Chapter 39. Win Her Heart

Max’s POV

In the hectic hustle of the crowded store, workers scurried around, adding final touches to the opening work of the department store. In orchestrated mayhem, I stood outside the front, looking out for final checks. My eyes wandered and they spotted Ava.

She was at the counter of her store, ear to phone, her face a mix of worry and urgency. I just stood there, watching her as she paced in and out, waving the other hand around in the process of being on the phone. Seeing her so engulfed and agitated, something moved deep inside me.

The conservation I had with Jayden the previous night rushed back to me. I complained about how my plans to make Ava fall for me again was failing every time and he gave some sensible advice.

“Max,” he began, “you’re getting everything wrong.”

I arched an eyebrow and set my drink aside. “How?”

“Ava’s a mother first and foremost. If you need her back, you need to go through Sophie. Get the kid to be your f