CHAPTER SIXTEEN - Unexpected Alliances

"No, Max, he's not bluffing," Ava insisted. "He knows he has us cornered, and you just confirmed it for him. We need to change tactics, now." Max frowned, finally seeming to register the seriousness in Ava's voice. "What do you suggest?" Ava took a deep breath. "Let me handle this. Trust me, Max." For a moment, Max looked like he wanted to argue. But then, perhaps seeing the determination in Ava's eyes, he nodded. "Alright. Show me what you've got." When they returned to the conference room, Ava took the lead. She laid out a series of documents on the table, her demeanor calm and professional. "Mr. Langston," she began, "we've been approaching this all wrong. You're absolutely right – the contract in question is problematic. But not for the reasons you think." Victor raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Go on." Ava launched into a detailed explanation, weaving together financial data, legal precedents, and testimony from Margaret Holbrook. She painted a picture of a co