CHAPTER NINETY FOUR - THE TRUTH REVEALED TO ALL

As Max took the call, stepping away to speak privately, Ava let out a shaky breath. She turned back to her computer, trying to ignore the rapid beating of her heart. Hours passed in a blur of phone calls, emails, and strategy sessions. The sky outside began to lighten, the first hints of dawn creeping over the New York skyline. Ava stretched in her chair, wincing as her stiff muscles protested. She glanced at the clock on her desk and was shocked to see it was nearly 5 AM. "Max," she called out, her voice hoarse from fatigue. "We've been at this all night. Maybe we should call it quits and try to get a few hours of sleep before the day starts." Max looked up from the report he was reading, blinking owlishly. He glanced at his watch and let out a low whistle. "I didn't realize it had gotten so late. Or early, I guess." He stood up, stretching his arms above his head. Ava couldn't help but notice the way his shirt pulled tight across his chest, and she quickly averted her eyes. "Yo