CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SEVEN - THE BREAKING POINT

Mrs. Holloway's initial wariness seemed to thaw slightly. "Oh? I had heard... well, never mind what I heard. It's good to hear you speak so fondly of Sebastian and the town." Mara seized the opening. "Oh, yes. Sebastian has been like a father to Clarissa, you know. And the whole family has been so welcoming. We only hope we can repay their kindness someday." As she moved through the market, Mara made sure to greet everyone with a warm smile and a kind word. She complimented Mrs. Baker on her pies, asked after Mr. Thompson's grandchildren, and even volunteered to help set up for the upcoming town festival. At the local tea shop, Mara engaged in a lengthy conversation with the owner, Ms. Perkins, a known gossip. "You know," Mara said casually, "I've always believed that actions speak louder than words. Clarissa and I hope that by contributing to this community and supporting Sebastian's charitable efforts, we can show our true intentions." Ms. Perkins nodded thoughtfully, and Mara co