Chapter 191

Max's POV

The studio was abuzz with energy. We were making the final touches to our projects, and every stroke of the brush, every line of a sketch, seemed part of this mosaic we were creating—all of us. It was one of those very few moments where everybody was in sync, bound by a sense of purpose.

I turned to Megan, absorbed in concentration. Her focus was very serious, reflecting the will that made her seek out her grandmother's past and drive her to complete the mural. I felt my respect for this strong, purposeful woman and her power take another jump.

"Hey, Megan," I called out, breaking her concentration.

She looked up with a hint of a smile. "Yeah, Max?"

"I was thinking," I said, coming toward her a little. "Once we're through here, maybe we could do a little celebrating? Just us. We've come a pretty long way, and I think we all deserve it."

The smile on Megan's face got broader. "That's a great idea. We could all use a littl