CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR – FROM PREY TO PREDATOR

The days that followed were a relentless blur of sweat and exertion, Joan's entire existence reduced to a singular, all-consuming routine of physical training and tactical lessons. Antonio had been impressed – albeit grudgingly – by her performance on the reconnaissance mission, and he wasted no time in implementing a rigorous regimen designed to mold her into a weapon for his criminal empire. "You want to survive in this world, Keppler?" he growled, his face mere inches from hers as she lay gasping on the sun-baked earth of the training yard. "Then you need to become something more than just a clever little rat. You need to become a predator." Joan could only nod, her lungs burning and her muscles screaming in protest. She had endured grueling training before, during her time with the Fratellis, but this was different – a brutal, unforgiving gauntlet designed to push her to the very limits of her endurance. The mornings began with punishing calisthenics routines, Joan's body conto