The Billionaire's Retribution

CHAPTER 143

As the evening unfolded, Marcus managed to shake off the earlier confrontation, but Magnus’s words echoed in his mind. Was he truly only living in the shadow of his family name? The thought was unsettling, and he couldn’t ignore the doubts creeping in.

Later that night, after the event concluded and the last guests had left, Marcus and Mara found themselves alone in the now-quiet ballroom. The remnants of the evening’s success lingered in the air, but the tension from earlier still hung over them.

“Are you okay?” Mara asked, concern etched on her face. “That was a lot to handle.”

Marcus leaned against the polished bar, pouring himself a drink. “I’m fine. Just… tired, I guess. Tired of dealing with Magnus and his games.”

“Don’t let him get to you,” she said softly, stepping closer. “You’ve got so much going for you, Marcus. Don’t let his words seep into your mind.”

“I know, but it’s hard. He knows how to hit where it hurts,” he confessed, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Mara placed a