?Chapter 1550:


    Maia stepped out of the car and fixed her gaze on the narrow alley ahead. At the far end hung a small, unremarkable sign—Nightshade. The neon lights flickered on and off, casting a faint, unsettling glow. Anyone not deliberately searching for it would walk straight past without noticing.


    “This alley is the only entrance and exit,” Siena said, moving to Maia’s side, her body unconsciously shifting into a heightened state of alertness. Her sharp eyes swept the surroundings with practiced precision. “Look at the residential buildings on both sides. Those windows are ideal observation points. With just two people stationed there, you could monitor everything and establish crossfire if needed.”


    Maia gave a small nod. “This location wasn’t chosen casually. They nned this long ago. It might even be one of their core bases.”


    Siena’s expression hardened. “Exactly. Intelligence suggests this area is under gang control. Our people have almost no contact here, which makes infiltration extremely difficult. If we want to move against this ce, we’d need a detailed n—especially with such a narrow alley. Once it’s sealed off, anyone inside would be trapped.”


    She was still speaking when Maia stepped forward.


    Without hesitation, Maia walked into the alley, her pace calm and steady, as though she were heading to a casual meeting rather than a dangerous stronghold.


    Siena’s heart lurched. She rushed forward and blocked her path. “I don’t rmend this,” she said firmly. “It’s too dangerous. Even if they haven’t shown hostility yet, they’re a well-armed and unknown organization. Walking in like this is reckless.”


    Maia stopped and turned to face her. Her eyes were clear and coolposed yet sharp, reflecting a mind that missed nothing. “I know, Siena,” she said quietly. “I just want to have a drink.”


    After a brief pause, she asked, “Isn’t Zoey worried about Chris at all?”


    Siena froze. “What?”


    “Chris is the rtive Zoey treasures most,” Maia said calmly. “Now that his whereabouts are unknown, Zoey doesn’t seem particrly anxious. Don’t you find that strange?” She stepped closer, her gaze locking onto Siena’s. “Or is Zoey hiding something from me?”


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    Siena flinched almost imperceptibly, her pupils tightening for a split second. Shock surged through her, followed quickly by an admiration she couldn’t suppress. Maia’s intuition was frighteningly sharp.


    The truth was, Zoey knew Chris was safe. They had not only spoken by phone—they had argued heatedly. But without Zoey’s permission, Siena didn’t dare reveal a word of it.


    “Your silence already tells me enough.” Maia smiled faintly, as though the answer had long been clear to her. She reached out and patted Siena’s tense shoulder gently. “I understand why you can’t say anything. It’s your duty. But since Zoey knows Chris is safe, that means this ce isn’t as dangerous as I initially thought. In that case, going in for a drink shouldn’t be a problem—so please don’t stop me.”


    With that, Maia quickened her pace, and in moments her figure melted into the shadows of the alley.


    “Wait—” Siena tried to speak, but the words fell apart before they could leave her mouth. She stood alone as the night breeze brushed past her, a deep unease settling in her chest.


    Maia’s reasoning was airtight. It formed a wless loop. “I need to report this to Zoey.”


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