CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT – PLAYING THE LONG GAME

"What happens now?" she asked, dreading the answer. Max sighed heavily. "The board is reconvening to discuss this new development. Ava, I... I don't know how much more I can do to help you. This confession is pretty damning." As the call ended, Ava sank to the floor, her mind whirling. How had Sophia managed to convince Tom to take the fall? What kind of leverage did she have over him? And more importantly, how could Ava possibly fight against a confession from a supposed accomplice? For the first time since this nightmare began, Ava felt truly lost. The mountain of evidence against her seemed insurmountable, and now with Tom's confession, even her strongest supporters would have trouble believing in her innocence. As she sat there, surrounded by the remnants of her investigation, Ava felt a wave of despair wash over her. She had no idea how to proceed, no clear path forward. The truth seemed further away than ever, obscured by layers of lies and manipulation. Ava buried her face