18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 404

Stella had picked up the art of traditional remedy-making at the Institute of Traditional Medicine, a skill that came in handy since brewing herbal teas can be a real pain. With her know-how, she could turn these herbs into handy pills. Thanks to Dr. Garcia and Collin, she had a treasure trove of secret recipes and golden formulas. Wanting to repay Daniel for the good years she'd had because of Arcadia, she felt it was only right to put in her best effort. She carefully crafted a prescription for his condition. But the old-school method was no walk in the park. Even with Jasper and Rosie helping out, it took a solid two or three days to get it done.

She didn't just whip up something for his stomach; knowing how Daniel had risked his life for work, she also made a few bottles of fast-acting heart relief pills, sleep aids, blood pressure reducers, and immunity boosters. She made enough to last him years, packing a big box to the brim.

She'd done her part; whether Daniel took care of himself was out of her hands.

After finishing the medicines, Stella made a special trip to the hospital.

Daniel was still admitted, but when she arrived, Stella found herself at a loss for words. What could she possibly say to him?

Vanessa, just having sorted out the nurses' duties, looked up and saw Stella approaching, greeting her with a warm smile, "Stella, here to check on the commander?"

It sounded a bit presumptuous.

But since she was there, Stella asked, "How's he doing?"

Daniel's chronic ailments weren't going to be cured overnight, but ever since Stella's visit, he seemed in good spirits. He hadn't insisted on leaving the hospital to dive back into work and had delegated most of his responsibilities. With less on his plate, he naturally had more time to rest.

Maybe this was the power of family ties; someone had finally managed to handle stubborn old Daniel.

To be honest, Vanessa felt a mix of emotions, but it wasn't jealousy or envy.

Stella was his daughter, and although Daniel didn't know about her before, blood ties don't lie. Vanessa never imagined Lillian could be so cruel to harm her own child.

Stella's ordeal had stirred a strong sense of guilt and a desire to make amends in Daniel.

So, whatever his daughter said or did, he took to heart, more than anything Vanessa, an outsider, could hope for.

It was good, in a way. Having someone to care for made life more worthwhile.

Unaware of Vanessa's thoughts, Stella handed over the medicine she had prepared, "I sourced some herbs and made a few bottles for him. He just needs to take them as needed. Could you give them to him, please?" Vanessa didn't take them. "This is your gesture. The commander will be very pleased. He's just idling in his room now."

medicine in Vanessa's hands, "This is to make up for the broken jade pendant. Just tell him that, I

the large box of medicines, Vanessa couldn't catch up

like daughter-both

between the two would

Daniel's room, where she found him working despite his illness. She

looked up at her, "Still mad at

the head nurse. I wouldn't dare

I was too harsh the other day." Daniel put aside his papers, his tone serious yet calm, "I can sense that Stella doesn't want to acknowledge our relationship, and with disasters looming, getting closer

"Right, you consider your ex and daughter, but

this to you." An

"Not an ex-wife? Then why does she

that Lillian is just an ex-girlfriend from three decades

"You're so considerate, taking care

her quietly,

unable to hold back her tears, turned

the civil affairs office, but he

not getting married, telling her to

these words every year

human, with feelings that couldn't just disappear,

to be with someone else, only to find she couldn't

her tears, Daniel felt a pang of distress but was

all bridges behind him. No one knew

had underestimated Vanessa's feelings for him, which remained strong over

say; now, he truly didn't know how to respond to

her a handkerchief, he said, "Don't cry. It's all

only made her cry

temple; she was nearing forty and still so headstrong and

entered, only to find Vanessa in tears, and immediately backed out,

the hospital room, Daniel felt awkward, unable to reciprocate her feelings and unable to pull her back

his attention to the