Reborn as a Surgeon: The Mafia Queen's Second Life

"This place is still the same. Dark. Filled with the shadows of death."

Alina took a deep breath. "The last time I was here, I almost died. But this time… I won't lose."

She stood in front of an abandoned warehouse. The building was worn down, its exterior lights flickering weakly as if reluctant to illuminate the surrounding darkness. From the outside, the place seemed empty, but the moment she stepped in, the atmosphere shifted drastically. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and metal, and the murmur of illicit transactions echoed from the corners.

A black market.

Here, money was everything. And life was nothing more than a commodity.

With confident strides, Alina wove through the crowd, her sharp gaze scanning the shadows for someone. The moment she spotted him, she didn't hesitate. A large man with tattoos running down both arms lounged in his chair, engaged in conversation with a few others.

"Jiro," she called, her voice low but firm.

The man turned, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. The woman before him was unfamiliar, but her voice… something about it made him pause. "Who are you?"

Alina smirked. "Someone who knows a lot about you. And about Alina."

Jiro stiffened. That name hit him like a punch to the chest. "Where did you hear that name?"

"She saved you once, didn't she? When you were bleeding out?" Alina met his gaze, unwavering. "I knew her well. She trusted me."

For a moment, Jiro studied her, his eyes searching. Her face was different, as was the way she dressed. But there was something familiar in her gaze. He wanted to deny it, yet deep down, a part of him recognized her.

"What do you want?" he finally asked, his voice heavier.

"Tetanus vaccines, medical supplies, and blood. I need a lot."

Jiro leaned back in his chair, considering. "That kind of stock is hard to come by here. And I don't run a charity."

Alina smirked. "I have money. I just need your connections to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Jiro studied her for a long moment before nodding slightly. "Fine. But be careful. This place isn't safe—especially for someone carrying the name Alina."

She shrugged, outwardly indifferent, though she remained on guard. 'I've understood the risks for a long time.'

Jiro exhaled. "There's someone who can get you what you need. His name is Vasko. He's a major broker here. But remember, he's greedy and ruthless. You can't fully trust him."

Alina nodded. "Where can I find him?"

Jiro glanced toward the far side of the room. A bald man in a leather jacket sat surrounded by a few of his men, laughing loudly as he took a swig from his drink.

"That's him," Jiro muttered. "But he won't talk easily."

Alina's lips curved slightly. "I have my ways."

Without hesitation, she strode toward Vasko's table, ready to enter a game far more dangerous than a mere reunion.

Vasko scanned her from head to toe, assessing the woman who had just approached him. One of his men immediately stepped forward to block her path.

"Stop right there. Who are you?" A scarred man with a buzz cut spoke gruffly.

Alina remained calm. "I need to talk to your boss."

Vasko raised a hand, signaling his man to step aside. "Interesting. Not many women walk up to me with that much confidence. What do you want?"

Alina pulled out a chair and sat without invitation. "I need medical supplies and blood. And I know you can get them."

Vasko chuckled. "You think I'd help a stranger?"

Alina picked up a dagger from the table, spinning it between her fingers with effortless precision. Then, with a swift flick of her wrist, she threw it at the hanging lamp.

Trak!

The blade severed the wire perfectly, causing the lamp to swing wildly, casting flickering shadows across the room.

Several men tensed, but Vasko only grinned. "Interesting. I like bold women."

"I'm not joking, Vasko," Alina said flatly. "I need those supplies. And I know you can provide them."

Vasko narrowed his eyes. "What makes you so sure I'll cooperate?"

Alina leaned back. "Because I know plenty about you. Like your secret deal with a city official three months ago. Or how you sell information to the highest bidder."

Vasko fell silent, then smirked. "Alright. You've got my attention. But everything has a price."

Alina pulled out a thick envelope, placing it on the table. "More than enough to make it worth your while."

Vasko opened the envelope, a satisfied grin forming. "You know how to do business."

He stood and gestured for her to follow. Soon, Alina found herself in the passenger seat of his car as they sped down the dark streets, kicking up dust in their wake.

"Are you sure this place is safe?" she asked, not bothering to look at him.

Vasko chuckled, one hand lazily on the wheel. "Don't worry, lady. Everything's taken care of."

Alina wasn't convinced. She knew exactly who Vasko was—a cunning man who always had a backup plan. But for now, she had to play along.

After a few minutes, they arrived at an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Dim lights illuminated wooden crates stacked inside. Several armed men stood guard, their eyes sharp.

Vasko got out first, speaking briefly with a burly man. Alina stayed put, watching every movement. Something felt off. Moments later, Vasko motioned for her to enter.

Inside, crates filled with medicine and blood bags lined the walls. At first glance, everything seemed in order. Alina inspected the goods, sensing the tension in the air.

'Something's wrong.'

"This isn't enough," she said.

Vasko feigned innocence. "What do you mean? Count again."

Alina's patience thinned. "Don't play games with me, Vasko."

Vasko smirked, eyes gleaming with deceit. "Looks like the price just changed."

Alina instantly understood. It was a trap.

"So this was your plan?" her voice was low, laced with warning.

Vasko stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You could pay another way, sweetheart." His eyes darkened with arrogance.

Alina moved in a flash. She pulled a knife from her jacket, pressing it against his throat before he could react. His eyes widened in shock, and before he could retaliate, she drove her elbow into his gut, making him stumble back.

One of Vasko's men reached for his gun, but Alina was faster. She pulled out her pistol and fired. The bullet hit the man's shoulder, sending him crashing down with a cry of pain.

Vasko tried to fight back, but Alina didn't give him the chance. With a swift kick, she knocked him to the ground and slammed the butt of her gun against his neck. He collapsed, unconscious.

Wasting no time, she retrieved her money, loaded the medical supplies into a cooling box, and sped away in her car before Vasko's men could react.

In the rearview mirror, the warehouse faded into the distance.

"I can't return empty-handed. Someone's life depends on this."

The car raced into the night, leaving a trail of dust behind.

---

Meanwhile…

Inside the dimly lit building, a nervous underling gripped his phone tightly, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Boss, we've got a problem. Someone hit the warehouse." His voice trembled. "She took the meds and blood stock."

Silence. Then a cold voice answered.

"Find her. If necessary… eliminate her."