CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR - A LIGHT IN THE DARK

As they debated their next move, neither of them noticed the shadow that passed by Mara's office window, or the figure that lingered just long enough to snap a photo of their heated discussion. The next morning, Mara arrived at the office early, determined to get a handle on things. As she walked through the main area, she noticed hushed conversations stopping abruptly, employees quickly averting their eyes. Nadia hurried up to her, tablet in hand. "Mara, you need to see this." Mara's heart sank as she looked at the screen. There, splashed across the homepage of a notorious gossip site, was a photo of her and Cassius in her office, looking tense and upset. The headline screamed: "Trouble in Paradise? Keppler Heritage CEO and Inexperienced Girlfriend on the Rocks!" As Mara scanned the article, filled with "anonymous sources" speculating about her qualifications and the future of her relationship with Cassius, she felt a wave of anger and determination wash over her. "Nadia," she sa