CHAPTER 2: THE COST OF POWER
The warehouse smelled like oil and fear.
Lucy walked through the dimly lit space, her heels clicking against the concrete floor, each step measured, controlled. Her eyes swept over the men gathered around a rusted metal table – six in total. All armed. All watching her.
That was expected.
But what Lucy hadn't expected was the third party standing at the far end of the room.
Her rival.
Her pulse stayed steady, but her mind sharpened.
Why the hell was he here?
The Game Changes
Lucy didn't slow her stride. Didn't show hesitation.
Because hesitation?
It was weakness.
And weakness got people killed.
She approached the table and took her seat as if nothing had changed. Anna stood behind her, silent, watchful.
Across from her, Enzo Moretti – the man she was here to negotiate with – shifted uncomfortably.
He wasn't a powerful man. He was a desperate one.
And desperate men made stupid decisions.
Lucian?
He wasn't desperate.
He was something else entirely.
Something dangerous.
And he was watching.