CHAPTER TWO - Disrupted Plans

"And as my secretary, you'll be privy to all the most important financial decisions in this company," Max interrupted. "It's a promotion, Ms. Hart. Unless you'd rather I find someone else who's more... cooperative?" The threat was thinly veiled, and Ava felt her jaw clench. "No, that won't be necessary. I'd be happy to take on the role." "Excellent," Max said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "You can start by organizing my schedule for the week. I have a lot of... commitments to juggle." As Max walked away, Ava took a deep breath, trying to center herself. She wouldn't let him get to her. She'd do her job, and do it well, no matter what he threw at her. Over the next few weeks, Ava quickly realized what a challenge she'd taken on. Max's reputation as a playboy wasn't exaggerated – he seemed more interested in attending parties and charm his way through meetings than actually running the company. One morning, as Ava was trying to coordinate a crucial board meeting, Max strolled in two hours late, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed. "Mr. Bennett," Ava said, her voice tight with frustration, "the board has been waiting for you. They're not happy." Max shrugged, reaching for a cup of coffee. "They'll get over it. Did you reschedule my lunch with Sophia? I promised her we'd try that new sushi place." Ava's pen nearly snapped in her hand. "Mr. Bennett, with all due respect, that lunch conflicts with the presentation to our biggest investors. The one you've already rescheduled twice." "Ah, right," Max said, not looking particularly concerned. "Well, push the investors back again. Sophia hates to be kept waiting." "Mr. Bennett," Ava said, struggling to keep her voice level, "I must insist that you reconsider. These investors are crucial to—" "Ms. Hart," Max cut her off, his tone suddenly sharp, "I believe I made myself clear. Move the investor meeting. That's an order." Ava bit her tongue, nodding curtly. "Yes, Mr. Bennett." As Max sauntered off to charm the board members, Ava sank into her chair, feeling defeated. How was she supposed to do her job when her boss seemed determined to run the company into the ground? That evening, long after most of the staff had gone home, Ava was still at her desk, frantically trying to salvage the mess Max had made of their schedule. She'd managed to appease the investors for now, but she knew she couldn't keep this up forever. "Still here, Ms. Hart?" Max's voice startled her. She looked up to see him leaning against the doorframe, his tie loosened and a glass of whiskey in his hand. "Someone has to clean up the day's messes," she replied, unable to keep the edge out of her voice. Max raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "You know, most people would be thrilled to work for me. The parties, the connections, the lifestyle... yet here you are, scowling at your computer like it personally offended you." Ava met his gaze steadily. "I'm here to work, Mr. Bennett. To contribute to this company's success. Not to attend parties or make connections." "And you think I'm not?" Max asked, his voice low. "With all due respect, sir," Ava said, "your actions speak louder than your words. If you'll excuse me, I have work to finish." She turned back to her computer, effectively dismissing him. She could feel Max's eyes on her, but she refused to look up again. After a long moment, she heard him chuckle softly. "You're something else, Ava Hart," he murmured, almost to himself. Then, louder, "Don't stay too late. Even workaholics need sleep." As his footsteps faded away, Ava finally allowed herself to relax slightly. She'd stood her ground, but she knew this was far from over. Max Bennett was used to getting his way, and he clearly saw her resistance as a challenge. Well, she thought determinedly, if it's a challenge he wants, it's a challenge he'll get. I won't let him run this company into the ground, no matter what it takes. With renewed energy, she turned back to her work, unaware that down the hall, Max was watching her through the glass walls of his office, a thoughtful expression on his face. The game, it seemed, was just beginning. The morning sun had barely risen when Ava's phone buzzed incessantly, jolting her awake. Bleary-eyed, she fumbled for the device, her heart sinking as she read the stream of urgent messages. Max had decided to skip the crucial investor meeting – a meeting that could make or break the company's future – for a spontaneous yacht party with his friends. "No, no, no," Ava muttered, panic rising in her chest as she hurriedly dressed. "This can't be happening." She rushed to the office, her mind racing with potential solutions. As she burst through the doors, Max's receptionist, Linda, looked up in surprise. "Ava? What's wrong?" Linda asked, concern etching her features. "Everything," Ava gasped, feeling the onset of a panic attack. Her breathing quickened, and her vision began to blur. "Max... he's gone... the investors... we're going to lose everything..." Linda quickly guided Ava to a chair, kneeling beside her. "Breathe, honey. Just breathe. That's it, nice and slow." As Ava's breathing steadied, Linda spoke softly. "Now, tell me what's going on." Ava explained the situation, her words tumbling out in a rush. Linda listened patiently, then squeezed Ava's hand reassuringly. "You've got this, Ava," Linda said firmly. "I've seen you work miracles before. Those investors don't stand a chance against your quick thinking." Ava took a deep breath, drawing strength from Linda's words. "You're right. I can do this. I have to." With renewed determination, Ava set to work. She had mere hours to prepare for a meeting she hadn't expected to lead. As she pored over financial reports and projections, a plan began to form in her mind. When the investors arrived, Ava greeted them with a confident smile that belied her inner turmoil. "Gentlemen," she said smoothly, "I know you were expecting to meet with Mr. Bennett today, but he's been called away on an urgent matter. However, I assure you that I'm fully equipped to address any questions or concerns you may have." One of the investors, a stern-looking man named Mr. Hargrove, frowned. "And you are...?" "Ava Hart, Mr. Bennett's executive assistant," she replied, extending her hand. "I've been intimately involved in all aspects of this deal." "With all due respect, Ms. Hart," another investor, Mr. Kenji, interjected, "we came here to speak with the CEO, not his assistant." Ava's smile didn't falter. "I completely understand your concern, Mr. Kenji. But let me ask you this – did you come here to speak to a specific person, or to ensure that your investment is sound and profitable?" The investors exchanged glances, caught off guard by her directness.