?Chapter 1530:
“Got it,” Cade said, cross-referencing it against the map database on his phone. “General Watson—that logo belongs to a high-end private sanatorium called Tranquil Haven in the western suburbs of Wront. Approximately neen miles from here.”
Dominic’s gaze sharpened with approval. “Well done, Cade. You have the instincts of a scout.” He turned to the unit. “Everyone—move out. Now!”
Just as Cade prepared to follow, a firm handnded on his shoulder. He turned back, confused.
“You don’t need to go,” Dominic said, his tone noticeably gentler. “Remember your assignment.”
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Cade hesitated, then understanding settled over him. He nodded. “Understood, sir. I’ll go find Maia.”
“Good.” Dominic’s eyes lingered on the chaotic scenes still unfolding across the news before he spoke again, his voice low and solemn. “I’m entrusting my granddaughter to you. I trust your abilities. Once you locate her, contact me immediately. With Cooper Group’s copse, I’m concerned their more desperate allies may retaliate and target her as well. She needs protection.”
A trace of pride surfaced in his expression. “From the intelligence you provided, that girl walked into an underground fight club just to save someone. She’s truly a Watson—courage runs in our blood. But I don’t want her facing danger alone anymore. I hope to see her soon.” He paused. “Take this as an old man’s request, Cade. Not an order.”
Facing Dominic’s graying temples and steady, unwavering gaze, Cade straightened and replied with quiet resolve. “Understood, General Watson.”
Three hourster, Maia’s phone broke the silence with a sharp ring. Siena’s name shed on the screen.
“Maia,” Siena said the moment the call connected, her voice tight but controlled. “The location has already been locked down by the military. They’ve taken full control of the area. I suspect they saw the live broadcast. I’ve reported everything to Zoey.”
Maia’s heart tightened. “You didn’t sh with the military, did you?” she asked, brows drawing together.
“No,” Siena replied without hesitation. “They arrived before we could. It was chaotic, though—crowds, barricades, a lot of noise.”
Only then did Maia allow herself a shallow breath of relief. The tension in her shoulders eased briefly—then another unease crept in, quiet but insistent. “Siena,” she said, lowering her voice, “what did Zoey say? Is there any issue with this unit?”
Her concern was clear. She wasn’t worried about the military itself, but about who might be standing behind them. Kolton’s shadow, or that of other interested parties, lingered too close forfort.
“Zoey thought of that as well,” Siena answered. “But we don’t have confirmation. All we know for certain is that they’re from Drakmire.”
Maia fell silent, her thoughts turning inward. After a moment she spoke again, calm and deliberate. “I understand. Then we need to make sure the public knows that udius and Kiley are under military custody. The more attention this draws, the better. Even if Kolton’s people are involved, they won’t dare act recklessly if the whole world is watching.”
Once the call ended, her phone chimed again. Several photos from Siena came through. She was about to instruct her team to release them online when a new notification slid onto her screen.
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