CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE - PARTY PRESSURE

"Sorry, haven't seen her," a muscular guy in swim trunks shouted over the music. "But hey, if you want to hang out, I'm free later!" Mara forced a polite smile and moved on, her eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Clarissa. She spotted Emily near the DJ booth, questioning a group of girls who looked barely old enough to be there. Tiffany and Brad were checking the private cabanas, while Natalie had somehow managed to get into the VIP lounge. After an hour of searching, they regrouped near the entrance, all wearing identical expressions of disappointment. "Nothing," Emily said, shaking her head. "It's like she's vanished into thin air." Just as they were about to leave, a young woman stumbled into Mara, spilling her drink. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" the woman slurred, trying to steady herself. Mara helped her regain her balance. "It's okay. Hey, while I've got you here, have you seen this woman?" She showed the girl Clarissa's picture. The woman squinted at the phone, then h