Outside the door, a sound heralded lan'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 tlan stepped through the door, she was already ducking out. Catching a glimpse of her, lan
waited for her to step out before he shut the door, his gaze settling on Maja.
"What did she want this time?"
"She broughtfood. What's with the explosion outside?"
"l 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. lan 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 lan would never agree.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe pulled out his phone, glancing at the time.
"Contact might be tough after this. | promise, as soon as the job inside is done, I'll cright back for you. Can you be good for
me?"
Maja could only nod. lan 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 lan.
Who was behind that? It was like a ticking bomb, ready to explode at any moment.*
lan had arrived outside the welfare center. By now, about a hundred people had gathered, all newcomers intending to stay the
night. Someone was taking a head count.
lan 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 lan's turn, the staff member at the desk was surprised.
lan 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 fillin?"
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.
lan slipped another pack his way, "If you can getand a few of my buddies in, I'll give you three more."
The staff thought those chosen were actually sent to work and didn't realize they were taken to the research base. And this wasn't
their first taccepting a bribe, but few had been as generous as lan.
"Okay, | can put in a good word for you guys. But there's a test, something about talent or IQ. A recommendation is one thing, but
you can't pass the test, my word won't mean much."
As he spoke, he pocketed the cigarette with a smooth motion, as if worried lan might change his mind.
lan raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Getting the recommendation is already good."
"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.
lan handed over two more. The staff member was immediately satisfied, adding their false names to the list.
These names were like purchased identities, able to pass through various checks. It wasn't unusual for the underground combat
pits to sell off a few dozen identities a year, but this tthey used them for their own people.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmOnce their identities checked out, lan and his crew were led away to be tested.
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMyWL11I01F1081
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMyWL11I01F1081
mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1