CHAPTER SIXTY - CROSSING LINES

Analysts and media vultures circled to pick over every new crumb of scandalous innuendo from both sides of the conflict. Stock prices fluctuated wildly on a daily basis based on the spin cycle of breaking rumors and leaks. An entire cottage industry of hot takes and speculation erupted around the stunning family breakup and power struggle. Through it all, Max remained a pillar of stoic determination, steadfastly shouldering every new barb and backlash with his sights locked firmly on an unshakable horizon. The wounds were deep, the personal toll incalculable...but thanks to Ava's steadfast partnership, he need not weather the storm entirely alone. True to her nature, Ava immediately transitioned to triaging the festering instabilities threatening to splinter the company from within over the ugly divisions. She became an indispensable bulwark, counseling Max and safeguarding his ambitious recovery plans every step of the way. Her first priority was repairing the gaping fissures that