18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 574

Stella only realized now that the other patient in the hospital room was Reagan. Finally, it made sense why there were two patients in the ICU-they were waiting for her.

Reagan had been handpicked by Daniel to lead a special task force, and there was no way Stella could leave him to die. But if she saved him, she had to save Nicholas too, or she'd be accused of playing favorites.

Nicholas quickly said, "Niece, ol' Reagan here is the leader of the task force, and more importantly, he's the big boss's lifelong buddy. You gotta find a way to save him."

With that, he moved over to Reagan's side and spoke to his unconscious form, "Reagan, wake up, man. You gotta hang in there. Stella's back, and with her skills, she can definitely save you."

The hospital director choked up a bit but didn't say anything.

Stella didn't say a word, but she sneered inwardly. Cunning fox, always playing his games. In the same room, there was no way Stella could play favorites even if she wanted to. Well, it was for the best—at least things were even.

Stella inquired about Reagan's condition, and the director reported, "Reagan's got it a bit lighter, but the lack of medicine is a real problem." Pneumonia wasn't a rare disease; any ol' doc could treat it. It all came down to the meds!

Stella didn't linger, instructing the director to send someone with her to get the necessary medicine. The hospital wasn't far from home, just a few minutes by car. She didn't head to her own house but went straight next door and called out, "Dad?"

Her dog, Heartless, came bounding out, charging through the snow towards her, followed by a tumbling quartet of sticky rice balls. "Whine, whine." "Howl, howl."

Stella ignored them and headed straight for Daniel's room. Daniel was resting with a sprained back. "Come in," he said, his tone brief but his mood seemingly good.

Living in the big boss's house had its perks; they never ran out of coats or quilts. But Rosie had still sent over some silk blankets that were lighter and warmer, along with down liners that were perfect for Daniel and Vanessa to wear under their clothes, discreetly hidden from view. All these supplies were leftovers from Stella's stash, kept in a storage room just in case of emergencies.

pretty darn comfy. Oh, and Heartless had brought its puppies to keep him company. And

watching shows on the couch with Rosie, then later curled up in his bed with his mate, and now he'd brought it to Daniel to help pass the dull hours of recovery. Stella nearly choked-not out of jealousy, really. It was just that Cooper treasured that tablet and had never brought it

on that dog, it seemed it preferred Daniel's

out of bed but Stella

was capable of taking care of himself, but everyone was overly concerned. He wasn't made of tofu; he wasn't that fragile. To reassure Stella, he insisted on getting up and even took a few steps. It hurt, but

Stella confirmed it wasn't very serious. A little rest

recover.

waited outside, so Stella briefly mentioned being summoned to the hospital. Daniel knew Nicholas well after so many years of working together. "He has the nation's interests at heart, but his ambition is just as large. He usually plays nice, but he's slick and experienced. His rudeness this time can be understood, given his son's critical condition." If their roles were

you save him?" Daniel paused, then added, "But your own safety

Stella replied honestly, "The

I

people care about when they get sick." She used to worry only about Jasper and Rosie, but now there were more in her circle. Why waste life-saving drugs on someone who

medicine couldn't be replenished, Daniel respected her

plan. "I'll go get the

nodded, "Your Uncle Yu is not doing well; it could worsen at any time. Join me later

medication. She took anti- inflammatory drugs and antibiotics from the stash she had pilfered from China, along with herbs beneficial for treating pneumonia. She grouped them all together,

feeding Heartless some delicious meaty bones, she joined Daniel next door for dinner. Vanessa was tied up at the hospital and wouldn't be back until

dinner, Stella was about to stock the kitchen when Daniel spoke up, "Don't worry about it. Too many people come and go here, and they're all

come over to eat. I'll have Snow or

Those dogs were too clever, almost

so Stella carried a couple of cans of fruit and fish, along with a half-pound block of rock candy. All pilfered from China, so no worries