CHAPTER FIVE - Echoes of the Past

As she left his office, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. Max's behavior toward her became even more erratic in the following days, alternating between cold professionalism and inexplicable irritation. The tension in the office was palpable, making Ava's already challenging job even more difficult. She threw herself into her work, determined not to let Sophia's games affect her performance. The tension in the office was thick enough to cut with a knife when Max called an impromptu meeting one Monday morning. Ava arrived early, as always, her tablet in hand and a steaming cup of coffee on the conference table in front of her. She tried to ignore the pointed glares from Sophia across the room as other employees filed in. Max strode in, his presence commanding attention as usual. "Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice firm and authoritative. "I have an important announcement to make. Bennett Enterprises will be sponsoring a high-stakes charity event next month - the Annual Gala for Global Education." A murmur of excitement rippled through the room. Ava's heart raced. This was big news - the Gala was one of the most prestigious events in the city's social calendar. "This is a crucial opportunity for us," Max continued, his eyes scanning the room. "We'll be rubbing elbows with some of the most influential people in the business world. I expect nothing but excellence from each and every one of you." His gaze lingered on Ava for a moment longer than necessary, causing her to straighten in her seat. She knew this was her chance to prove herself, to show Max - and everyone else - that she was more than capable of handling high-pressure situations. As the meeting concluded, Max approached Ava. "Ms. Hart, I'd like you to take point on this project. Can you handle it?" Ava nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Absolutely, Mr. Bennett. I won't let you down." "See that you don't," he replied, his tone unreadable. With that, he turned and left the room. Ava wasted no time getting to work. She commandeered one of the smaller conference rooms, turning it into her command center for event planning. The walls soon became covered with schedules, to-do lists, and inspiration boards. Days blurred into nights as Ava threw herself into the planning. She was determined to make this event not just successful, but spectacular. One evening, as she was poring over catering menus, there was a knock at the door. She looked up to see Jake from Marketing leaning against the doorframe. "Burning the midnight oil again, Hart?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. Ava managed a tired smile. "You know me, Jake. No rest for the wicked." He walked in, taking in the organized chaos of the room. "This is impressive, Ava. But you're going to burn yourself out at this rate." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "I have to get this right, Jake. It's too important." Jake nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I get it. Just... don't forget to take care of yourself, okay?" After he left, Ava turned back to her work with renewed determination. She had to prove she was the right person for this job. The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Ava coordinated with vendors, negotiated contracts, and meticulously planned every aspect of the event. One particularly challenging day, she found herself in a heated discussion with the catering company. "No, that won't do at all," Ava insisted, her voice firm. "Mr. Bennett specifically requested a menu that showcases local, sustainable ingredients. Your proposal doesn't reflect that at all." The catering manager on the other end of the line sounded exasperated. "Ms. Hart, accommodating such specific requests on such short notice will significantly increase the cost." Ava took a deep breath, reminding herself to remain professional. "I understand that, and we're prepared to adjust our budget accordingly. But this is non-negotiable. Bennett Enterprises is committed to supporting local businesses and sustainable practices. Our menu needs to reflect those values." After another ten minutes of back-and-forth, Ava finally got the catering manager to agree to her terms. As she hung up the phone, she noticed Max standing in the doorway, an unreadable expression on his face. "Mr. Bennett," she said, startled. "I didn't see you there." He walked into the room, his eyes scanning the various charts and lists pinned to the walls. "I overheard your conversation," he said. "You handled that well." Ava felt a flush of pride at his words. "Thank you, sir. I know how important it is that every aspect of this event aligns with the company's values." Max nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Keep up the good work, Ms. Hart. This event is crucial for us." As he left, Ava felt a renewed surge of energy. She turned back to her work with even greater focus. The weeks leading up to the gala were a blur of activity. Ava found herself juggling a multitude of tasks, from coordinating with the venue to selecting the perfect centerpieces for each table. One afternoon, she was deep in discussion with the event decorator when Sophia sauntered into the room. "Well, well," Sophia drawled, her eyes taking in the room. "Looks like someone's been busy." Ava straightened, keeping her voice neutral. "Can I help you with something, Ms. Rivers?" Sophia shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, I just wanted to see how our little party planner was doing. It would be such a shame if anything went... wrong." Ava felt her jaw clench but forced herself to remain calm. "Everything is under control, thank you for your concern. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." After Sophia left, Ava took a moment to collect herself. She wouldn't let Sophia's mind games distract her from her goal. As the event drew closer, Ava found herself working even longer hours. She was in the office before sunrise and often didn't leave until long after everyone else had gone home. One night, as she was finalizing the seating arrangements, she heard a knock on the door. To her surprise, it was Max. "Ms. Hart," he said, his voice softer than usual. "It's past midnight. What are you still doing here?" Ava blinked, realizing she had lost track of time again. "Oh, I was just... I wanted to make sure everything was perfect." Max stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the detailed seating chart on her tablet. "You've done an incredible job with all of this, Ava," he said, using her first name for what felt like the first time in weeks. She felt a warmth spread through her chest at his praise. "Thank you, Mr. Bennett. That means a lot coming from you." For a moment, there was a charged silence between them. Max opened his mouth as if to say something more, then seemed to think better of it. "Get some rest, Ms. Hart," he said finally. "You'll need it for tomorrow."