CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN - Whispered Threats and Unspoken Fears

As Evelyn walked away, looking far too pleased with herself, Max turned to Ava. "I'm sorry about all this. I'll talk to her, I promise." Ava nodded, trying to keep the hurt out of her voice. "It's fine, Max. Go have lunch with your mother. We can talk later." She watched as Max followed Evelyn out of the conference room, feeling a growing sense of unease. This was more than just a protective mother. Evelyn Bennett was a force to be reckoned with, and Ava had the sinking feeling that she was just getting started. The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and phone calls, with Ava barely having a moment to catch her breath. Every time she tried to catch Max alone, Evelyn seemed to materialize out of thin air, whisking him away for some urgent matter or introducing him to yet another socialite's daughter. As Ava was packing up to leave for the day, her phone buzzed with a text from Max. "Dinner at my place tonight? We need to talk." Ava felt a mix of relief and apprehension a