Chapter 6 Escape Successful!
897 Words
Claire couldn't figure out Lucien's intentions. She looked at the steaming hot cocoa that smelled sweet and irresistible and couldn't help but take a sip.
The warm, sweet taste instantly melted away a lot of her tension and fatigue.
Curled up in the corner of the room, holding the cup of cocoa, Claire didn't let her guard down completely.
Lucien didn't seem to mind, sitting nearby while handling his work.
At five in the afternoon, Lucien stood up and glanced at the girl curled up asleep against the wall. He paused for a moment and then picked up a blanket, gently draping it over her.
His movements were tender, a stark contrast to his ruthless self when carrying a gun.
Lucien left the room, and Claire opened her eyes. She had woken up much earlier but had pretended to be asleep, fearing what Lucien might demand of her.
Her eyes fell on the blanket covering her and the empty cup.
Her feelings were complicated. She couldn't understand this man's motives.
The rough-looking man had mentioned someone paying for her life—could it be related to the drugging?
Had Lucien only saved her out of necessity?
Claire shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.
Regardless of the bizarre situation, she had to find a way to escape.
Everything was just too strange.
The door was knocked again and soon opened.
Claire's gaze landed on the doorway where several men stood guard.
A server entered with her dinner, placing the food on the table before leaving.
Claire's stomach growled. She assumed he wouldn't drug her, so she ate boldly.
As she picked up the tray, she noticed a piece of paper wrapped in plastic hidden among the food.
If she hadn't looked carefully, she would have missed it.
Curious, Claire picked it up. But as she read the words on it, her breathing instantly became heavy.
The note had only a few simple words: Go to the room next door and escape through the vent.
She clutched the note, feeling as if a beam of light had penetrated the darkness of despair.
Her heart pounded with sudden hope and excitement. Could she really escape this place?!
But doubt quickly followed. Who would save her?
No answers came, just endless speculation.
Maybe it was a test from Lucien, or a trap from his enemies...
Regardless, she had to try.
Carrying her shoes, Claire tiptoed to the balcony. The hotel wasn't too high, around five stories. She climbed over the balcony railing, staring at the narrow ledge, trying to calm herself, "It's okay, it's okay..."
Slowly, she moved along the ledge until she grabbed the railing of the adjacent balcony.
She quickly climbed over. This room seemed to be a storage room rather than a guest room.
And there, on the left wall, was a vent, just the right size for her to crawl through.
Removing her heels, she climbed up and began crawling through the vent, moving towards the staircase.
When she saw another exit, she realized it led to the hotel's basement, where the auction hall was.
But this seemed to be a back exit, unguarded. She continued down the stairs until the space became more open.
Claire was stunned for a few seconds and then overjoyed. Then, she found herself in an old warehouse.
The warehouse seemed ancient, with peeling paint on the walls, a dirty floor, and traces of fire damage. Several black burlap sacks were piled in the corner, bulging with unknown contents, surrounded by flies.
The air reeked of burnt and sour odors, making Claire cover her nose.
The floor felt sticky and disgusting, which was rather unpleasant.
She quickly put her heels back on to avoid stepping in the filth.
She knew she needed to leave this ominous place quickly!
Therefore, she kept hurrying forward until she saw a glimmer of light and a wide road in the distance.
Running to the road, she excitedly tried to flag down a passing car...
*****
Lucien finished his work by nine in the evening. Stepping out of the lounge, he checked his watch.
Time to check on his little kitten.
Pushing open the door, he found the presidential suite eerily quiet.
Was she asleep?
Unlikely.
He glanced at the fluttering curtains and strode to the balcony, looking towards the neighboring room, which was also open.
No surprise, no anger, only a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
The scar-faced man stood by nervously. It was their negligence that allowed her to escape. He quickly said, "We'll find her right away!"
Lucien waved dismissively. "Check the surveillance to see where she went. Just have someone follow her."
He was more concerned about Claire's safety after her escape than the escape itself.
*****
Claire didn't relax until she reached the familiar villa.
Exhaustion overwhelmed her.
She had caught a ride with a kind stranger who kept asking if she needed the police, but she refused.
What could she say? Illegal detention? Rape?
Or that these people had committed murder?
Each option was risky. That man's identity was probably not that simple.
Thus, Claire knew she couldn't rashly involve the police.
It might endanger her further or become a trap.
Before opening the door, she heard voices inside.
"Someone said they saw Claire at the bar with another man. She's probably hooking up with him right now..."
- Writer
