CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE – EXILED CEO

Meanwhile, Mara was having a clandestine meeting of her own. She sat in a nondescript cafe, nursing a cup of coffee as she waited for her contact to arrive. Tamara, an old college friend who now worked for a certain three-letter agency, slid into the seat across from her. "This better be good, Mara," Tamara said, her voice low. "You know I can't access classified info without good reason." Mara leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's about Darius Trent. I need to know if there are any ongoing investigations, any red flags in his financials or business practices." Tamara's eyes widened. "Trent? Are you sure you want to go down this rabbit hole?" Mara nodded, her resolve evident in her steady gaze. "I'm sure. This is important, Tamara. More important than you know." Tamara sighed, then gave a slight nod. "I'll see what I can find. But Mara? Be careful. This isn't a game." As Tamara left, Mara felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation. They were stepping into dangerous t