18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 575

Daniel was chatting away, but Nicholas kept darting glances in their direction. He was always so wary, like he was constantly bracing for a raw deal.

But life's never perfectly fair, right? Everyone's got their favorites. Who wouldn't lean towards their own family instead of worrying about those out to get them? It's just common sense.

Father and daughter, though, acted like they hadn't noticed a thing.

In the middle of their conversation, Nicholas suddenly started convulsing and retching. Daniel's voice rang out in panic, "Doctor, we need help here, quick!"

Medical staff rushed in, hustling Nicholas off for emergency care. Daniel followed to check on the situation.

While everyone was distracted, Stella slipped a syringe from her pocket and quickly injected something into Reagan's arm. Emily was startled at first, but she quickly stood up to shield Stella from view.

Stella had given Reagan a shot of adrenaline, hoping to pull him back. He was Daniel's right-hand man and a crucial ally for her and Jasper. Without him, their special task force would be in shambles.

Reagan was their buffer—the one they had to save no matter what.

After the injection, Stella discreetly handed Emily a bottle of medicine. "Just make sure he gets the right dose," she whispered.

Emily, although grateful, was anxious about attracting Nicholas's attention and making things difficult for their superiors.

Nicholas had insisted on putting his son in the same room as the old man. He was worried Stella might play favorites.

The old man's condition couldn't be neglected, and they had to find a way to keep Nicholas from interfering again.

Vanessa, having finished her tasks and barely touched her food, hurried over when she heard Daniel and Stella were there. But just as she reached the entrance, Nicholas's emergency began.

With pneumonia, aspirating vomit could easily lead to suffocation.

Emily pocketed the medicine, wanting to express her thanks but understanding Stella's silent caution.

Daniel, who had hurt his back, was Stella's concern. She didn't want him standing too long. Vanessa, just off her shift, offered them a ride home.

In the car, Vanessa mentioned the Kindle Chest. Losing it, a product of countless hours of labor and wisdom, was a bitter blow to Daniel. But finding underwater oil reserves was a silver lining.

Industrial progress hinged on oil, especially for the human settlements desperate for revival. With fuel, their soldiers wouldn't need to trek miles on foot, manually transporting supplies from the Kindle Chest.

"We need to find a way to transport it all back as soon as possible."

Stella agreed, knowing full well that with their current equipment and technology, oil extraction seemed a pipe dream.