The Mysterious Midnight Magnate

105: Strategic Deception

Maria's men labored tirelessly, their muscles straining as they attempted to pry open the imposing doors that stood between them and their boss.

With makeshift tools fashioned from heavy cut trees, they hammered and pushed, their shouts echoing off the walls as they fought to free Maria from her predicament.

"Put your backs into it, boys! We've got to get her out of there!" one of them bellowed, sweat dripping from his brow as he strained against the unyielding metal.

But despite their best efforts, the doors remained unshaken, unmoved by their desperate attempts to force them open. Each blow only seemed to reverberate back at them, mocking their futile struggle.

The scene appeared deceptively simple. The doors, with their imposing facade, seemed like they could be easily breached, drawing curious onlookers who gathered to witness the spectacle.

"This ought to be interesting," remarked one bystander, his eyes fixed on the commotion unfolding before him.

Meanwhile, in the control room