After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 297

Catherine didn’t even think to be cautious tonight. Everyone here was someone important from the political or business world. Who would ever suspect that a glass of champagne handed to them could be dangerous?

Lawrence was deep in conversation with a distinguished elder when Catherine made her way over. He smiled as she approached. “Abell, this is my wife, Catherine,” he said, his tone full of pride.

Abell turned to her and greeted her with a polite nod. “Catherine, it’s wonderful to meet you.”

“Mr. Abell.” Catherine returned his smile, her voice warm and friendly.

He lifted his champagne glass for a toast, and Catherine clinked hers gently against his. She’d barely taken a sip before a new circle of politicians formed around Lawrence. Catherine stayed by his side, exchanging pleasantries with everyone who approached. Before she realized it, her glass was already empty.

“Lawrence, come join us over here for a chat,” called out another senior guest. Lawrence glanced at Catherine, giving her a reassuring look. “I’ll be back soon,” he promised.

Catherine knew Lawrence’s reputation went way beyond the business world. His family had their hands in military and political circles, too.

Suddenly, Catherine felt a wave of heat rise to her cheeks. She pressed her palm to her face, baffled. Had she really had too much champagne? That couldn’t be it. She could handle her drinks. Two glasses weren’t enough to make her feel this flushed.

Right then, a hotel staff member approached. “Excuse me, are you Catherine? Your father suddenly felt unwell and has been taken upstairs to rest. You should check on him right away.”

Catherine’s heart dropped. Her father’s health was always fragile, especially his heart. She realized she hadn’t seen him in a while, too busy mingling with Lawrence.

“Please, take me to him,” Catherine said urgently. The female staff member nodded, explaining she only knew the room number. She led Catherine out of the ballroom, down the bright hallway, and toward the elevators.

“Dad?” she called, her voice unsteady. No answer came from the darkness. Instead, she saw a shadow moving toward her. At that moment, the heat she’d been trying to ignore surged, burning through her, making her breath come fast and shallow.

Then, a man’s voice cut through the silence, low and full of menace. “Well, beautiful, you’re all mine tonight.”

It hit her all at once. She’d been set up. The champagne. That’s where it started.

Moving on instinct, Catherine pressed her earring hard, activating the emergency signal on her bracelet at the same time.

“Who are you? What do you want?” she demanded, her voice sharp with fear. In the faint glow from the window, she could just make out the outline of a man coming closer. Catherine backed away, her heart pounding in her chest.