CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FOUR - Between Love and Loyalty

"Alright," he said, his voice calm but firm. "It's clear that there are issues we need to address. Gabriel, why don't you start by explaining what Clarissa saw?" Gabriel took a deep breath, glancing nervously at Mara. "I... I was looking for information. But not for the reasons you might think." He then launched into the same story he had told Mara - about being blackmailed, about trying to protect himself and the family. As he spoke, Mara watched Cassius and Clarissa carefully. Cassius' face remained impassive, while Clarissa's expression shifted from anger to confusion. When Gabriel finished, there was a moment of heavy silence. Then Cassius turned to Mara. "You knew about this?" Mara nodded. "Gabriel told me a few days ago. I've been trying to verify his story, but I haven't found anything concrete yet." Clarissa scoffed. "And you believe this ridiculous tale? He's obviously lying to save his skin!" "Clarissa," Cassius warned, before turning back to Gabriel. "These are serious