Chapter 1603:


    Then a familiar, cool voice cut cleanly through the heavy metal barrier.


    “Open up.”


    Only two words. Yet Chris’s fingers froze mid-typing. He looked up sharply, eyes fixed on the locked door.


    That voice.


    Maia?


    Had she reallye for him? A faint frown creased his brow. But how could Maia possibly pull him out from under military custody? It seemed there were still far too many things about her he didn’t understand.


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    A dull ache pulsed at his temples. He rubbed them briefly, then lifted his gaze back to the door.


    Outside, in the corridor, the dim yellow lights stretched Maia’s shadow long across the floor.


    She stood facing the guard, posture straight, expression unreadable. It was a bold, high-risk move. If it worked, she would walk out with Chris. If it failed, she would be dragged down with him.


    “Ms. Watson…” The soldier clearly recognized her. He snapped into a stiff salute, confusion flickering across his face. “What brings you here?” Even as he spoke, he subtly shifted to block the door—alert but respectful.


    Maia lifted the phone in her hand—already on a call—and held it out to him. “General Watson wants a word with you.”


    Her tone was calm, almost casual, as though she were rying an ordinary message.


    The soldier hesitated, then quickly took the phone with both hands, standing at attention. “General Watson! This is—”


    “Release him!” Before he could finish stating his unit, a deep,manding roar exploded from the receiver—pure, unchallengeable authority. It was unmistakably Dominic’s voice.


    The soldier jolted and reacted on instinct. “Yes, sir!” He didn’t question it. He wouldn’t dare. In this army, Dominic Watson’s orders werew.


    Just as the soldier moved to end the call and retrieve the keys, Dominic’s voice came again—lower now, but no less firm. “Wait. Get them a vehicle. Immediately. Have them leave through the back gate. No unnecessary exposure. I don’t want anyone else seeing this.”


    Maia stood beside him, perfectlyposed.


    But at thosest words, the corner of her eye twitched. Her heart lurched.


    Damn it. She cursed silently. The hacker handling the voice mimicry had gone off-script—and every extra sentence raised the risk. The more details added, the greater the chance of a slip. If this soldier asked even one follow-up question, the entire n would unravel.


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    Message from Noa: Hope you have a great day. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


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