18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 580

Vera, Reagan's daughter, was studying abroad when disaster struck. Deep down, everyone knew the odds of survival, but as long as you're alive, you've got to cling

to hope.

"If she were as capable as Stella, there might be a bigger chance," Reagan mused.

Beyond envy, Reagan had come to express his gratitude. Emily had told him everything; without Stella's life-saving medicine, he wouldn't have made it. He knew that if he were gone, his wife would likely lose her will to go on. So, in essence, Stella had saved two lives.

"Stella and her husband should be the ones thanking you," he acknowledged. "Without your unwavering support, they wouldn't have had the chance to step up."

Having faced life and death countless times, Reagan spoke earnestly, "Old buddy, we're getting on in years. The burdens on our shoulders will eventually be passed to the younger folks. They've got the drive and the vision for the long haul. What we can do is choose the right successors, trust them, and support them wholeheartedly, so they can build a better tomorrow."

He was open-minded, which was why he fully backed Daniel's plans. Of course, that was on the condition that Stella and Daniel were competent. If they were like Nicholas, incapable of getting his act together...

The thought of Nicholas' misdeeds while he was unconscious irked him. Nicholas was unyielding, his obsession with power too great, always wanting to keep it firmly in his grasp. After working together for so many years, Reagan understood, but this couldn't continue indefinitely without harming the community's progress. They would have to take things one step at a time.

The two men talked behind closed doors for over two hours. Upon leaving, Reagan and his wife gratefully accepted Vanessa's generous offerings, which included homemade preserves, fine teas, and farm-fresh eggs.

"Don't mention it, we're practically family," Vanessa said warmly, gripping Emily's hand. "I may not be Stella's birth mother, but she and her husband treat me as such. Stella remembers favors. Our families should keep in touch without any formalities."

Unable to refuse, Reagan and his wife accepted the gifts. After seeing them off, Daniel poured Vanessa a cup of hot tea and remarked with a smile, "You've changed."

Vanessa knew what he meant, "We're not alone anymore, and our kids are doing well. We've got to plan for their future, I can't stay the same."

"Indeed, you've done well."

work? Not when it made him happy. Since Stella came into their lives, he had changed, learning to relax and take better care of himself. He might have missed out on many

essential medical manufacturing equipment. To protect it, 15 members of the Seed Project sacrificed their lives. The

to collect the remains of the Seed Project members, who would be honored first on the Monument of Heroes. Stella's reserved oil had no place to be stored, so it was

overly frugal. The mission from above was to halt the salvage of the Kindle Chest and focus on retrieving the oil from the underwater ruins to avoid complications. Reagan, who was in the know, would've had to organize a long-range transport fleet, deploying all available ships and warships.

in rushing. Considering the average depth of the ocean,

third voyage at sea was now routine: eating, sleeping, taking turns on watch. If the mood struck, they might play cards or mahjong. Stella initially had no interest, but soon got hooked, "Sixty

erupted; she

amazing, a

luck today is off the

me, let's have scrambled eggs with

"Thanks, Stella."

win was no easy feat. It required not just

cards but also top-notch acting skills. Stella was hooked, playing into the

Jasper prepared

with tomatoes.

sourced from their farm and ranch back

improve their quality of life. It was no secret;

appease him failed until she launched a physical

they arrived at Camelot's domain in a daze. The crew put away their frivolities, suited up in

sign, then prepared to cast her spells. In less

team resurfaced, their expressions a complex mix of shock and disbelief,

she misheard,