Shadows of Deceit | mg

Chapter Seven: Into The Lion's Den.

The ride felt interminable. Each jolt of the van sent fresh waves of panic coursing through Emily. She couldn't shake the images of Mingyu fighting against her captors, the look of determination in his eyes before they had separated. She had to hold onto that image; it was her only tether to hope.

After what felt like hours, the van slowed to a halt. The engine sputtered, and the doors swung open. Light flooded in, momentarily blinding her. Emily squinted against the brightness as she was dragged out by her captors. They led her down a long, dimly lit corridor, the air thick with tension.

"Move it," one of the men growled, shoving her forward. Emily stumbled but quickly regained her footing, defiance surging within her. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her afraid, not now.

They arrived at a heavy steel door, and one of the men knocked twice before it swung open. Inside, the room was spacious yet imposing, decorated with dark wood and luxurious furnishings that felt out of place in the current chaos. Davenport sat behind a large desk, his posture relaxed, but his eyes glinted with malevolence.

"Emily," he said, his voice smooth and mocking. "How lovely to finally meet you in person."

Emily's heart raced. "Let me go, Davenport. You have no idea who you're dealing with."

"Oh, but I do," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "You're a thorn in my side, and I can't have you poking around my business. You see, this world thrives on silence, and you've been anything but silent."

"You're a criminal," she shot back, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "You'll be exposed for what you are."

Davenport chuckled, the sound low and sinister. "You really think you can take me down? You're naive, Emily. People like me don't fall easily."

The men holding her stepped back, allowing her to stand alone. She straightened, summoning every ounce of courage. "I won't be afraid of you," she said defiantly.

His smile widened, and he stood, walking around the desk to approach her. "Fear is a powerful motivator. You'll learn that soon enough."

With a wave of his hand, the men stepped closer, surrounding her. "Take her to the holding room. Make sure she understands the consequences of defiance."

Panic surged through Emily as they grabbed her arms. "No! You can't do this!" she shouted, but her words fell on deaf ears.