As the door lock clicked into place, Clarissa's head jerked up, her eyes widening in surprise. She stood up, her movements fluid, but her mind racing with confusion and a hint of fear. Her eyes darted to the door, then back to Katrina, her brow furrowed in concern.

Katrina walked into the room with an air of confidence, her high heels clicking on the floor. She was flanked by two hefty men, their faces stern and unyielding. They were dressed in black, their muscles bulging beneath their tight-fitting shirts. One of the men had a thick beard, while the other had a menacing scar above his left eyebrow.

The men's...