Chapter 1554
Outside the door, a sound heralded Ian's return, and the woman got to her feet.
"I'm starting my mission tonight, probably won't be coming around again. Take care."
She spoke rapidly, and by the time Ian stepped through the door, she was already ducking out.
Catching a glimpse of her, Ian waited for her to step out before he shut the door, his gaze settling on
Maja.
"What did she want this time?"
"She brought me food. What's with the explosion outside?"
"I orchestrated it. Dylan and Walter have already headed out. Tonight, they're pretending to be victims
caught in the blast, set to be delivered to the hospital."
Maja's heart clenched. Were they already in motion?
"Maja, I've got to head to the welfare center."
He briefly described the situation at the center, and then stretched out to tenderly tousle her hair.
"I don't know when I'll be able to leave the research base, but this entire building, all three floors,
they're my people. I'll send someone to look after you, okay? If you need anything, just let them know."
Maja felt uneasy, gripping his hand. Ian could sense her worry; he hold her hand and gently kissed her
fingertips.
"Don't fret; it'll be alright."
How could it be alright? The research base was shrouded in mystery; who knew what awaited them
inside? Maja wanted to go with him, but she knew Ian would never agree.
He pulled out his phone, glancing at the time.
"Contact might be tough after this. I promise, as soon as the job inside is done, I'll come right back for
you. Can you be good for me?"
Maja could only nod. Ian showered her with kisses and then laid his hand on her belly.
"Take good care of our little one. Keep in touch with Beck at all times. Beck's staying stateside,
handling the aftermath on Forbidden Island. He might even dig up more clues about your mother."
"Okay."
Her voice was heavy as she watched him leave the room. She followed him, matching his steps, all the
way to the elevator on their floor.
He rubbed his temples, "This is as far as you can go. Head back."
Reluctantly, Maja turned and made her way back to her room, watching him leave the hotel. He was
flanked by about six or seven people, getting into two cars.
Back in her room, she felt restless. Especially since the appearance of that man last night, the one who
looked so much like Ian. Who was behind that? It was like a ticking bomb, ready to explode at any
moment.*
Ian had arrived outside the welfare center. By now, about a hundred people had gathered, all This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
newcomers intending to stay the night. Someone was taking a head count.
Ian and his crew had disguised themselves to ensure they wouldn't be recognized before they slowly
followed the crowd forward.
Those who were granted the privilege to stay cried with joy, while those who were turned away looked
as if the sky had fallen on them.
When it was Ian's turn, the staff member at the desk was surprised.
Ian was granted the privilege. He pulled the staff member aside and discreetly passed him a pack of
cigarette.
"I've heard you can land a decent job here. Can you fill me in?"
That cigarette wasn't cheap; in Cania, it was a luxury only the wealthy could afford. The staff member's
face transformed instantly, sizing him up.
Ian slipped another pack his way, "If you can get me and a few of my buddies in, I'll give you three
more."
As he spoke, he pocketed the cigarette with a smooth motion, as if worried Ian might change his mind.
Ian raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Getting the recommendation is already good."
belongs to Drąмanоvels.com
"Deal. Tonight, there's a batch going for testing. I'll squeeze your names in. But about those cigarettes."
Those cigarettes were worth a couple of years of their salary.
Ian handed over two more. The staff member was immediately satisfied, adding their false names to
the list.
Once their identities checked out, Ian and his crew were led away to be tested.