CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO - AT A COST

Max stepped forward, turning on the charm. "Ms. Vega, it's a pleasure. We've heard wonderful things about your company." Elena's smile was polite but reserved. "Thank you. We're quite proud of what we've built here. Shall we begin the tour?" As they followed Elena into the building, Ava leaned in close to Max. "Remember," she whispered, "in Spanish business culture, small talk and relationship-building are crucial. Don't rush straight into negotiations." Max nodded almost imperceptibly, his game face on. The tour was nothing short of spectacular. Elena led them through state-of-the-art research labs, collaborative workspaces that looked more like futuristic coffee shops, and even a rooftop garden where employees could recharge. "And this," Elena said, gesturing to a sleek conference room with a breathtaking view of Madrid, "is where we'll be conducting our meetings." As they took their seats, Ava noticed the subtle power play at work. The Novatech team had positioned themselves o