Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel 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.

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 time accepting a bribe, but few had been as generous as Ian.

"Okay, I 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 Ian might change his mind.

Ian 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.

Ian 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 time they used them for their own people.

Once their identities checked out, Ian and his crew were led away to be tested.