The dimly lit room reeked of fear. Shadows danced along the cold concrete walls, cast by the single overhead bulb swaying lazily on its chain. The sound of muffled cries filled the space as a man knelt on the ground, trembling. Around him stood Ezekiel Chen’s men, their faces impassive but their eyes betraying the discomfort they felt in the presence of their leader’s wrath.

Ezekiel sat in a chair at the far end of the room, his legs crossed with an air of casual dominance. His tailored black suit was immaculate, a sharp contrast to the bloodstained floor in front of him. A glass of dark liquor rested in...