The hallway seemed to be empty, so Laney made her way toward her door.

As she was about to enter the code, a shiver ran down her spine, and she suddenly sensed a strong presence behind her.

Turning around to see who it was, she caught a glimpse of a shadow before someone suddenly covered her eyes, gently but firmly pinned her against the door with a broad frame.

Laney wanted to scream, but almost instantly, her mouth was covered.

The man's strength was powerful, his muscles firm as a rock, pressing against her forcefully. Yet, it wasn't just the pain that terrified Laney. It was the overwhelming fear.

Without a word, the man pulled at her collar. Her skin was delicate and smooth, free of any other man's marks, which seemed to please him as he leaned in to kiss her.

Laney was on the verge of a breakdown, twisting desperately with muffled cries of “let me go," but it only provoked the man further. In desperation, she bit his hand.

The man's reaction to her pale, frightened face was to let go of her mouth.

Grabbing her moment to speak, Laney quickly threatened, "Do you know who my husband is? He's inside and he won't hesitate to kill you!"

The man didn't respond and began to lift her skirt.

Laney's attempts to kick and punch were ineffective.

Realizing her threats had no impact, Laney changed her approach and offered money, promising whatever amount he wanted if he would just release her.

She then heard the sound of a belt being unbuckled behind her. Her mind went blank, now certain that he was determined to assault her, and in a panic, she screamed out desperately. She kept calling for Cliff to rescue her.

However, the man appeared to take pleasure in her begging, and his actions became even bolder.

Laney gathered every bit of her strength and drove her elbow into the man's stomach. He groaned in response.

Laney paused, recognizing the sound. "Is that you, Cliff?" she asked, hopeful. “Is it really you?"

The man didn't reply, continuing his actions.

Laney thought it might be Cliff but remembered he was supposed to be out of town. How could he have returned so suddenly? Anger surged through her as she demanded, “Cliff, say something! Is it really you? I don't Like this game! Let go of me!”

The man kept gazing at the beautiful woman in his grasp. It had only been a few days since their last meeting, but she looked so radiant and beautiful, her legs so alluringly long, that he found himself completely captivated.

Laney's voice became raspy from yelling, yet she got no reply, and the sparkle in her eyes faded. This wasn't Cliff. Cliff would never harm her like this.

Laney realized she was vulnerable but determined not to surrender. She searched her memory for any familiar faces, trying to think of anyone she might have upset recently.

“Are you Rowe?" Laney attempted to divert his attention. "You confessed your feelings to me, and I rejected you. Are you holding a grudge?"

The man froze for a moment.

Laney noticed this tactic worked and continued guessing, “Or could you be Curt? Rowland? Newell? Vincent? Mateo?”