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."

want too many ties with Daniel, so she insisted, placing the medicine in Vanessa's hands, "This is to make up for

box of medicines, Vanessa couldn't catch

father, like daughter-both stubborn

the two would be

sighed deeply and took the medicine to Daniel's room, where she found him working despite his

her, "Still

commander, and I'm just the head nurse. I wouldn't dare

to acknowledge our relationship, and with disasters looming, getting closer might just lead to more hurt if we're forced apart one day. I know you mean well, but I'd rather you

you consider your ex

with a headache, clarified, "What ex? I've explained this to you." An

"Not an ex-wife? Then why does she

that Lillian is just an ex-girlfriend from three decades

only infuriated the usually calm Vanessa. "You're so considerate, taking care of your ex-girlfriend. Why

her

hold back her tears, turned

her. They were at the doors of the civil affairs office, but he left at the call of duty

up, not getting married, telling her to find a

words every year or

with feelings that couldn't just disappear, unable to marry just

indeed considered trying to

but was at

he was prepared to burn all bridges behind him. No one knew how long the disasters would last-10 years, 50 years, 100 years,

willing to devote himself, yet he had underestimated Vanessa's feelings for him, which remained

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

he said, "Don't cry. It's

made her

forty and still so headstrong and stubborn.

entered, only to find Vanessa in tears, and

of people in the hospital room, Daniel felt awkward, unable to reciprocate her feelings and unable to pull her

the box on the table,