CHAPTER SIXTY SIX - AT THE BRINK

When they finally returned to the main lodge later that morning, Ava felt as though something fundamental had shifted between them. The walls that had existed before had crumbled, replaced by a newfound understanding and respect. However, their moment of connection was quickly overshadowed by the continuing issues plaguing the retreat. As they rejoined the other participants, it became clear that the sabotage had not ceased during the storm. Ava noticed Max in deep conversation with one of the retreat staff, his expression grave. She made her way over to them, catching the tail end of their conversation. "...and the ropes course is completely unusable now. It looks like someone deliberately cut through the safety lines," the staff member was saying. Max ran a hand through his hair, a gesture Ava now recognized as a sign of stress. "This is getting out of hand. We need to get to the bottom of this." Ava stepped forward. "Max, I think I might be able to help with that." He turned t