Chapter 464: Adrian Stone and Elena Ward Quickly Passed Through Multiple Security Checkpoints

Adrian Stone and Elena Ward quickly passed through multiple security checkpoints with their specially approved letter of introduction. After verifying their credentials, the guard respectfully escorted them inside.

"Don't look around," Adrian murmured, his warm fingers giving hers a gentle squeeze.

Elena pressed her lips together and nodded. Armed sentries stood at every turn, their watchful eyes tracking every movement. She straightened her spine, terrified that one wrong move might get her mistaken for a spy.

"Nervous?" Adrian tilted his head toward her.

She glared. "You try it." In her past life, she'd been just a doctor—never someone who'd meet a high-ranking official like this.

Adrian suddenly leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "They say the General loves braised pork."

"What?" Elena blinked.

"So..." Amusement danced in his eyes. "He definitely doesn't eat people."

A laugh nearly escaped her, the tension dissolving instantly. This man, so cold to others, always knew how to melt her fears away.

"Reporting! Adrian Stone and Elena Ward have arrived!"

"Enter."

The moment the door opened, Elena's breath caught. Behind the massive desk sat the elderly man she'd only ever seen on news broadcasts, the stars on his epaulets gleaming in the sunlight.

"General!" They saluted in unison.

The General set down his fountain pen, his sharp gaze sweeping over them. Elena felt like those eyes could see straight through her—like an X-ray.

"Sit." He gestured to the sofa.

When they remained standing, the old man's expression hardened. "That's an order!"

Elena startled, immediately copying Adrian's rigid posture. How did he make even the line of his neck look so effortlessly perfect?

"I heard about what happened at the wedding." The General's face softened into a smile, crow's feet fanning at his eyes. "A true pair of heroes."

Just as Elena prepared to demur, his tone shifted.

"But Dr. Ward..." He leaned forward, piercing eyes locking onto hers. "When you threw yourself into danger... were you truly unafraid to die?"