CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR - Consequences Unfold

"Not now, Ava," Max growled, turning back to his drink. But Ava wasn't deterred. She slid onto the barstool next to him, signaling the bartender for a martini. "You know," she said conversationally, "there's an old saying about pride going before a fall." Max's grip tightened on his glass. "If you've come to gloat—" "Gloat?" Ava interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "Max, contrary to what you might think, I take no pleasure in seeing you or the company in this position. I tried to warn you." "Yes, you've made that abundantly clear," Max snapped. "Is there a point to this conversation, or are you just here to rub salt in the wound?" Ava sighed, her expression softening. "The point, Max, is that it's not too late. Yes, you screwed up. Yes, Victor outplayed you. But you're Max Bennett. Since when do you let a setback keep you down?" Max laughed bitterly. "A setback? Ava, I've lost control of my own company. My reputation is in tatters. The board is probably drafting my termination letter