CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - Behind Closed Doors

She turned on her heel and walked out, her hands shaking as she closed the door behind her. Leaning against the wall, she took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. What had she done? She'd only wanted to help, but she'd clearly touched a nerve – no, more like detonated a bomb. As she gathered her things to leave, Ava couldn't shake the image of Max's face in that moment of vulnerability. There was so much pain there, so carefully hidden. Despite his anger, despite his warnings, Ava knew she couldn't just let this go. Something was seriously wrong with Max Bennett, and for reasons she couldn't quite explain, she felt compelled to figure out what it was – and how she could help him. The next morning, Ava arrived at the office early, determined to smooth things over with Max. She was surprised to find the light in his office already on. As she approached, she heard voices – Max's and an unfamiliar woman's. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Bennett isn't taking any unscheduled appointment