CHAPTER FIFTY THREE – STAY AWAY FROM MY BROTHER

"We need to talk," Clarissa said, her voice low and threatening. Mara swallowed hard but nodded, following Clarissa into a nearby lounge. The plush surroundings felt suffocating as Clarissa turned to face her, arms crossed. "Listen carefully, Mara," Clarissa began, her eyes narrowed. "I don't know what game you think you're playing, but it ends now. You and my brother? It's laughable." Mara felt her temper flare. "With all due respect, Clarissa, what's between Cassius and me is our business." Clarissa laughed, the sound sharp and humorless. "Our business? Oh, honey. You really don't get it, do you? You're not part of our world. You're a temporary distraction, nothing more." The words hit Mara like a physical blow, but she fought to keep her composure. "You don't know anything about me or what Cassius and I feel for each other." "Feel?" Clarissa scoffed. "Wake up, Mara. Men like Cassius don't end up with women like you. You're convenient, that's all. When he's ready to settle down