CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX - The Con Artist's Scheme

What if Mason was right? What if Isabella wasn't who she claimed to be? As if summoned by her thoughts, Isabella appeared in the doorway, her face etched with concern. "Claire? Are you okay? I heard you and Mason arguing earlier." Claire turned, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. Just a little disagreement." Isabella stepped onto the balcony, wrapping a comforting arm around Claire's shoulders. "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault, isn't it? I've come barging into your lives, causing trouble..." "No, no," Claire reassured her quickly. "It's not your fault. Mason's just... he's protective, that's all. He'll come around." But even as she said the words, Claire felt a flicker of uncertainty. Would Mason come around? And more importantly, should he? The next morning dawned bright and clear, but the atmosphere in the apartment was anything but. Mason had returned late in the night, sliding into bed without a word. Now, as they moved around each other in the kitchen, the silence was thick