18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 461

Stella glanced up and saw a gaunt woman standing across the fence. Her sallow face was marked with several nasty scars, and she walked with a pronounced limp. She was so thin that her eyes appeared abnormally large, staring intently at Stella, who was wearing a face mask.

Stella frowned, wondering who this could be.

"Stella, is that really you?" The woman clutched the fence tightly, her voice a mix of emotions. "It's me, your mother."

Stella nearly choked.

Lillian? She was unrecognizable.

Her emaciated frame made the scars on her face look even more grotesque, and her body bore several lumps and bruises. Her clothes were tattered and worn.

It was obvious, even at a glance, that she had fallen on hard times.

She seemed on the verge of collapse, like a camel about to buckle under the weight of its burden. Yet, when she saw Stella, her eyes sparkled with a plea. "Stella, I'm your mother. I gave you life. You have to save me... save me..."

Lillian had always been a clinging vine, dependent on men to survive. Eventually, Daniel had her transferred to the Goldbridge official facility.

Stella had imagined a grim existence for her...

And it seemed her life had indeed been rather grim.

But one had to admit, her vitality was stubborn.

However, Stella wasn't interested in Lillian's miseries, nor did she harbor much satisfaction or resentment in her heart.

Looking at the unrecognizable Lillian, Stella was as calm as if she were facing a stranger.

What did it matter that she had given her life? It wasn't out of Lillian's desire, but necessity.

Her own upbringing had been far from joyful. Only after meeting Jasper did she feel warmth.

For a woman so selfish she contemplated murder to keep her lies from being exposed, Stella thought it was already generous of her not to take her life.

Now, it was fine this way; to live on, living in pain, and hopefully, for a very long time.

Stella said, "I'm sorry, you must

although surprised, didn't inquire further but instead told the nearby soldier, "The patient is too agitated for questioning. Take her away, please." Lillian, in her agitation, desperately resisted and tried to lunge at Stella, aiming to scratch and bite the

in their protective gear, effortlessly subdued

in distress, "Stella, you will not die a good

you, I promise

early hour, Collin went to inspect other

stable emotions were allowed to exercise, assisted by counselors to help them regulate

become violent and began to

aggressor and confining

of how Lillian might have gotten

to survive in such harsh conditions. For someone like her, life was

she would suffer

Stella chose not to mention her encounter with Lillian to

There was no need.

shortage of medical staff and an even greater scarcity of medicines.

this kind of mutation

she didn't oppose

went on, and the variety of herbs in

success of

from the yellow croaker and ribbonfish, ensuring they were

the edible sea fish greatly alleviated

longer fought over a scrap of

started to

her dormitory when a nurse's knock

been a long time since they had a chance

Jasper away, got dressed, and headed out.

construction site injury, and this time it was a soldier,

her mask and headed to the operating room, her tone was clipped and professional.

tug at

worn military garb looking at her with

brows knitted together. Who could this

"Big sis, it's me."

but the man's face

man said,