Chapter 217: Chapter 217: An Unexpected Person
When her subordinates reported that someone was here to see her, Stella Sterling froze for a moment.
’Who would come looking for me at a time like this?’
’It’s the apocalypse; everyone’s struggling just to survive. I don’t even know if the people I once knew are dead or alive. And even if they are, no one knows I’m here. Who could possibly be looking for me?’
Stella didn’t consider Gordon Ford. He was still on a mission, and Ruvian was far from here. There was no way he could have appeared at this time.
So when Stella saw Gordon Ford standing at the perimeter of Caeluna, she stopped in her tracks.
’She never imagined Gordon would show up now. Wasn’t he supposed to be in Ruvian, rescuing that professor?’
At that moment, several people surrounded Gordon Ford, watching him closely, ready in case he made a move.
Hearing footsteps, Gordon Ford turned to look.
He looked exhausted and travel-worn, as if he’d just completed a long and arduous journey to get here.
The moment he saw Stella Sterling, a hint of a smile appeared on Gordon’s face. He looked straight at her. "Thank god you’re really here. You didn’t lie to me."
’The old Stella would never have done this, but he didn’t know the person she was now.’
’While rushing over, Gordon had been filled with uncertainty. He’d been terrified he wouldn’t find Stella here, that she had just named a random place. If that were the case, where would he even start looking for her next?’
’But thank god, she was really here!’
"Why would I lie to you?"
Stella raised an eyebrow.
He gazed at her intently. "But I was scared."
Just four short words, but they made Stella’s heart stir.
She looked at the man before her. His face was caked with dust, his hair was a mess, and he clearly looked as if he’d been traveling in a great hurry.
This was a far cry from the always gentle and polite Gordon Ford of her memories.
And now, his dark eyes were fixed on hers.
’As if I were some kind of silver-tongued liar.’
She swallowed the words that had risen to her lips. Waving to the others, she signaled for them to return to their posts.
Then she led Gordon Ford into Caeluna Base. "I’ll take you to get some rest."
Gordon followed Stella, his eyes occasionally scanning their surroundings.
His eyes held a look of surprise.
’The scale of this place... it was a complete, large-scale base, fully developed in every respect.’
’And what was her role here?’
Gordon didn’t ask, but in his heart, he already knew the answer.
He recalled what Basil Xavier had told him when they’d met a year ago—about Stella Sterling’s ambitions.
Hearing that at the time had left him deeply unsettled. He’d known Stella for so many years, yet he’d never realized she harbored such grand ambitions.
’It was as if I never truly understood her at all.’
It was only after hearing those words that he’d felt, with total certainty, how much of a stranger Stella had become. She was completely different from the person he’d known.
He’d never expected the apocalypse to change her so profoundly.
And it was Basil Xavier’s words that had made him suddenly realize that the Stella of today was truly no longer the same person she once was.
’And if I want to win her heart again, I have to get to know this new version of her all over again.’
Even without asking, he was certain that she was the true leader of this base.
After all, she had said it herself: she refused to be anyone’s subordinate. She wanted to be the one in charge.
’So, is all of this the domain she conquered for herself?’
The deeper they went, the more was revealed, and the astonishment in Gordon’s heart grew.
And his gaze, as it rested on Stella, was filled with pride and admiration.
’Looks like she succeeded. That’s wonderful.’
When Stella turned around, she saw his gaze fixed on her, full of admiration and pride.
She paused, her tone teasing. "So? My turf isn’t half-bad, is it?"
"It’s incredible. Stella, you’re truly amazing."
Gordon nodded, his admiration for her undisguised.
Stella laughed. "But of course. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this place."
’Over the past year, I’ve spent all my free time gathering supplies. Whatever the base needed, I went out and found. The results have been more than satisfying.’
Stella Sterling led Gordon Ford to an office and invited him to sit down.
"I’m hungry."
Gordon glanced at the woman pouring him tea and spoke softly.
"I’ll have someone get you something to eat."
Seeing his condition, Stella figured he’d been traveling nonstop and likely hadn’t had a chance to eat. He must be starving. She nodded, about to call someone to bring food.
But on second thought, it was late. Aside from the night watch, everyone else in the base was already asleep. So she said to Gordon, "Why don’t you rest here for a bit? I’ll go get you something."
With that, she turned and left.
As he waited, Gordon surveyed the room. He’d never imagined this place would be so impressive before he arrived. It completely surpassed his expectations.
Ever since he’d known Stella, he was aware that despite her gentle appearance, she possessed a strong will and a sharp mind.
And yet, she continued to surprise him, one time after another.
Some time later, Stella returned with a bowl of chicken soup, a small stir-fry, and a large bowl of rice.
Gordon must have been truly exhausted from his journey, because when she entered, she found him already fast asleep in his chair.
Stella paused for a moment before continuing forward, her steps instinctively softening.
She set the food down on the table. She had meant to wake him, but seeing how exhausted he looked, she swallowed her words.
The room was silent, the only sound the soft rhythm of their breathing.
Stella sat down beside Gordon.
Her gaze fell upon his face.
’It’s been almost ten years,’ she thought, ’and this is the first time I’ve ever looked at him this closely.’
’Gordon hasn’t changed at all.’ She recalled the image of him in her mind, and it perfectly matched the face before her now.
As she watched him, her thoughts began to drift, recalling people and events from the past.
’It’s strange. In my past life, after seven years of the apocalypse, I’d forgotten most of the people from before.’
’Many faces had grown fuzzy in my memory. I’d once thought I couldn’t clearly remember Gordon, either—that while I recalled his existence, his features had faded over time.’
’But after my rebirth three years ago, it only took a single glance for me to realize I still remembered his face with perfect clarity.’
In that moment, Stella’s heart was surprisingly calm. Her hand rose—
