past decade.

She had lost the icy aloofness of their first meeting, now radiating a firm and powerful presence.

The years had changed them, and yet, in some ways, they remained the same.

Approaching her, Mark extended his hand with a warm smile, “Stella.”

She greeted him with a smile of her own, “Mark.”

In the team were Nicholas, the land management expert, agricultural specialists, and other experienced consultants.

Stella delegated Rosie and Josef to take care of the guests, while she led Mark to the farm's rest area.

As old acquaintances without any outsiders around, they spoke openly and frankly.

Mark hoped to maximize the potential of the greenhouse, not only to alleviate the survivors' hunger but also to make strides in reforestation and greening efforts.

As environmental improvements took hold, the climate began to stabilize, offering a glimmer of hope that Earth might finally reclaim its ecological balance.

Stella was brimming with optimism. "Don't worry, Mark. I'm totally on board with this."

Today was a day of unboxing and inspection as the new desalination equipment made its debut. Not only was it a solution to the base's drinking water issues, but it was also a boon to afforestation efforts, bringing nothing but benefits.

With a reliable water supply, even deserts could be transformed into verdant oases.

Stella brought up the shipment of 26 crates of fabric. "Once we wrap up this cotton harvest, we're hoping for some of that scientific expertise of yours."

Those 26 shipping containers of fabric would definitely ease the base's needs. Whatever he would require, the farm was ready to cooperate unconditionally.

Mark sighed in relief. She had indeed lifted a pressing burden from his shoulders.

However, Stella had another surprise for him—a gift. "Rosie is looking to set up a livestock farm. Got any advice for her, Mark?"