Chapter 36. You Are Only Wasting Your Time

Max’s POV

“You are surprisingly quiet today. Did something happen or did I offend you in some way?” I teased, following her into the department store, glancing through the various sections they’d separated into an attempt to display.

She did not glance at me as she replied, “No, Max. I just like to be professional since this is just a business collaboration and I’m hoping you would do the same too.”

I chuckled. “Professional? Huh. That’s rich coming from you, Ava. I remember when we used to have good chats about matters outside of work. It was so much fun working together then. Something has definitely changed.”

She breathed in exasperation. “Is that my fault?” she asked again, finally facing me. “Maybe if you hadn’t forced me into working personally with you, I might not have changed so much and tolerated you a bit more.”

I placed my hands on my chest, feigning hurt. “Forcing you? Ava, this is a give-and-take between us. Your brand name gets to