CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY TWO – AN ENIGMA

Clarissa's expression softened. "We're family, Cass. Whatever our differences, we stick together when it counts." As they emerged from the study, they found Mara waiting, concern etched on her face. "Is everything okay?" she asked. Cassius pulled her into a hug, breathing in the comforting scent of her perfume. "It will be," he said, his voice muffled against her hair. "We just need to be ready for whatever comes next." Two weeks later, Cassius and Mara were preparing for a charity gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mara stood in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, smoothing down the front of her emerald green gown. "Zip me up?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Cassius. He obliged, his fingers lingering on her back. "You look stunning," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. Mara turned to face him, adjusting his bow tie. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr. Noble," she teased. "Are you ready for this? I know things have been tense since