18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 325

Stella spent a good half-day spying through her binoculars, noticing several figures in white hazmat suits emerging from the building, accompanied by the masked Evan and a few police officers.

Experts from the Institute of Medical Research had arrived, but the naked eye couldn't identify whether the herbs were toxic. The safest bet was to take them back for testing.

After several years of natural disasters, the medical community had suffered great losses. Survivors who fell ill had no choice but to endure. The arrival of two truckloads of medicinal herbs was like rain after a long drought.

Evan had never worked with them before, but realizing the significance of these herbs, he gently reminded, "These herbs were anonymously donated by a philanthropist from Griffith, specifically for treating the smog virus. I hope they'll be used as intended."

Collin shook his hand firmly, "Rest assured, Evan, we'll strictly adhere to the donor's wishes. If you get a chance, please convey our gratitude."

Evan couldn't help but ask, "Do these herbs really work against the smog virus?"

"It's too early to tell, but they're all geared towards liver and lung protection. Judging by the quality of the herbs, they seem quite promising."

While they were talking, two large trucks drove into the police station, and a group of soldiers methodically loaded the herbs and escorted the research institute colleagues back to Swan Hill.

After handshakes and goodbyes, the trucks slowly departed.

Stella put down her binoculars, deep in thought.

The research institute had the best protective gear, followed by the military and police. Clearly, officials had been preparing to fight the smog for a while now. She hoped they would win this battle.

Riding her electric scooter back to the neighborhood, she faintly heard coughing from more than one home, which put her on high alert. Could the virus be more dangerous than she thought?

"Dr. Stella," someone emerged from Building 19, coughing and wheezing heavily, "Do you have any medicine?"

"No," Stella replied without blinking, "Even if I did, I wouldn't give it to you."

She might have been more polite to anyone else, but she didn't bother hiding her disdain for Julia.

"How can you be so cruel? You clearly have medicine and refuse to share," Julia protested, staggering from a high fever, "We're from the same community. Aren't you going to help a neighbor in need? I won't ask for free. I'll trade something for it."

"Why should I help you?" Stella retorted, "Ever since I moved into Building 50, you've been nothing but trouble, constantly stirring up drama. Everything you do is aimed at making people's lives miserable because you think 'nouveau riche' like me don't deserve to live among you. The past is long gone, and yet you still act like you're some kind of aristocrat. It's not like you weren't given a chance, and instead of appreciating it, you used Carey's death to instigate Sophia to screw with us. Who do you think you are, acting entitled to my help? Get sick. It serves you right."

"I never did any of that!" Julia was fuming, nearly passing out from lack of breath. But remembering she was at Stella's mercy, she tried to soften her voice, "Stella, there's been a misunderstanding about the past. Please let me explain."

Stella scoffed, riding her scooter away, leaving Julia in the dust.

Back in Building 50, she disinfected herself thoroughly with alcohol. Checking the backyard, she saw Smoky and Snowy, quietly munching on grass.

After dinner, Austin's voice crackled through the walkie-talkie, "Stella, switch to the community channel."

His voice sounded rough, and Stella asked with concern, "Did you catch it too?"

"My throat is so sore, feels like swallowing razor blades," Austin chuckled bitterly, then reassured himself, "Dylan's feeling a bit better after taking the herbs you gave him."