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 her swift

in one gulp.

impulsive and

table grew lively, and they ate for well over an hour

men were in high spirits, but the impending

thousands of miles between their cities, who could say

slight flush on their cheeks

Si,

grabbed a gift bag

her with a mix of severity and softness. "Stella, if you had the chance

"Uncle 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

understood the subtext. The new familial ties

benefits, and Stella's new status

Si felt

I hope we get to meet

sternness with tenderness,

is not an easy one. Be wary of the thorns

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

depart, she turned back to

and was relaxing in

have me escort him

he came all this way, it's best not to let him

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

be so easily appeased. If Griffith wanted to remain independent, they'd have

was pleased with her insight.

the moment

accommodate as

night, Rosie returned home bathed in moonlight, looking up at the scattered stars shining like a myriad

walked

reunion, neither knew quite what to say. Gone were the carefree days of youth, replaced by the weight of unspoken thoughts and

took a deep breath, his palms

been quick, but the road

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

sweaty palms, he suddenly grasped Rosie's

she moved to throw him over her shoulder, but Dylan was quick, managing to dodge just in