CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE - Whispers in the Boardroom Shadows

The private jet touched down at Madrid-Barajas Airport, its wheels screeching against the tarmac. Inside, Ava Hart stirred from her light slumber, blinking away the remnants of sleep. She glanced over at Max Bennett, who was already awake and scrolling through his phone. "We're back," Max said, not looking up from his device. "Ready to face the music?" Ava straightened in her seat, smoothing down her slightly rumpled blouse. "As ready as I'll ever be. How do you think they've managed without us?" Max snorted, finally pocketing his phone. "They're grown-ups, Ava. I'm sure they've kept the place running." The jet came to a stop, and the flight attendant appeared to inform them they could disembark. As they made their way down the steps, the crisp autumn air hit Ava's face, a stark contrast to the warmth of Madrid. "Mr. Bennett, Ms. Hart," the driver greeted them, opening the car door. "Welcome back." They slid into the backseat, and as the car pulled away from the tarmac, Ava found