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."

Officer Si was taken aback

and drained it in one gulp.

raised his own glass. "Si, Stella can be impulsive

dinner table grew lively, and they

men were in high spirits, but the impending farewell

so unpredictable, with thousands of miles between their cities, who could

flush on their cheeks

Si, Daniel was slightly tipsy. "Stella,

grabbed a gift

the gate sobered him up, and he looked at her with a mix of severity and softness. "Stella, if you had

I have my roots, the fruit it bears will be

familial ties at the dinner table were just bargaining

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

Officer Si

leaving Griffith tomorrow. I hope we get

that mixed sternness with tenderness, he added, "The path

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

you. The rainbow after the storm is

depart, she

relaxing in his chair. "Has your Uncle

escort him out just so

Since he came all this way, it's best not to let him leave with any

"I think Uncle Si won't let you

wouldn't be so easily appeased. If Griffith wanted to remain independent,

was pleased with her insight.

Officer Si's schemes the moment

as long as it

up at the scattered stars shining like

walked

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

breath, his palms sweating with

been quick, but the road seemed to pass even

he didn't speak now, he might never have another

palms, he suddenly grasped

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