Chapter 174 A hidden affair

One night, as they lay tangled in the sheets of a cheap motel room, Mariama voiced her concerns. "Lucas, we need to be more careful. Andre is starting to suspect something." Lucas chuckled, pulling her closer. "Let him suspect. What can he do? You're too valuable to him." Mariama pushed away, sitting up. "This isn't a game, Lucas. If Andre finds out about us, it could ruin everything I've worked for." Lucas's expression darkened. "Is that all you care about? Your position with Andre?" "You know it's not," Mariama replied, frustrated. "But I can't just throw away everything I've built here. I need stability, security." Lucas sat up, his eyes flashing with anger. "And I can't give you that, is that it? I'm just a fun distraction, but Andre's the one you really want?" "That's not what I said," Mariama protested, but Lucas was already getting dressed, his movements sharp and angry. "You know what? Forget it. Go back to your precious Andre. See if he can make you feel the way I do."