?Chapter 1417:


    “Of course, General,” Cade answered promptly. “Maia is currently living at Elysium Apartments — about an hour from the airport.”


    The old man gave a brief nod and climbed into the vehicle. The motorcade set off, moving with solemn purpose down the main road.


    Outside the window, the scenery streaked by in blurred fragments, streetlights shimmering faintly through the rainfall. The general watched the passing view, the medals on his chest catching the dim interior light with a cool metallic gleam. His expression appearedposed, almost pleased — but beneath that fa?ade, his heart was pounding. After so many years, he had finally found a trail. Just one strand of Maia’s hair was all he needed to confirm through DNA whether she was truly his granddaughter.


    “Hurry. Alert the local traffic department if necessary,” he instructed, his fingers working slowly over the top of his cane, his voice steady.


    “Yes, sir.” The driver pressed down on the elerator. The speedometer surged, and the engine growled deeply. Cade straightened in the passenger seat, hands neatly ced on his knees, posture rigid as he guided the driver step by step.


    The wipers beat a steady rhythm against the ss. In the rearview mirror, the old man’s weathered silhouette remained calm, though his eyes shone with unmistakable intensity.


    Coming from a military background himself, Cade understood the gravity of the man sitting behind him. Even now, the situation felt surreal. All he had done was look into Maia’s parentage — he had never imagined he woulde face-to-face with a national hero, the legendary General Dominic Watson.


    He shifted his gaze ahead. Raindrops swept clean from the windshield only to be reced by more, and beyond that watery veil, a string of crimson taillights stretched into the distance.


    “Sir, traffic jam ahead,” the driver said, easing his foot onto the brake. The tires hissed softly against the slick pavement. Before them, the congestion seemed endless.


    Dominic’s brows drew together. He lowered the window, letting the damp wind and the faint wail of distant sirens fill the cabin. Far ahead, an enormous fire raged, staining the rain-soaked night a dark, fiery red.


    “Find out what’s going on,” he ordered.


    “Yes, sir!” The driver unbuckled quickly and sprinted out into the storm.


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    Only then did Cade remember his phone. He had switched it off after boarding, unwilling to use it in the presence of someone so distinguished. The moment he powered it on, a flood of notifications filled the screen.


    Banquet Center Aze — Fire Burns for Over Five Hours.


    Wront Tragedy: 12 Dead, 230+ Injured, Nearly 500 Unounted For.


    Firefighting Teams Deploy 50 Trucks, 400+ Personnel — Situation Partially Controlled.


    Maia Watson Missing; Witnesses Report Shots Fired at Her.


    Still No Updates on Maia’s Rescue — Rumors Suggest She May Be Among the Casualties.


    Cade froze, eyes widening, his heartbeat crashing into his ribs. His breath caught. Sweat formed instantly on his forehead as his thumb trembled over the screen. He turned stiffly toward Dominic, but the words lodged in his throat. After steadying himself, he opened one of the articles. The photos showed the banquet hall’s dome copsing, sparks falling like torrents.


    The driver returned soon after, soaked and breathless. “Sir, a massive fire at the banquet center. Traffic is at aplete standstill — most of the vehicles ahead belong to emergency services.”


    Dominic’s expression darkened. After a brief pause, his voice came out firm and resolute. “Pass down my order — everyone deploy to the site and assist the firefighters.”


    “Yes, sir!” The driver straightened and saluted.


    Cade’s heart lurched.


    Dominic ced a hand on his shoulder. “We can find Maiater. As soldiers, we know what must take priority.” With that, he opened the door. “Move out. We’ll go on foot — it’ll be quicker.”


    Cade rose immediately to attention. “Yes, sir!”


    Rain slid from the brim of his cap and darkened his coat. Ahead of him, Dominic’s upright figure cut through the downpour like an unwaveringmander.


    “Attention!” Dominic barked. “Advance to the fire site!”


    The soldiers fell into formation and began jogging forward, their synchronized footsteps echoing across the wet asphalt. Cade watched, astonished that Dominic, despite his age, kept pace with the younger men without effort.


    It only made him more certain — Maia truly was his granddaughter. Their resilience was the same.


    But then his expression dimmed. He curled his fingers into fists and slipped his phone away. Only one thought remained: he had to save Maia. She was kind — too kind. Surely the world wouldn’t let her die so senselessly. She had to be somewhere safe. She had to be alive.


    With that conviction, Cade quickened his stride.


    Dominic nced sideways. “Your training hasn’t left you — you’ve kept your pace well.” Drawing a breath, he pushed himself even faster. “I won’t lose to these young men,” he muttered under his breath.


    Meanwhile, in a hospital ward, Maiay quietly beneath the soft glow of the overhead lights. An IV drip was attached to her arm. Her breathing was steady, her body still — already deep in sleep.


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