18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 402

Daniel had never been one to spill the beans, which is probably why he'd climbed so high up the ladder.

"I'm the head nurse," Vanessa reiterated, her tone as firm as her position demanded.

Stella, however, was less than polite in her response. "I think you've got it wrong. You're not the head nurse; you're more like the neighborhood busybody-always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

The harshness of Stella's words took Vanessa by surprise, visibly shaking her composure.

Everything that needed to be said had been laid out clear as day. If Daniel was really sick and in the hospital, people would probably be queuing up to take care of him. Why should Stella trust this elusive woman standing before her? Her features were plain, but her forehead might as well have had 'schemer' written across it.

As Vanessa turned to leave, she urgently said, "Stella, I'm not lying. Mr. Daniel is in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer because he's overworked himself."

"And how is that my problem?" Stella retorted, unfazed. "It's not like I'm the one who worked him to the point of a bleeding ulcer."

"But you're his daughter-the only person he truly worries about and can't let go of."

Stella remained unmoved, her sarcasm biting. "What are you, the neighborhood busybody?"

Vanessa was taken aback by Stella's aggressive stance, but remembering her purpose, she gritted her teeth and confessed, "If it weren't for the sudden catastrophe, he and I might already be married."

The news hit Stella like a thunderbolt, pausing her in her tracks.

Vanessa's demeanor was awkward, yet she managed to speak with a semblance of calm, "I came without his knowledge. He's had a hard life, burdened with too much responsibility, and he's lost himself in it all. The only time he smiles freely is when he speaks of you. I hope you'll go to see him, to encourage him to take better care of himself."

After a meaningful look at Stella, Vanessa briskly walked away.

Stella stood by the door for a moment before closing it and heading upstairs.

escape gear, then staring blankly at the

she muttered to the ceiling,

had overheard their conversation the day before

could

to respect

she brought it up, he asked,

I wouldn't have

get dressed. I'll go with you," Jasper

provisions. Yet Stella went to the hospital with nothing

the commander, she asked,

simply didn't have the authority. "Perhaps you could get in touch with the commander's secretary?" Right, it was the secretary's job to cater to the commander's needs. If she knew where to find Mark, would she be asking at the reception desk? Just as Stella

It was Vanessa.

"Mr. Daniel is undergoing tests, but I can take you to his

let Stella change her mind, Vanessa quickly delegated her responsibilities to other nurses. Stella followed her to the

his tests, but outside his room was

dozen people, all

her, Mark hurried

do?" Stella's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Are you trying

tried to intervene, but life-or-death decisions needed the commander's

Daniel's condition was indeed dire, so Mark had expedited all non-critical

an hour later, Stella entered

his work had finally taken its toll. His pale face was testament to his fatigue, and having just taken his medication,

she saw was a weary old man worn down

careful not to startle

upon the half-open drawer of the bedside table, revealing a corner

with medicines; enough to substitute

fatal, but his vital signs were poor, and years