CHAPTER SEVEN - Broken Promises

As she led the reporter away, Ava caught sight of Max across the room. He was now talking to the mayor, but his body language was all wrong – too casual, almost dismissive. Ava could see the mayor's face growing increasingly red with barely suppressed anger. She spent the rest of the evening running interference, smoothing ruffled feathers, and trying to salvage what she could of the event. By the time the last guest left, Ava was exhausted, her feet aching in her high heels. "Well, that was fun," Max said, approaching her with a glass of champagne in hand. He seemed oblivious to the near-disasters that had occurred throughout the night. Ava couldn't hold back anymore. "Fun? Mr. Bennett, do you have any idea how close we came to a PR nightmare tonight? Your comment about charity events was overheard by a reporter. The mayor is furious about your dismissive attitude. And don't even get me started on the potential donors you ignored all evening." Max raised an eyebrow, a smirk playin