chapter 73

Emily’s head pounded as she woke in the dark room, her arms aching from the restraints. The memories of how she got there came rushing back. The mission had gone south quickly, and now she was in the hands of Diego Alvarez, a notorious drug lord. She struggled against the ropes, but they were too tight.

She had no idea how long she had been there, but it felt like hours. The room was damp and smelled of mildew. A single, dim light bulb hung from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Emily tried to focus, thinking of ways to escape.

"Stay calm," she whispered to herself. "Think."

The door creaked open, and Alvarez walked in, flanked by two of his men. He looked at her with cold eyes, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"Ready to talk yet?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.

Emily glared at him, saying nothing. She knew giving him any information would only make things worse.

"Silent treatment, huh?" Alvarez chuckled. "We’ll see how long that lasts."

One of his men step