?Chapter 748:

The order was met with instant obedience.

“Understood, sir!”

Kolton ended the call, a bitterugh twisting his mouth.

“Whoever you are, if you think one ship’s loss spells my defeat, you’re sorely mistaken.”

Right now, those hackers were likely celebrating, utterly unaware that a second, identical vessel even existed.

As an added precaution, he had erased every digital trace of the backup ship’s arrival, making its presence invisible to prying eyes. No one would guess that there were two ships — matching in every detail — hidden in in sight.

Now, with the decoy and the true transport having swapped ces, Kolton was determined not to repeat past mistakes.

Facing his covert team, he issued a final, ice-edgedmand.

“You’ll board that ship as well. Strip out everyworkponent. I wantplete istion from the outside world. This is your chance to redeem yourselves — do not fail me again.”

A wave of dread swept through the operatives as they scrambled to obey, wasting no time as they filed out of the office.

At the same time, Maia’s crew had already burst into loud celebration.

“Boss! Mission aplished!” one subordinate shouted, his voice catching as excitement got the better of him. “Wepletely wrecked the engine! The navigation system’s toast! The Coopers must be scrambling like headless chickens right about now!”

“Good work,” Maia said, a quiet smile tugging at her lips as her voice rang with genuine approval.

“Hah!” the subordinate chuckled, clearly pleased with himself, as though he’d just won a medal. “Even if they make a move now, there’s no way they’ll get those goods out without a hitch. They won’t find another freighter that quickly — no chance. I also went through the port’s data. As of now, there’s just one huge vessel tied up at the docks.”

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These words struck Maia, and the smile slipped from her face. Her gaze turned sharp, and her voice came out firm and deliberate.

“Check again — don’t leave anything to chance. Kolton might have an ace up his sleeve.”

“Seriously? Come on, that can’t be.”

“Quit dawdling and get moving!” she snapped. Her tone brooked no objections.

Once the call ended, Maia grabbed the coffee cup sitting nearby and took a small sip.

Out of the blue, her phone buzzed again. She looked down and spotted a message from Chris.

“Maxwell ran into something tonight. I’ll be back by seven.”

Maia blinked once, then a soft smile tugged at her lips without her realizing it.

Her thumbs danced over the screen as she typed quickly,

“It’s settled then. I’m whipping up a few homemade dishes to help you bounce back. Don’t keep me waiting!”

Chris shot back a reply almost right away.

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