18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 625

Blowing your own trumpet is all fun and games until you overdo it and leave someone without a leg to stand on.

Bran, oozing with confidence, reassured, "Don't worry, sis. I'm not that daft. Everyone knows who's behind Griffith's success."

As the six generals stood on the brink of expanding their territories, it was clear whose resources they'd be taking along. Each had their own tally in mind.

Every single one of them was as sharp as a fox who's seen it all, definitely smarter than Nicholas when it came to the big picture. It wasn't just about not wanting to rub Stella the wrong way—they'd be leaning on her in the future. Just avoiding the scramble for her favor was enough.

Nicholas must be kicking himself by now.

Military negotiations might seem straightforward, but it's all about who you're dealing with. Sending China packing with their tails between their legs undoubtedly cemented Griffith's standing.

Any base or group with ulterior motives had better weigh their own clout first.

The military was thrilled, throwing a victory bash to celebrate.

Bran, the head of the secretarial team, was snapping photos, making sure to capture Stella at her best. Who knew—one day these pictures might be printed in textbooks or hanging in museums. His only sister had to shine—not a single angle where she didn't dazzle.

At the banquet, Stella mingled effortlessly with the older folks, like Jasper was born to it.

In the midst of the event, Nicholas made no secret of trying to poach Reagan. "Old man, after over a decade as partners, you can't hog all the good fortune. How about sharing the wealth?"

"Old Xiao, that's not poaching, that's undercutting my foundation. We're at the frontlines working our tails off, and you're reaping the benefits..."

As others joined in, the two became the belles of the ball.

Stella didn't take it to heart; it was all just flattery.

But this shift was a far cry from the starting point.

Not only did they acknowledge Stella and Jasper's statuses, but they also accepted and adapted to them in their hearts.

Swallowing his pride, Nicholas put on a good face, "My dear niece, Griffith owes much of its success to you..."

"Uncle Xiao, you flatter me," Stella interrupted, with a modest air. "Great achievements start from the ground up, and Griffith owes its rise to the collective effort and sweat of everyone, especially the tireless dedication of my uncles. We, the people of Griffith, see and appreciate it.

You are the guiding lights, and as the younger generation, we still have much to learn. I hope you will continue to guide us in the future.

Here's to my uncles!"

Youthful exuberance aside, a healthy respect was key.

The seasoned veterans took pleasure in her words, smiling warmly. "You are the hope of Griffith, the bearers of Australia's cultural legacy. With such heart, we can rest easy."

After the festivities, Stella took some time to relax at home.

She had prepared two sets of supplies to send to Mark and Evan via Bran—essentials for the middle-aged, items seldom requested but always graciously given, almost harder to ask for than reaching the heavens.

Stella hoped they could live a bit more comfortably, to serve Griffith all the better.

"I'm often away. If they encounter any difficulties in life or work, and you can help, please do."

"Don't worry, sis. I've got your back."

Stella knew better than to take his word for it. It wasn't that she doubted his intentions, but the secretarial role was hectic, especially within the military-political complex. Not everyone was cut out for it, and Bran had to be ready to serve at her beck and call.

She gave Bran a once-over; he was the picture of propriety now, a far cry from the carefree playboy he used to be.

Cody, Lukas, and the others were settling into their new roles. New positions, new relationships, and the challenges of being the new kids on the block were expected, but they were no greenhorns. After a decade of dealing with disasters and the worst of humanity, even leading teams of thousands, they could handle anything short of life and death.

If one road was blocked, they'd find another.

They were confident!

As 2688 dove further away, watching Griffith enveloped in greenery through the periscope, pride swelled within them.

Every day brought change, and by the time they returned, Griffith would have a new face.

The crew was in high spirits, "Stella, fancy a game? We could do with some dumplings."

How to lose gracefully without giving the game away?

Their acting skills were put to the test—they had to be in sync and avoid slipping up.

Stella was none the wiser. "I'm in!"

As for Jasper, who knew the truth, "…"

Never mind, as long as she was happy.

Mid-voyage, as they retrieved the third Kindle Chest and set course for the next waypoint, 2688 was suddenly under attack.

Sonar detected a massive creature moving at lightning speed...

Encountering large oceanic creatures wasn't unusual, but such speed was unprecedented.

Stella initially thought it was a giant squid looming in the depths, but Jake shook his head. "No, it's shaped more like an oarfish, but this thing is several times the length of any oarfish I've ever heard of."

Amelia yelled, "Heads up, it's charging right at us!"

Her warning barely had time to sink in before the 2688 was rocked by a violent collision. In an instant, several people were thrown through the air...