CHAPTER NINETY - SECRETS UNRAVELED

"Penny for your thoughts?" Max's voice came from behind her, warm and familiar. Ava turned, offering him a tired smile. "Just trying to process it all," she admitted. "It doesn't quite feel real yet." Max nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I know what you mean. But it is real, Ava. We did it." He paused, his expression growing serious. "I couldn't have done it without you. You know that, right?" The sincerity in his voice made Ava's heart skip a beat. "We did it together," she said softly. "That's what partners are for, right?" Something flickered in Max's eyes at the word 'partners', an emotion Ava couldn't quite decipher. But before she could analyze it further, Sarah approached them, tablet in hand. "I hate to interrupt," she said apologetically, "but the board is requesting an immediate briefing, and there are several urgent calls from investors..." Max sighed, the weight of his responsibilities settling back onto his shoulders. "Duty calls," he said ruefully. "Ava, why don'