CHAPTER NINETY EIGHT – ENDGAME IN PERIL

Finally, Max cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Well, I, uh, I think it's time for a little break from all of this, don't you?" He flashed her a lopsided grin. "How about we grab a bottle of wine from the bar and enjoy the rest of this beautiful day?" Ava couldn't help but return his smile, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Sounds perfect." As Max turned to head belowdecks, Ava watched him go, her gaze lingering on the broad set of his shoulders and the easy, confident way he moved. She couldn't ignore the way her heart fluttered in her chest whenever he was near, the undeniable pull she felt towards him. Shaking her head slightly, Ava turned her attention back to the horizon, her thoughts drifting to the challenges that still lay ahead. Marco Vernetti was a formidable opponent, and she knew that the road to exposing his scheme would be a long and arduous one. But with Max by her side, Ava felt a newfound sense of hope and determination. They had weathered storms togeth