CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE - Fractures in the Past

Max's father, Charles Bennett, had been a titan of industry, but rumors of unethical practices had dogged him throughout his career. Ava uncovered hints of insider trading, of deals made in smoky back rooms far from the prying eyes of regulators. One name kept appearing in connection with these shadowy dealings: Richard Madden. It seemed the rivalry between their families stretched back decades, a complex web of alliances and betrayals that Ava could only begin to unravel. Expanding her search beyond the company records, Ava delved into newspaper archives and court documents. She discovered a series of articles from nearly twenty years ago, detailing a scandal that had rocked the business world. Charles Bennett had been accused of embezzling millions from his own company, using the funds to cover massive gambling debts. The case had never gone to trial – Charles had died in a car accident before charges could be filed, leaving behind a tarnished legacy and a teenage son thrust sudde