CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY EIGHT – A TRAGIC RUMOUR

As Darius disappeared from view, Cassius felt some of the tension leave his body. But the damage had been done. He could feel the weight of curious and suspicious glances, could see the way conversations hushed as he passed by. Mara squeezed his hand. "It'll blow over," she assured him. "These people have known you for years. They won't believe baseless rumors." Cassius nodded, trying to convince himself as much as her. But as the evening wore on, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had fundamentally shifted. The easy camaraderie he'd always enjoyed at these events felt strained, the warmth of old friendships suddenly cooled. As they left the reception, Cassius couldn't help but wonder what other surprises Darius had in store. Little did he know, the answer would come sooner than he expected. A few days later, Cassius found himself standing before the stern-faced council of the Evergreen Golf and Country Club, a bastion of old money and even older traditions. The wood-pane