18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 595

With his daughter Stella taking charge of the kitchen, Daniel invited Staff Officer Si into the study for some fine English tea. "Stella's got some serious culinary skills. We just sit back and wait for a feast."

Staff Officer Si's eyes, ever perceptive, gleamed with admiration. "Top-notch tea. This must be another one of your daughter's thoughtful gestures."

Daniel chuckled. "When's the last time we just sat down and savored a cuppa like this?"

While the two men caught up in the study, Stella busied herself in the kitchen, and before long, dinner was served.

It was a simple meal, but Stella had put her heart into it.

Knowing that Staff Officer Si hailed from a region with a penchant for hearty flavors, Stella had prepared a zesty duck dish, generously seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger—a bold flavor that commanded respect.

True to form, Staff Officer Si hadn't tasted anything like it in ages, and his mouth watered at the aroma.

No wonder they say a man with a daughter has it all. Not only was she a pillar in the revival of Australian civilization, but her cooking was beyond reproach.

The meal wasn't just good; it was tailor-made to Staff Officer Si's tastes, a clear sign of Stella's heartfelt efforts.

Staff Officer Si ate with gusto and couldn't help but lament what Willowbrook had lost with Stella's departure.

Thinking of the Kindle Chest stacked in the transport ship, he couldn't resist broaching the subject again. "Daniel, does our old agreement still stand?"

Daniel feigned confusion. "What agreement?"

Staff Officer Si was not to be deterred. "We both have daughters now, and since Minnie is no more..."

The thought of his daughter caught in his throat, and he couldn't go on.

Daniel, filled with empathy, turned to Stella. "Stella, your Uncle Si and I had this pact that if I ever married and had a child, if they were of the same sex, we'd become godparents to each other's kids. Would you be okay with that?"

Back then, fresh from a breakup with Lillian and reeling from losing his child and lover, Daniel never considered he'd marry again, much less have another child, so he'd agreed without a second thought.

It was meant as a joke, but now Staff Officer Si was asking him to make good on it.

The choice was Stella's to make.

Without hesitation, Stella filled a glass with wine and handed it over. "Godfather, may you live a long and prosperous life. May Willowbrook and Griffith bloom side by side."

Staff Officer Si was taken aback by her swift agreement.

He took the glass and drained it in one gulp. "Alright, from today on, I've gained another daughter."

Daniel raised his own glass. "Si, Stella can be impulsive and sometimes overlooks things. Please look out for her."

The atmosphere at the dinner table grew lively, and they ate for well over an hour before concluding.

Both men were in high spirits, but the impending farewell cast a shadow over their mood.

In a world so unpredictable, with thousands of miles between their cities, who could say if they would ever meet again?

They toasted and talked, a slight flush on their cheeks from the wine.

As the driver arrived to pick up Staff Officer Si, Daniel was slightly tipsy. "Stella, see your Uncle Si out."

After cleaning up the table, Stella grabbed a gift bag and escorted Staff Officer Si to the door.

A breeze at the gate sobered him up, and he looked at her with a mix of severity and softness. "Stella, if you had the chance to choose again, without the concerns you have now, would you stay in Willowbrook?"

Stella's heart held the answer. "Uncle Si, no matter where I am, as long as I have my roots, the fruit it bears will be Australian. Wouldn't a star shining in the darkness be all the more brilliant?"

They both understood the subtext. The new familial ties at the dinner table were just bargaining chips.

Representing Willowbrook, Staff Officer Si had traveled a great distance for benefits, and Stella's new status was of no harm to her either.

Hearing her answer, Staff Officer Si felt regret but didn't press further.

"We're leaving Griffith tomorrow. I hope we get to meet again."

With a look that mixed sternness with tenderness, he added, "The path you've chosen is not an easy one. Be wary of the thorns and the storms."

Stella appreciated the hidden message. "Thank you. The rainbow after the storm is often the most beautiful."

After watching him depart, she turned back to the house.

Rosie's mind went blank.

Truth be told, she had always seen Dylan as a friend, her only friend.

But she wasn't ignorant of romantic feelings.

Since reuniting in Griffith, Dylan had visited her a few times. Though he never spoke directly, his glances were unmistakably filled with affection—just like the way her brother looked at his wife.

She had a hunch about Dylan's feelings.

Under the moonlight, Rosie clenched her fists, taking a moment to collect herself before responding sweetly, "Dylan, thank you for your kindness."

Dylan was just about to speak when she added, "But in my heart, you'll always be Big Brother Dylan."

Moonlight shrouded the night, masking his expression.

Yet it was likely one of sorrow.

Because Rosie had no idea how much effort Dylan had put forth just to stand shoulder to shoulder with her in battle.

She was his driving force.

Coming to Griffith was a move Dylan made deliberately.

It was here he harbored the greatest hope of finding her.

And indeed, he had succeeded.

The moment he caught sight of Rosie, his heart threatened to burst from his chest.

All grown up, she was the spitting image of the girl who haunted his dreams time and again.

But she coolly rejected him.

"Rosie, why?"