In a dimly lit room, two men stood face to face. One, Lucas, spoke. "Boss, I've found out who's been stealing from you. It's Silas."

The boss's eyes narrowed, his voice low and dangerous, "Silas? That scum. How deep is he in?"

"Neck deep, boss. No means of paying back," Lucas replied, his tone grave. But then a sly grin crept onto his face, "But here's the interesting part. He has a 19-year-old daughter. Very pretty." He slid a photo across the table, licking his lips in a suggestive manner.

The boss's anger flared, his fists clenching. "Nobody steals from me and gets away with it!" he roared.

Lucas, sensing an opportunity, continued, "She could be our leverage, boss. I've been tailing her. She means the world to Silas."

A cruel smile twisted the boss's lips, his eyes glinting with malice. "I need to see just how valuable his daughter is to him. Bring her to me. Find out everything about her. You have two days. Don't mess this up."

"On it," Lucas replied, nodding before leaving the room.

Alone now, the boss seethed with rage. "I'm coming for you, Silas," he muttered, his voice a deadly promise echoing in the empty room.

****

Aria sat in her college classroom, her mind drifting between the lecture notes and the persistent buzzing of her phone. She glanced at the screen, seeing multiple missed calls. With an exasperated sigh, she silenced the device and tucked it back into her bag.

Her friend Mark, sitting beside her, couldn't resist teasing. "A new admirer, Aria?"

Aria rolled her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. "No, just my father trying to ruin my day with his constant reminders," she replied, trying to brush off the distraction.

As the class ended, Aria gathered her belongings, her mind already shifting to her part-time job at a local restaurant. The dream of opening her own eatery someday fueled her determination, even on days when the weight of responsibilities felt overwhelming.

Exiting the college building, Aria navigated through the bustling campus, her phone buzzing intermittently with notifications. She ignored them all, focusing on the path ahead.

Unknown to her, Lucas, disguised in a black mask, had been trailing her since she left the classroom. He kept a safe distance, blending into the background as he observed her movements.

With practiced precision, Lucas sent a text to the boss, his fingers flying over the screen. "Subject acquired. Closing in," he informed, his tone professional yet tinged with a hint of excitement.

The boss's response was swift and to the point. "Proceed with caution. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary."

"She has one hell of a body."

"Don't you dare touch her," the boss warned.

Lucas smirked under his mask, his eyes fixed on Aria as she made her way to the restaurant where she worked.

After her shift ended, Aria emerged from the restaurant, a sense of accomplishment mingling with exhaustion. The sky had darkened, the street lamps casting a dim glow over the sidewalk.

As she walked towards the bus stop, her mind already occupied with plans for the next day, Lucas moved in closer, his presence masked by the shadows. With practiced stealth, he closed the distance, his hand concealed beneath his jacket, fingers tightening around the grip of the gun.

Aria sensed something amiss, a flicker of unease prickling at her senses. Before she could react, Lucas was upon her, the cold touch of metal against her skin sending a shiver down her spine.

"Don't make a sound," Lucas warned, his voice low but commanding.

Instinct kicked in, adrenaline surging through her veins as she attempted to break free. Her elbow connected with his groin, a sharp cry escaping Lucas as pain shot through him.

But Lucas, recovering quickly, retaliated with a swift blow, the impact enough to send Aria spiraling into darkness as consciousness slipped away.