The atmosphere remained lively and sophisticated. Guests laughed over glasses of champagne, discussing business deals, art, and everything in between. Adrian moved effortlessly through the crowd, his natural charisma keeping everyone captivated. Claire was engaged in a conversation about Metacortex's latest innovations when Matthew approached, his expression bored.

"I'm heading out," he said, interrupting her mid-sentence.

Claire raised an eyebrow. "You're leaving already? The party isn't even over."

Matthew shrugged dramatically. "What can I say? Champagne fountains and overpriced canapés aren't really my thing."

Claire rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. "You could at least pretend to enjoy yourself. You're at the Saint Laurent estate, Matthew. This is networking gold."

Matthew smirked. "Networking? Please. Half the people here don't even know who I am. Besides, I'm doing you a favor by leaving. Now you can shine without my dazzling presence overshadowing you."

Claire laughed despite herself. "You're impossible. I don't need to shine, Matt. Fine, go. But make sure the driver comes back to pick me up."

He nodded, grinning. "You got it, boss. Try not to let Adrian monopolize you for the rest of the night."

As Matthew walked off, Claire shook her head, returning her attention to her conversation.

A little while later, Adrian approached her, slipping his arm around her waist as she spoke with a group of investors.

"You're hard to keep track of tonight," he said teasingly, his tone low enough for only her to hear.

Claire glanced up at him, smiling. "I could say the same about you, Mr. Social Butterfly. You've been everywhere."

Adrian chuckled. "Occupational hazard. I don't have much of a choice when half the city's power players are here."noveldrama

Claire leaned into him slightly. "Well, you seem to be handling it like a pro."

"Maybe, but I'd rather be spending time with you," he said sincerely, his gaze softening.

Claire's smile grew, and for a moment, the bustling room seemed to fade into the background. "I'm glad I came," she said. "You deserve to be celebrated."

Adrian gave her a warm smile. "And I'm glad you're here. It wouldn't be the same without you."

Their moment was interrupted when a waiter approached with a tray of drinks, and Adrian was pulled away again by another guest eager to chat. Claire glanced at the time and realized how late it had gotten. When Adrian returned a few minutes later, Claire touched his arm. "I think I'm going to head home. It's been a wonderful night, but I'm starting to feel the exhaustion setting in."

Adrian's expression fell slightly. "Already? I was hoping to steal you away for a dance."

Claire chuckled softly. "Rain check? You'll have plenty of time to dance with me."

He nodded, his hand brushing against hers. "Thank you for coming. It really means a lot."

"Happy birthday, Adrian," she said with a warm smile.

He leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering for a moment. "Get home safe."

Claire nodded, making her way outside to the car waiting for her. The evening air was crisp, and she took a deep breath as she stepped into the sleek black Rolls Royce. Once inside, she leaned back against the seat, letting out a small sigh. "Home, please," she instructed the driver.

The car remained still.

She frowned, looking up. "Did you hear me?"

The driver didn't respond. Claire's unease grew, and she glanced at the rearview mirror. That was when she saw him a man in a black mask sitting in the passenger seat.

Her heart began to race as the masked man turned and locked eyes with her through the mirror. Before she could react, he reached back with a spray canister and pressed down.

Claire immediately tried to cover her nose and mouth, but the fumes were overwhelming. "What are you" she gasped, her voice trailing off as her vision blurred.

She fought against the pull of unconsciousness, her fingers fumbling for the door handle, but the child safety locks had been engaged. Panic surged through her as she clawed at the window, but her strength was fading rapidly. "Who sent you? And why are you in my car?" Claire coughed as she tried to fight the unconsciousness that was slowly getting in to her.

The last thing she saw before darkness overtook her was the masked man's cold, emotionless gaze.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Back in his lair, Eligos watched the scene unfold on one of his screens. He leaned forward, his lips curling into a wicked grin as Claire slumped against the seat, unconscious. "Perfect," he murmured, grabbing his phone to issue further instructions to his men.

Adrian leaned against the balcony of his mansion, the sounds of the party fading as he sipped from his glass of champagne. For the first time that evening, he allowed himself a

had

moment to relax. The evening been a whirlwind of handshakes, compliments, and subtle

'n

negotiations. But even with all the

positive energy surrounding him, his mind wandered back to Claire.

Her departure had left a small ache in his chest, longing he couldn't quite explain. She'd looked stunning tonight, carrying herself with the kind of grace that made her seem untouchable, yet she was so deeply grounded in who she was. Adrian Smiled at the memory of her teasing him about being busy.

"She's something else," he muttered to himself.

He pulled out a velvet box from inside his pocket and stared at it. He opened the box with much care as thee diamond ring shined brightly Alexander was planning to give this to Claire at the end of the party, but he didn't think that Claire would be leaving so soon.

Seems like his plan needs to be postponed.

Claire's world slowly shifted from a dark haze to a jarring, cold clarity. Her head pounded as she blinked, trying to orient herself. The first thing she noticed was the sterile, dim lighting. She wasn't in her car anymore-that much was clear. The second thing was the unmistakable metallic scent of a closed-off space.

Panic surged through her veins as she forced herself to sit up. Her wrists were bound with zip ties, the plastic digging into her skin. The surface beneath her was cold and hard, a stark contrast to the luxurious seat of her Rolls Royce. "Where am I?" she murmured, her voice hoarse and shaky.

A sharp clinking sound drew her attention, and she realized she wasn't alone. The masked man from earlier stood a few feet away, his back to her as he fiddled with something on a table.

"Hey!" she called out, her voice gaining strength. "What do you think you're doing? Let me go!"

The man turned, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring her distress. He didn't speak but simply adjusted his gloves, his eyes unreadable behind the mask.

Claire's sharp mind kicked into gear despite her fear. "If you think kidnapping me is going to get you anything, you're wrong," she said, keeping her tone steady.

The man stepped forward abruptly, cutting her off. He leaned down to her level, the proximity suffocating.

"I am not the one who you are going to deal with."

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