18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 595

With his daughter Stella taking charge of the kitchen, Daniel invited Staff Officer Si into the study for some fine English tea. "Stella's got some serious culinary skills. We just sit back and wait for a feast."

Staff Officer Si's eyes, ever perceptive, gleamed with admiration. "Top-notch tea. This must be another one of your daughter's thoughtful gestures."

Daniel chuckled. "When's the last time we just sat down and savored a cuppa like this?"

While the two men caught up in the study, Stella busied herself in the kitchen, and before long, dinner was served.

It was a simple meal, but Stella had put her heart into it.

Knowing that Staff Officer Si hailed from a region with a penchant for hearty flavors, Stella had prepared a zesty duck dish, generously seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger-a bold flavor that commanded respect.

True to form, Staff Officer Si hadn't tasted anything like it in ages, and his mouth watered at the aroma.

No wonder they say a man with a daughter has it all. Not only was she a pillar in the revival of Australian civilization, but her cooking was beyond reproach.

The meal wasn't just good; it was tailor-made to Staff Officer Si's tastes, a clear sign of Stella's heartfelt efforts.

Staff Officer Si ate with gusto and couldn't help but lament what Willowbrook had lost with Stella's departure.

Thinking of the Kindle Chest stacked in the transport ship, he couldn't resist broaching the subject again. "Daniel, does our old agreement still stand?"

Daniel feigned confusion. "What agreement?"

Staff Officer Si was not to be deterred. "We both have daughters now, and since Minnie is no more..."

The thought of his daughter caught in his throat, and he couldn't go on.

Daniel, filled with empathy, turned to Stella. "Stella, your Uncle Si and I had this pact that if I ever married and had a child, if they were of the same sex, we'd become godparents to each other's kids. Would you be okay with that?"

Back then, fresh from a breakup with Lillian and reeling from losing his child and lover, Daniel never considered he'd marry again, much less have another child, so he'd agreed without a second thought.

It was meant as a joke, but now Staff Officer Si was asking him to make good on

it.

The choice was Stella's to make.

Without hesitation, Stella filled a glass with wine and handed it over. "Godfather, may you live a long and prosperous life. May Willowbrook and Griffith bloom side by side."

taken aback by

took the glass and drained it in one gulp. "Alright, from today on, I've gained another

can be impulsive and sometimes overlooks things. Please look out for

the dinner table grew lively, and they

but the impending farewell cast

with thousands of miles between their cities, who could say if they

slight flush

driver arrived to pick up Staff Officer Si,

gift bag and

softness. "Stella, if you had

Si, no matter where I am, as long as I have my roots, the fruit it bears will be Australian. Wouldn't a star shining in the darkness

new familial ties at the dinner table

Officer Si had traveled a great distance for benefits, and Stella's new status was

Si felt regret but didn't

Griffith tomorrow. I hope we get to

sternness with tenderness, he added,

is not an easy one. Be wary of the thorns and the

hidden message. "Thank you. The rainbow after the storm is

him depart, she turned

had sobered up and was relaxing in his chair. "Has your

escort him

Uncle Si. Since he came all this way, it's best not to

agree. "I think Uncle Si won't let you off so

official in Willowbrook, Si wouldn't be so easily appeased. If Griffith wanted to remain independent, they'd have to prepare

was pleased with her insight. "Stella, you've

had seen through Staff Officer Si's schemes the moment he'd asked to recognize Stella as

as long as it wasn't too

Rosie returned home bathed in moonlight, looking up at the scattered stars shining

walked her

knew quite what to say. Gone were the carefree days of youth, replaced by the

breath, his

quick, but the road seemed to pass even

leave, and if he didn't speak now, he might never

sweaty palms, he suddenly grasped

her shoulder, but Dylan was quick, managing to dodge just