CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN - Rebuilding Bridges Over Troubled Waters

It was nearing midnight when Ava decided she couldn't take anymore. She made her way to the coat check, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the gala. As she waited for her coat, she overheard a conversation that made her blood run cold. "...merger between Bennett Enterprises and Sinclair Industries," Evelyn's voice drifted over. "Can you imagine? It would be the business deal of the century." "And a wonderful way to unite our families," Mrs. Sinclair replied, her voice thick with implication. Ava's heart sank. She turned to see Evelyn and Mrs. Sinclair standing nearby, their heads close together in conspiratorial conversation. "Vanessa and Max do make a striking couple," Evelyn was saying. "And their children would have such an impressive pedigree." Unable to listen to any more, Ava grabbed her coat and hurried towards the exit. As she reached the door, she allowed herself one last glance back into the ballroom. Her eyes found Max immediately, standing close to Vanessa,