The night of the long-awaited gala had finally arrived.
At the event, Marcus was all over Claire, constantly offering her drinks, each one more insistent than the last.
"Claire, here's to you," he said, raising his glass with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Claire politely nodded and took a small sip, her expression neutral.
She wore a black dress, looking effortlessly elegant.
She didn't want to drink anymore, but Marcus didn't seem to notice. He continued to push one drink after another, oblivious to her discomfort.
As the alcohol started to take effect, Claire felt her head spinning. She tried to focus, hoping for a way out.
But Marcus had other ideas. He grabbed her wrist, his tone shifting as he became more persistent. "Don't rush off. Let's chat for a while," he said
