CHAPTER 142: CLAIRE’S ESCAPE

Claire’s POV

Just as I exited the washroom, a sudden, sharp pain struck the back of my neck. My vision blurred, and dizziness overwhelmed me as darkness encroached on my senses. I didn’t lose consciousness entirely, though— I could still hear, feel, and vaguely comprehend what was happening.

I was being dragged. The sound of footsteps and the rustling of fabric reached my ears as the waiter—no, the man who had tricked me— pulled me through the hallways. My body felt heavy, but my mind raced.

He took me to a room and laid me down on a bed, his movements hurried yet calculated. I wanted to scream, to fight, but my body refused to cooperate. My limbs felt like lead, and I could only watch as he stood over me, his gaze lingering in a way that made my skin crawl.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone and made a call. His voice was low, but the words he spoke sent chills down my spine.

"Yeah, send the client. She is ready," he said, his eyes briefly flicking to mine before he turned away.

My heart pounded in my chest, fear gripping me as I listened to him continue. "No, the drug is in the air purifier. It will take about half an hour to take effect. Even if she inhaled for just a second, it will be enough. She will be burning hot by then."

I struggled to make sense of his words, but the intent was all too clear. My body may have been unresponsive, but my mind was screaming.

I wasn’t sure who he was talking to on the other end of the line, but now it was painfully obvious—I had walked straight into a trap.

I fought to keep calm, to think of a way out. My thoughts raced as I scanned the room, looking for something— just anything that could help me. I knew I couldn’t act while the waiter was still there. He loitered around, pacing and making the occasional call. Each second felt like an eternity as I lay still, pretending to be unconscious.

He mentioned that the drug would take half an hour to fully take effect, and it was being released through the air purifier. I clenched my teeth, willing my body to fight against whatever had entered my system. I had to escape before it was too late.

But where could I go? Even if I made it out of the room, hiding in the washroom or balcony would only buy me a little time. They would find me eventually. I needed a better plan.

Finally, the waiter left. The sound of the door clicking shut filled me with a surge of relief and urgency. My limbs felt weak, but I forced myself to move. Slowly, I crawled toward the washroom. As I let the cold water pour over me, I felt a sliver of clarity return.

The icy water shocked my senses, making things clear for me. I took deep breaths, trying to flush out the fog in my mind. My clothes were damp and clung uncomfortably to my skin, but I couldn’t waste time. The waiter had mentioned there were clothes in the room.

I found a pair of casual pants and a T-shirt neatly folded in a drawer. Without hesitation, I changed into them, my hands trembling as I worked. My original clothes— I couldn’t leave them out. If someone found them, they could use them to start some scandal later. I stuffed them into the back of the drawer, hiding them as best as I could.

Now I had to figure out how to leave the room undetected. I glanced at the balcony. It wasn’t a good option, but it was the only one.

The moment I stepped outside, the cool night air hit my face. The balcony wasn’t too high off the ground, but the gap between this one and the next was wide. My heart pounded in my chest as I calculated the jump.

I climbed over the railing as I steadied myself, gripping the edge tightly. My hands were slick with sweat, and the pounding of my pulse echoed in my ears. I took a deep breath and leapt.

The air seemed to hold me in suspension for a terrifying moment before I landed awkwardly on the next balcony. Pain shot through my knees as I stumbled and fell, scraping my palms against the rough surface.

"Keep going," I whispered to myself. "You can’t stop yet," dragging my body up despite the burning pain.

I crouched low, peering inside the room connected to this balcony. It was dark and empty— thankfully it could be opened. I slipped inside quietly, closing the sliding door behind me. My breaths came fast and shallow as I hid in the corner, listening for any sign of pursuit.

The adrenaline coursing through me was the only thing keeping me on my feet. I couldn’t stop now. I had to find a way out of this nightmare.

I was still trying to steady my breathing when I heard faint sounds coming from the next-door room. My heart skipped a beat, and my terror intensified. What if they noticed something on the balcony? What if they came looking for me here?

Panic surged through me. I quickly rushed to the sliding balcony door and locked it securely. The metallic click of the lock offered a small sense of security, but it wasn’t enough to calm me. I needed a safer place to hide.

Without wasting another second, I ran to the washroom. My fingers fumbled as I turned the lock, but I managed to secure the door behind me.

I turned on the faucet, letting the sound of running water drown out any noise from outside. The cold water splashed over the sink as I cupped my hands beneath it, wetting my face in an attempt to stay alert.

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What will happen to Claire? Will Evander find her in time? Or she has to suffer more?