CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE - A Flicker of Light

For the next hour, Cassius listened as staff members voiced their concerns and suggestions. Some requested more privacy, others asked for better communication with the outside world. A few brave souls even broached the subject of hazard pay for their extended duties. Cassius did his best to address each concern, making notes and promises where he could. By the end of the meeting, some of the tension had eased. People left the hall talking animatedly, a spark of optimism in their conversations. But Cassius knew the reprieve was temporary. As he watched the last of the staff file out, he couldn't shake the feeling that bigger challenges lay ahead. That evening, in an attempt to rekindle some semblance of normalcy, Cassius suggested a casual family dinner with just himself, Clarissa, and Mara. He hoped that a relaxed setting might help ease the tensions that had been building. The trio gathered in the smaller, more intimate dining room. The chef had prepared a simple but elegant meal,