CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE - Unity in the Face of Fragmentation

Derek's eyes widened in surprise. "Ms. Rivers? I didn't know you were visiting today." The woman – Sophia Rivers, Max's ex – smiled coolly. "It was a last-minute decision. Now, if you'll excuse me." As Sophia glided away, Ava felt a surge of panic. She pushed past Derek, ignoring his startled exclamation, and rushed towards Max's office. Her mind raced as she hurried down the hallway. What was Sophia doing here? What urgent business could she have with Max? And why did the thought of them alone together make Ava's stomach churn? She rounded the corner, Max's office door in sight, and skidded to a halt. Through the glass walls, she could see Max and Sophia, their heads close together in what appeared to be an intimate conversation. Ava felt a jolt of unexpected jealousy course through her. She stood frozen, her hand half-raised to knock, as she watched Max throw his head back in laughter at something Sophia said. In that moment, all the complexities of the day – the office politic