The Mysterious Midnight Magnate

89: Maria's Dangerous Games

As Maria issued her command, her henchmen begrudgingly tossed a meager piece of bread and a small cup of water towards Emily. The food landed with a dull thud on the concrete floor, a stark reminder of Emily's captivity and desperation.

With trembling hands, Emily rushed to retrieve the sustenance, her fingers fumbling as she grasped the bread and brought it to her parched lips.

Tears filled her eyes as she took her first bite, savoring the taste of food after days of deprivation. The water, though meager, was like a lifeline, soothing her dry throat and quenching her thirst.

But even as she ate, Emily's body continued to tremble with exhaustion and fear. She felt like a starving animal, desperate for nourishment and shelter, yet trapped in a cage of her own making.

A smirk played across Maria's lips as she approached Emily once more, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Poor thing," she cooed, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "You've gone from a defiant, strong-headed woman to a we