18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 638

Stella, not being well-versed in biotechnology, decided not to risk opening the hibernation pod right away. Instead, she carefully examined the function buttons. This was no trivial task; a mistake could mean the creature inside might never wake up.

She remembered there was a box of documents that came with the pod. After a bit of searching, she found it hidden away in a corner. The box contained video files and books, which she took back to Arcadia to study thoroughly.

Meanwhile, Vanessa, who had clocked out on time, was already busy in the kitchen.

When Daniel found out that Stella and Vanessa had registered for marriage, albeit just a formality, he was elated. "You’ve both been working so hard for Griffith these past years. Take a long, well-deserved break and don’t rush into your new positions."

Over dinner, Vanessa excitedly shared some news, "Guess what, Old Guy? Griffith has a new baby!"

Daniel, surprised, asked, "The pregnant woman gave birth?"

"Yes, the baby arrived two weeks early. It was a tricky breech birth, so the doctors opted for a cesarean. Both mother and daughter are safe. The baby weighs about five pounds, just a bit of jaundice, but otherwise very healthy."

The birth of this single child gave many people hope and boosted the hospital's morale.

After dinner, Daniel pulled Stella aside into his study. "Do you want to work at the defense department or the hospital?"

Without hesitation, Stella replied, "The hospital."

Daniel nodded, "The Six Cities Project has taken a lot of our medical staff, so we're short-handed. It'll be busy if you start now. Do you want to rest, or are you ready to dive in?"

Stella thought for a moment, "I’m trying to conceive, so high-stress work isn’t ideal for me right now. But I can help train medical staff."

She wasn’t exaggerating. Besides her studies with Mr. Lee and Collin, she had never stopped learning over the past decade. Her medical skills were on par with any practicing physician.

Hearing about her plans to conceive, Daniel smiled warmly, "Alright, then take on a teaching assistant role for now. No need to overexert yourself. You can take on more once you’re past this stage."

Stella didn’t want to put too much pressure on herself, "We’ll see how it goes. If it happens, great; if not, we won’t force it."

Daniel agreed. Medical conditions now were much better than before the disaster—it was all about fate.

The next day, Reagan dropped by to inform them that Bran and Vera’s wedding was set for five days later. Times were tough, so there were no formal invitations. Instead, Reagan came in person to invite them. They didn’t have sweets, but they offered roasted peanuts—a handful for each household to share in the joy.

According to family tradition, Bran and Vera would visit Stella’s home personally. Bran, gleaming with excitement, kept calling her "sis," practically broadcasting his wish for a wedding gift.

Stella pretended not to notice.

Eager for a present, Bran turned to his brother-in-law, Jasper, who also feigned ignorance.

Cooper, their loyal dog, eyed Bran warily, as if guarding his favorite chew toy.

In the end, Bran left, his eyes filled with longing.

Once they were alone, Stella burst into laughter.

Jasper asked, "Should we give him something?"

Stella, massaging her forehead, replied, "Let’s give him one."

She didn’t specify, but Bran was sharp. Nothing much got past him.

He had clung to their coattails, true, but he had also worked hard these past two years. He was a solid support, easing many of Stella’s worries.

Bran’s ostentatious behavior had already attracted too much attention. After much thought, Stella decided to give him the Khabarovsk War Shield, the bulletproof SUV handcrafted by expert Russian engineers over 3000 hours. It would satisfy his need for speed!

That night, lying in his sturdy wooden bed in his newly-built red brick house, Bran couldn’t sleep.

She doesn’t love me anymore.

How heartbreaking!

The following morning, startled voices woke him, "Uncle, come quick!"

Bran emerged groggy, in his boxers and slippers, muttering, "What, is someone dead?"

Poppy pointed outside the gate, "Uncle, what’s that?"

A brand-new Khabarovsk War Shield?

Stella frowned slightly, "When did that happen?"

Clearly, Monkey didn’t think she had anything to do with it. Rosie hadn’t mentioned it, and Stella was genuinely unaware.

Taking a seat beside her, Monkey confided, "He took on a risky assignment, but it’s a fast track to promotion. The boss is worried sick."

Dylan was their precious son, and the cause of constant concern.

What could Stella say? "Dylan’s an adult. He has to take responsibility for his choices."

Stella had never had a child of her own, but she’d raised one all the same, and she knew well it was no small feat.

She understood Austin’s concerns as a father growing old, but she also had faith in Rosie, and she didn’t want to meddle in the affairs of the younger generation.

"How long has it been?"

"Over two months."

Had Rosie not mentioned it, you wouldn’t have been able to tell. She was busy every day, tending to the vast expanses of the family farm.

Stella was always one to speak her mind. "Rosie’s made it clear to me and her brother that she’s not thinking about dating or marriage just yet."

"Right, the youth need to be bold and brave. Maybe one day when Dylan climbs the ranks, he’ll be even better at protecting his family."

Monkey tried to lighten the mood. "When my boy grows up, I’ll encourage him to enlist too. Can’t have him turning out to be a layabout like his old man."

Stella gave a small smile, sipped her tea, nibbled on a cookie, and after a short break, headed home.

She got back earlier than usual and decided to watch some videos on the hibernation pods with Jasper. But the lullaby they played was so potent that she dozed off quickly.

Jasper gently carried her to their room to rest, then stayed behind to continue his research.

After watching the videos over and over for two days and making sure he’d grasped the technology, the two of them began the operation in Arcadia...