18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 387

Lillian couldn't believe Daniel would ever uncover the truth.

The base hospital didn't have the means to conduct a paternity test, and even if he harbored any doubts, the natural disaster had obliterated all traces of the past. There was no way to dig up what had happened all those years ago.

Besides, during her years at the Kindle Society, she and Julia never once mentioned Stella. Even when Daniel had initially inquired about her previous residence, she never so much as breathed a word about the villa district.

“Don't worry, I’ll see what I can find out.”

Taking a deep breath, Lillian grabbed the walkie-talkie and stepped out onto the balcony to contact Daniel’s secretary…

…

The journey from the residential area to the military strategy zone was a good 20 miles, passing by the base hospital, the plantations, the industrial district, the airport, and then the vast ocean.

Entering the military zone, with its imposing guards on duty, the bustling army training grounds, and radar dishes spinning ceaselessly on their towers…

In the parking lot, rows of quake-resistant buses were lined up.

At the airport, various types of military helicopters stood ready.

Along the coastline, ocean liners, naval warships, lifeboats, and submarines were docked…

It was an endless, bustling sight stretching to the horizon.

Looking at all this, Stella felt goosebumps rising on her skin. This was the might of a nation laid bare.

In the distance, a massive cargo ship sounded its horn as it approached the dock, its deck stacked with giant containers.

If she wasn't mistaken, these containers held the treasures of civilization, brought here via sea to be safeguarded by the South China Military Region.

It was a military stronghold; Stella couldn’t just gawk openly. She stole only covert glances, but what she saw was enough to stir the soul.

After passing several checkpoints, the car stopped in the military office area. A diligent soldier named Tom led the group, which included a dog, through two large buildings and up a flight of stairs, arriving at the chief’s office.

Stella frowned. Was all this pomp really necessary just to say thanks? She hoped this wasn't some sort of a trap.

Jasper also thought it was overkill, but on military turf, they could only communicate with each other through glances—be ready to improvise on the spot.

Stella pondered that she rarely ventured into Arcadia these past few years to save time. If her secret were exposed, she could hide in Arcadia for a few months without much trouble.

However, she couldn’t transport others there remotely; otherwise, she wouldn't have been forced to scatter during the last surprise sandstorm.

So, she needed to stay close.

Jasper shot a look at his sister. Stella patted the dog’s head, a secret signal that they would bolt if anything seemed off.

If they had to lay low for a few months, by then, the tectonic plates might have already collided, and the military wouldn't have the chance to wait for them to emerge.

As she was deep in thought, the office door opened, and the secretary stepped out. “Jasper, right? Please come in.”

Divide and conquer? Stella tensed, wanting to stick with Jasper.

The secretary held out a hand to stop her. “Stella, please wait a moment.”

With armed guards just a stone's throw away, she had no choice but to watch helplessly as Jasper entered alone, the heavy door closing behind him.

Mark waited beside her, his face always wearing a faint smile, giving nothing away.

Stella's heart raced, and she felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

There had to be a catch. Why all this fanfare for a simple thank you?

Rosie sensed the tension and involuntarily looked to Stella for cues.

Cooper ground his teeth, sensing a fight was in the offing.

Each second was torturous, Stella’s palms slick with sweat. She strained her ears for any sound from the office, but it was soundproof, and the secretary was keeping a discreet eye on her actions.

She had no choice but to play dumb, maintaining a calm façade.