Liam entered the basement, his steps light and calculated. The air was thick with the pungent scent of chemicals and powder. Dim, flickering lights barely illuminated the scene before him. The first thing he noticed was a group of women being forced to weigh and package cocaine. Their faces were hollow, their eyes filled with fear and exhaustion. Some had bruises on their arms, evidence of rough handling.
Then, his eyes locked onto Amanda. She stood rigid, her defiant posture setting her apart from the others. One of the men overseeing the operation barked at her, demanding that she continue working. When she hesitated, a loud slap echoed through the basement. Amanda staggered back, her hand flying to her reddened cheek.
