CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE - When Silence Speaks

As Clarissa stepped down, her eyes brimming with tears, Cassius felt something shift within him. The anger and hurt that had defined their relationship for so long seemed to melt away, replaced by a longing for the connection they once shared. Without thinking, he stood and made his way to Clarissa. For a moment, they stood face to face, years of misunderstandings and harsh words hanging between them. Then, in a movement that surprised them both, Cassius pulled Clarissa into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry," Clarissa whispered, her tears soaking into his jacket. "I'm so sorry for everything." "Me too," Cassius replied, his own voice thick with emotion. "I've missed you, little sister." The room erupted in applause, the guests moved by this moment of reconciliation. Mara watched from her seat, her heart swelling with joy and relief. As the evening wound down and guests began to depart, Clarissa approached Cassius and Mara. "I was hoping," she said hesitantly, "that maybe you both might