CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN - The Tightrope of Loyalty and Love

Max squeezed her hand, looking apologetic. "I know, I'm sorry. My mother can be a bit... overwhelming." Before Ava could respond, Evelyn's voice rang out. "Max, darling! Come say goodbye to the Sinclairs. They're just leaving." With a last apologetic glance at Ava, Max hurried off. Ava was left standing alone in the hallway, feeling more out of place than ever. The next morning, Ava arrived at Bennett Enterprises early, hoping to catch up on work and shake off the lingering discomfort from the previous night's dinner. As she approached Max's office, she noticed something odd. The door was ajar, and she could hear the sound of pictures being moved. Pushing the door open, she found Evelyn directing a team of decorators. The modern art pieces that Ava had helped Max select were being taken down, replaced by stuffy, traditional oil paintings. "Mrs. Bennett?" Ava said, unable to keep the shock from her voice. "What's going on?" Evelyn turned, a saccharine smile plastered on her face.