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Jemma Martin reached the fourth floor just as an intense wave of heat swept through her body, leaving her parched and unsteady. She was typically in excellent health, so this reaction wasn't the result of physical exertion.
A chilling thought crossed her mind... She might have been drugged.
With the elevator out of service, Jemma had prepared herself for the climb. Before starting, she'd taken a sip of water offered by her closest friend, Kaelyn Mason, who claimed it would "replenish her energy."
That water had been spiked.
As Jemma struggled against the discomfort and pressed on, a sudden force slammed her against the wall. A hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream.
A man loomed over her, his labored breaths brushing against her ear.
His grip was unyielding, leaving her gasping for air.
Panic surged within her as she struggled against him in the dimly lit stairwell. His features were hidden by the shadows.
Jemma whimpered, trying to pry his arm away, but her attempts were futile.
Her heart raced. She couldn't afford to die here. She had to meet the President and beg him to save her father.
Her father, the country's Minister of Finance, had always lived a life of integrity and simplicity. Yet, not long after the new president took office, Jemma's father was falsely accused of embezzlement. Despite his frail health, he was detained at the police station and would soon face court for a final verdict.
But her father was innocent.
Jemma had sought help from many people to clear her father's name, but all had turned her away. They said the case was personally overseen by the new president, with a complete chain of evidence and a confirmed charge. No one wanted to get involved in such a quagmire.
With no alternatives, Jemma pinned her hopes on the newly appointed president.
Kaelyn had informed her that the President would be at this hotel today, giving Jemma her only chance to meet him directly.
She couldn't waste more time dealing with the man holding her.
Unable to resist further, Jemma decided to take another approach.
She relaxed, letting her arms fall to her sides, and looked up, hoping he'd notice the sincerity in her eyes.
The man saw her bright, watery gaze, and perhaps sensing her harmlessness, slowly removed his hand from her mouth.
Jemma didn't dare speak right away.
Standing before this tall, sturdy man, she felt so small and powerless.
She waited for him to let her go entirely, but he stayed close, showing no intent to release her. His body radiated heat as he reached out to caress her face.
Jemma felt a strange change within her, and a soft moan escaped her lips. In the next moment, the man kissed her.
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