Chapter 40

Ava's attempts to deflect Bella's teasing were futile, and she couldn't help but smile at her friend's persistence. " Okay, okay, let's drop it, " she said, trying to steer the conversation away from her boss. " How was your weekend? "

Bella ignored her question and instead, stared at Ava suspiciously as she grinned " Mhhm, I can smell something brewing "

Ava rolled her eyes " It's coffee, duh "

" You know that's not what I meant " Bella retorted playfully and they laughed.

Their conversation continued, veering away from the subject of Bryan but leaving Ava with a lingering warmth mixed with a tinge of embarrassment at the unexpected teasing from Bella. Bella's playful banter had momentarily lightened Ava's mood, yet the thoughts about maintaining a professional demeanor lingered at the back of her mind.

Ava busied herself with work, maintaining her usual efficiency and dedication. Yet, in fleeting moments between meetings and tasks, her thoughts involuntarily strayed back to Bryan,