CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TEN - Secrets Beneath the Surface

Mara felt a lump form in her throat. "Cassius, I-" He held up a hand, smiling. "Let me finish. What I'm trying to say is, I'm grateful for you, Mara. Not just as a colleague or an employee, but as family. And I want you to know that no matter what happens with the company, that won't change." Touched by his words, Mara impulsively reached out and hugged him. After a moment of surprise, Cassius returned the embrace. As they pulled apart, both a little embarrassed by the uncharacteristic display of emotion, a comfortable silence fell between them. "So," Mara said finally, a hint of mischief in her voice, "does this mean I get to call you 'Uncle Cassius' now?" Cassius let out a bark of laughter. "Let's not get carried away. I'm not that old yet." They both chuckled, the sound carried away by the sea breeze. As the yacht continued its leisurely journey, Mara felt a sense of peace settle over her. The challenges they had faced had been daunting, but they had emerged stronger for it. A