CHAPTER FORTY SIX – A CRUISE TO REMEMBER

Mara turned, offering him a small smile. "Oh, hello, Mr. Noble. I was just... processing the day's events." Cassius raised an eyebrow. "Clarissa's art workshop, I presume? She mentioned she was dragging you along." He studied her face for a moment before adding, "You look like you could use a drink. Care to join me?" Before Mara could politely decline, Cassius had already signaled a passing waiter. "Two glasses of the Macallan 18, please. Neat." As the waiter hurried off, Cassius leaned against the railing next to Mara, their arms almost touching. "So, did you discover a hidden talent for painting?" Mara chuckled, feeling some of the tension leave her body. "Hardly. I think I'll stick to my day job." "Ah, but your day job seems to involve quite a bit of creativity lately," Cassius teased. "First matchmaking, now art appreciation. You're a woman of many talents, Mara Aniston." The waiter returned with their drinks, and Cassius handed one to Mara. She took a sip, savoring the smoot