CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE - SETBACKS AND STRUGGLES

As they stepped back onto the rainy street, Mara couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Chuck gave her a quizzical look. "Something funny, Ms. Aniston?" Mara shook her head, still chuckling. "Just thinking about how I'm going to explain this to Mr. Noble. 'Sorry, Cassius, we can't use that space. It's already occupied by a family of rats.'" Chuck's eyes widened. "Mr. Noble? As in Cassius Noble? You're working directly with him on this project?" Mara nodded, suddenly aware that she might have said too much. Chuck's demeanor changed instantly. "Well, why didn't you say so? I have several other properties that might be more suitable. High-end spaces, you know? Let me just make a few calls..." As Chuck fumbled for his phone, Mara sighed. It was going to be a long day. The apartment hunt proved equally challenging. Mara found herself navigating the cutthroat world of Manhattan real estate, dealing with pushy brokers and overpriced shoe-box apartments. One Saturda