Chapter 3

Ava and Max sat in the hotel room, their minds racing with thoughts of the attack. Ava couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than just a random act of violence.

Max was already on the phone with his contact, trying to find out if there were any leads on who was behind the attack.

As he spoke, Ava's eyes wandered around the room, taking in the luxurious surroundings. She couldn't help but wonder how much money Alexander had spent on this mission. And more importantly, why?

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Max's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he made his way over to the door, his hand hovering over his gun.

"Who is it?" he called out.

"It's me," a familiar voice called out.

Max's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the voice. He quickly opened the door to reveal a man in a sharp suit, his eyes scanning the room.

"Ava, this is my friend, James. He's a private investigator. He might be able to help us," Max explained.

Ava's eyes widened in surprise as James made his way over to her. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of connections Max had to have a private investigator at his disposal.

James took a seat across from Ava, his eyes scanning her face. "Tell me what happened," he said, his voice low and soothing.

Ava recounted the events of the attack, leaving nothing out. James listened intently, taking notes as she spoke.

As she finished, James leaned back in his chair, his eyes deep in thought. "This was no random attack," he said finally. "Someone wanted you dead."

Ava felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the gravity of the situation. "But who?" she asked.

James shrugged. "That's what we need to find out."

As he spoke, Max's phone rang. He answered quickly, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger.

Ava watched as his expression turned from confusion to alarm. "What is it?" she asked.

Max held up a finger, signaling for her to be quiet. "We have a problem," he said finally. "Alexander has just arrived in the city."

Ava's heart raced as she realized that her worst fears were coming true. She knew that Alexander would stop at nothing to see her dead. And this time, she wasn't sure if she would make it out alive.

As the three of them scrambled to come up with a plan, Ava couldn't help but wonder if this was the end. Would she be able to survive this? Or would Alexander finally succeed in his quest for revenge?

Ava's heart raced as she realized that Alexander was now in the same city as her. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear at the thought of him finding her.

Max noticed her distress and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll figure this out," he said, his eyes determined.

But Ava couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She had a sense that there was more to this than just Alexander's vendetta against her.

As they brainstormed a plan, Ava's mind wandered to the one thing that had been distracting her ever since she arrived in the city – her growing feelings for Max.

She had tried to ignore them, to focus on the mission at hand, but she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. He was unlike any man she had ever met before – strong, smart, and fiercely protective.

But she knew that getting involved with him could only complicate things. Especially now, with Alexander on their tail.

As she pushed her feelings aside, Ava listened intently to Max's plan. They would lay low for a while, wait for Alexander to make his move, and then strike back.

But as they were about to leave the hotel room, there was another knock at the door. This time, it wasn't James.

Max's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he cautiously opened the door. But as soon as he saw who it was, his expression softened.

It was a woman, around Ava's age, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. "Max, I need to talk to you," she said urgently.

Ava felt a pang of jealousy as she watched the woman and Max exchange a quick hug. Who was she, and what was her relationship with Max?

But before Ava could dwell on it any longer, the woman spoke again. "I know you're trying to take down Alexander. And I can help you."

Max's eyes widened in surprise. "How?" he asked.

The woman smirked. "I used to work for him. And I know all his secrets."

Ava's heart sank as she watched Max and the woman exchange a knowing look. Was this woman to be trusted? Could she help them take down Alexander?

Max seemed to be considering her offer. "We could use all the help we can get," he finally said, turning back to Ava. "What do you think?"

Ava hesitated. She didn't like the idea of bringing another person into their dangerous mission, especially someone she didn't know. But if this woman did have valuable information, it could be worth the risk.

Finally, she nodded. "Okay. Let's hear her out."

The woman smiled triumphantly, but Ava couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. As they sat down to discuss their plan, Ava's eyes darted around the room, searching for any signs of danger.

But it wasn't until they were deep in conversation that Ava noticed it – the faint sound of footsteps outside the door.

She raised a hand, signaling for Max and the woman to be quiet. They listened intently, and soon enough they heard it too.

Someone was trying to break into their room.

Without a word, Max sprang into action. He grabbed Ava's arm and pulled her towards the window, gesturing for the woman to follow.

Ava's heart raced as they climbed out onto the fire escape, descending to the street below. But as they landed safely on the ground, they were met with the sight of Alexander and his men, waiting for them.

"Hello, Ava," Alexander said, a wicked smile on his face.