Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1546

The shadowy philanthropist behind the scenes had indeed provided sanctuary for so many refugees that no one harbored any doubts.

Besides, those who claimed they'd been taken to work on Wall Street were indeed intermittently sending dollars back home, adding a veneer of truth to the tale.

Ian squinted down at the smoggy, dismal environment below.

It was unbearable for him, but for those who'd lived in squalor, this place was a slice of heaven.

At the heart of it all, they'd even erected a statue of the great benefactor. It was said that people flocked there daily to pay homage.

Ian had gotten the lay of the land and, as dusk fell, made another round through the settlement.

Despite the semblance of freedom, surveillance cameras lurked in every corner, and patrols roamed the area.

Many hadn't retired for the night, chatting on the park benches, buzzing about the latest illness.

The people here had long suffered from disease, with a woefully inadequate healthcare system. Each outbreak claimed many lives.

Their fear was palpable as they spoke of the disease, their bodies trembling with dread.

Ian regrouped with his team, and the news they'd gathered was consistent.

If there were no surprises, those who'd been taken to work on Wall Street were actually being taken to a research facility.

The facility had its standards for human subjects used in experiments; they were looking for individuals with specific talents or high intelligence.

It was clear that the philanthropist had covered his tracks expertly. After all these years, no one had uncovered the truth, a feat in itself.

The two locations marked on the map had been scouted, and the map was legitimate.

The informant who'd given him the map was certainly an insider at the research facility, and held no low-ranking position.

Yet, why would this person know about Forbidden Island?

Although Forbidden Island also supplied talent to the research facility, it was clear that it belonged to someone very specific.

In a place like the research facility, everyone's identity was cloaked in mystery.

Thanks to their praises, the welfare center's population ballooned, drawing in people from every nationality.

The person behind it all wasn't worried about a population crisis, so there was no need for something as foolish as a lockdown.

Back at the hotel, 00 was already waiting for them.

"Sir."

"00, head to the welfare center. With your skills, you'll be chosen for the research center."

"Understood."

Ian's face remained stoic as he dismissed the others to speak with 00 alone.

"Once you go in, there's an 80 percent chance you won't come out. No one knows what it's really like inside. Is there anything you regret?"

He was willing to fulfill any last wishes for her.