18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 598
Blocked in her own efforts, many turned their focus to Bran.
Bran was a natural at this game.
Having spent so much time in Griffith, Bran knew exactly who was genuine and who was a wolf in sheep's clothing. His only
sister was no easy target; those flashy women thinking they could get close were sorely mistaken.
As the gatekeeper, Bran knew who to pull in, push away, or keep close. He managed it all effortlessly. In short, he was the only
one fit to be her right-hand
man.
After the moth infestation, Stella realized just how much they needed someone like him.
When Bran received praise, he nearly cried. He'd finally found his own stage.
Before the handover of the supply ship was completed, Stella took the opportunity to rest at home, only to find out that
Snowflake was pregnant again.
Cooper, quite proud of himself, came over looking for a reward.
Stella was used to it by now; the initial joy had long faded. Just like a grandmother who sees her grandchildren multiply, the
novelty wears off over time.
One evening, Bran came over for dinner. "Sis, you're really treating me this time."
Stella wasn't stingy. Not only did she provide a hearty meal, but she also tossed him the keys to the Hummer. "When your
brother-in-law and I aren't around, you can use it if there's an emergency."
But he shouldn't get too cocky. After all, his superiors had to walk unless there was a dire need for a vehicle.
Sure enough, the keys were like a magic potion, more exciting than ten free meals.
Bran drooled with excitement. "Thanks, sis! I always knew you were the best."

Seeing his content face, Stella thought that once things settled down, she might just give him a car of his own. That would really
make his day.
Family is family; no need for formalities behind closed doors.

"Sis, the guy who died was new at the base. Without some inside help, he wouldn't have dared to poison the meds."
Whoever was behind it had to be someone with clout.
The scary part was, if that stuff had actually gotten into the meds, it could have been fatal.
If it had gone down, with the puppet master's manipulation, Stella's reputation would've crashed from its pedestal.
She didn't make enemies willingly, and few dared to cross her. She could guess who was behind it with her eyes closed.
"Sis, he played his hand first. We've got to take him out," Bran insisted, "or there'll always be trouble."
Stella agreed, but the military was different. Anyone at the top had their own power base.
Besides, it was all speculation. Acting rashly might play right into the enemy's trap.
A powerful foe required a one-shot kill strategy; otherwise, don't even think about
it.
Stella had grown a lot at the Griffith base. She was now playing chess, not smashing the board.
But she'd learned her lesson. She needed to be more vigilant.
The first to lose composure was destined to lose.
Stella wasn't in a rush. She was young; she could outlast him!
After the handover, Jasper was promoted, reaching the rank of Colonel.
His rise was meteoric, and envy was useless against such merit.
Jasper became a Colonel, and Stella was promoted to Major. In Griffith, they were celebrated as the divine couple.
Why the fame? Because with Bran around, even dirt could be sold as chocolate.

After the oil resources in Camelot were salvaged, the special salvage team moved on to Kindle Chests.
The scout team had cleared the area, and with only a handful of Kindle Chests left to salvage, they were nearly done.
Before they set off, Stella and Jasper were called into the study.
The poisoning incident at the hospital during the moth crisis had been quietly dropped.
They had made it on merit, but their rapid rise had stirred envy.
Daniel warned them to be cautious, "The higher you climb, the colder it gets. Whatever happens, think before you act."
He admired Jasper's cool head but worried about his daughter's hasty actions.
Stella had matured. A few years back, she would have cut down Nicholas without a second thought.

Now, she was more measured. Nicholas was just a stepping stone on her path to greatness.
To her, he was nothing without his troops. Easy to deal with.
She wasn't concerned for herself, but for Rosie.
Daniel reassured her, "Don't worry. I'm here at home. Just focus on your safety at sea."
Back home, Jasper gave Rosie a few words of advice.
The next day, Rosie drove them to the dock, and the couple, reluctant to part, watched each other fade into the distance.
Stella mused that by the time she returned from this long voyage, Snowflake might have had her third litter.
At the farewell, Snowflake clung to them, not wanting to let go.
l.ne
If not for a better future, Stella would have leaving
leaded the long journey,
readed the long idea

the
Rosie to shoulder the burden alone, and Cooper aging byt
day.
Jasper understood her mood and comforted her softly, "It'll get better."
The others groaned inwardly as they boarded the submarine. "Stella, we're one short for cards, you in?"
Stella immediately abandoned her husband, "I'm in!"
Left behind, Jasper could only sigh.
Their journey scattered, with five Kindle Chests to find at sea and another on the New Continent.
The New Continent was vast, and they were short on hands and equipment, so they didn't rush ashore.
In other words, the special salvage team had to scout it out themselves.
After numerous voyages, the crew's submarine skills were top-notch, their rich experience enabling them to challenge the
tempestuous seas time and again.
Stella was pampered on board, her days oscillating between card
games and slumber until they reached the coordinates of Kindle Chest Once the team had secured the area and deemed it safe
they'd summon her, "Stella, showtime."
Thanks to the preliminary work done by the advance team, the five Kindle Chests were effortlessly salvaged and loaded onto the
transport vessel. However, the voyage was time-consuming, taking a hefty one and a half months. Now, they set course for the
New World, the final stop on this maritime route. Hoping for a smooth journey, they all yearned to return home soon.