Derek Houston stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the lapels of his impeccably tailored three-piece suit. The suit had been a gift from Clarissa, an attempt to restore some semblance of his former confidence. He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back, and straightened his tie. Today was crucial. He needed to secure the help of his only remaining ally, the presidential aspirant Vassel.He glanced at the note Clarissa had left for him on the dresser. It was a brief reminder of the stakes and a warning to move quickly. "Do whatever you can to secure his support. We need his resources. I have my own plans, which I’ll share with you when you return."Derek folded the note and slipped it into his pocket, taking a deep breath. He couldn’t afford to let the mounting pressure show.
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