CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX - Alliances Formed in Desperation

Ella made careful notes, her heart heavy. "And did you ever bring these concerns to Lucas or me?" Maria looked down, shame evident on her face. "We tried, but Dominic always intercepted us. He said he'd handle it, that we shouldn't bother you with trivial matters." Ella reached out, squeezing Maria's hand. "It's not your fault. We're going to make this right, I promise." As the days wore on, the stress began to take its toll. Ella and Lucas worked around the clock, barely taking time to eat or sleep. One night, as they pored over financial records in the dim light of their home office, Ella noticed Lucas's hands shaking as he reached for his coffee mug. "Hey," she said softly, placing her hand over his. "We need to take a break. You're exhausted." Lucas shook his head stubbornly. "We can't afford to take a break. The hearing is in two days, and we need to be prepared." Ella stood up, gently pulling Lucas to his feet. "And we will be. But running ourselves into the ground isn't go