CHAPTER FORTY FOUR - HIDDEN MOTIVES

Max's silence was answer enough. Ava's hurt quickly turned to anger. "This is ridiculous, Max. Your paranoia is only making things worse. How are we supposed to solve this if you won't let anyone help you?" "I'm trying to protect this company!" Max shouted. "No, you're trying to protect yourself!" Ava shot back. "You're so afraid of being betrayed that you can't see who's really on your side!" They glared at each other, the air crackling with tension. Finally, Ava took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Listen to me, Max. If you want to save this company, you need to let me do my job. I'm close to figuring this out, I know it. But I can't do it with one hand tied behind my back." Max ran a hand through his hair, conflict clear on his face. "How can I be sure, Ava? How can I trust anyone right now?" "Because you know me," Ava said softly. "You know I would never betray you or this company. Please, Max. Let me help you." For a long moment, Max said nothing. Then, slowl