CHAPTER NINE - Friction and Fire

"This is the last straw, Mr. Bennett," Ava declared, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "I quit." Max leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Come now, Ms. Hart. Surely you're not going to let a little negative press get to you?" Ava's eyes flashed dangerously. "A little negative press? Is that what you call this circus you've dragged me into? My face is plastered all over the city, I'm being called your mistress, and my professional reputation is in tatters!" Max waved a dismissive hand. "It'll blow over in a week. The press is always looking for the next scandal. Just lay low for a while and-" "No," Ava interrupted, her voice firm. "I'm done. I didn't sign up for this when I took this job. I'm a professional, Mr. Bennett, not some plaything for you to parade around at parties or use as a shield against your ex-girlfriend's tantrums." Max's amusement faded, replaced by a hint of concern. "Ms. Hart, you're overreacting. Your job isn'