18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 597

Partings are always bittersweet, and Stella did her best to smile. "Dr. Collin, I'm sure Willowbrook will flourish quickly. Maybe next time, it'll be us visiting you."

Deep down, she'd wanted to ask him to stay just a bit longer.

But Collin, ever the rational one, had turned her down. "With you at Griffith, I have no worries. Willowbrook needs me more."

His selflessness left Stella speechless.

Collin patted her shoulder. "Stella, people come and go. If fate allows, we'll meet again."

The time had come, and the delegation began boarding the speedboats to the offshore docks.

Mentor and apprentice hugged, and Collin picked up the backpack she'd given him, waving goodbye.

Stella watched until he disappeared from view, her heart heavy with sorrow.

Not long after, a convoy of military jeeps rolled in.

Staff Officer Daniel and others disembarked, and folks like Reagan and Nicholas came to see them off, their laughter and genuine sentiments filling the air.

Stella approached with gifts in hand. "Dad, godfather."

The gifts were plentiful: tobacco, liquor, tea, and the quick-acting heart-saving pills she had made herself.

Her acknowledgement of family ties wasn't public knowledge in Griffith, so when Stella called the staff officer "godfather," everyone was taken aback.

Before the staff officer could react, Nicholas's mouth twitched.

He felt like a fool, thinking he'd been so sly and discreet, only to find out they were all family.

His emotions churned, but as a seasoned warrior, he quickly regained his stoic demeanor as if nothing had happened.

The godfather, pleased with his gifts, grinned at Daniel. "Old Gu, this departure spans thousands of miles. You better take good care of my goddaughter; don't let anyone push her around."

"I will," Daniel assured him.

"Don't just say it; make sure you do. If even a hair on her head is harmed, I'll hold you accountable," the godfather said, though his words carried a deeper message for the others listening in.

After exchanging pleasantries, the other higher-ups also shared their goodbyes.

In the crowd, Stella searched for Rosie, who was chatting with Dylan in a corner.

Dylan held a bag of hotpot ingredients, his gaze intense as if trying to etch Rosie into his very soul.

Finally, he said simply, "Rosie, take care."

Rosie nodded with a smile. "You too, Dylan. Stay safe on your journey."

personnel began to board the ship, Dylan, as the staff officer's guard, had

hear the

waving at

days later, the Willowbrook delegation

empty-handed, and neither

transport, but they

herbs

survivors, but other matters were discussed behind

in

the Willowbrook submarine faded into the

attend a

quiet on the drive, seemingly lost

had said their goodbyes in the New Town Villa

Having lived next to Dylan for years,

that were different from those

on her young friend's

was late when Jasper returned

the military negotiations were

for nothing; the two sides had agreed to a joint operation

Kindle Chests had been lost, and they would send teams to search and determine if conditions were

resources found within

was an offer Griffith

Australian civilization. Put simply: Willowbrook was the legitimate heir,

match for Willowbrook. In a world ravaged

thirdly, who would

wanted rapid development to withstand calamities, they needed more resources. This was a win-win cooperation, with no

this outcome and accepted it calmly,

"No one objected to this

Staff Officer

Daniel and the staff

were old friends with a deep bond forged

ultimate goal was

Australian civilization, so

the interests of both cities made

smoothly.

interest,

Stella hummed. "Nicholas?"

pot, but Dad and the

to settle things smoothly."

leader lacked

it been just an

it

now, he