CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHT - A Storm Before the Calm

Meanwhile, Mason continued to deal with the fallout from Richard's accusations. The atmosphere at Universe X grew increasingly tense as employees whispered about secret projects and hidden agendas. One evening, as they sat in their home office reviewing the latest damage control reports, Claire finally broke down. "I don't know who to trust anymore, Mason," she said, her voice cracking. "My whole life, I thought I knew who my mother was, what she did. But now... what if Richard is right? What if there really are secrets buried in Universe X's past?" Mason moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Claire, listen to me. Whatever happened in the past, whatever your mother and Richard were involved in, it doesn't change who we are or what Universe X stands for now." Claire leaned into him, drawing comfort from his presence. "But how can we be sure? How do we know we're not unwittingly part of some larger conspiracy?" Mason was quiet for a moment, considering. "We do it