Sarah, armed with Mrs. Sinclair's blessing and a mischievous glint in her eyes, cornered Ava in the office kitchen the next day."Ava, you simply have to attend the Tech Gala next week!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.Ava, stirring her coffee, feigned indifference. "Oh? And why is that?""Well, for starters, it's the event of the year for the tech industry," Sarah explained, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "All the major players will be there, CEOs, investors, innovators... even some celebrities!"Ava's interest piqued. The opportunity to network with such influential figures was undeniably tempting. But then she remembered who her potential plus-one would be."I'm not sure, Sarah," she hesitated. "It's with Liam, right?"Sarah nodded, her smile widening. "Indeed it is. And Mrs. Sinclair specifically requested that you accompany him."Ava took a sip of her coffee, contemplating the offer. She couldn't deny the allure of the gala, the chance to mingle with industry giants and showcase her own expertise. But the prospect of attending with Liam, especially after their... heated encounter, filled her with a mix of apprehension and excitement."I don't know, Sarah," she said, her voice betraying her uncertainty. "Things are a bit... awkward between Liam and me right now."Sarah, sensing Ava's hesitation, played her trump card. "Don't worry, Ava. I'll be there too, as Liam's assistant. I'll be your wing-woman, your buffer, your escape route if needed."Ava couldn't help but smile at Sarah's enthusiasm. Having her friend by her side definitely made the prospect more appealing.Just then, Mrs. Sinclair walked into the kitchen, her presence adding a touch of authority to the conversation."Ava, I hear you're considering attending the gala," she said, her voice carrying a note of encouragement. "I strongly advise you to accept. It's an invaluable opportunity to network with potential investors and collaborators for the Phoenix project."She paused, her eyes twinkling. "And of course," she added, "it's a chance to showcase your own brilliance to the industry's elite."Ava, swayed by Sarah's assurances and Mrs. Sinclair's persuasive arguments, finally relented."Alright, alright," she conceded with a smile. "I'll go."Sarah pumped her fist in the air. "Yes! This is going to be amazing!"Ava, still buzzing from the invitation, quickly messaged Chloe:Ava: Guess what?! I'm going to a fancy tech gala next week! 💃Chloe: Ooh la la! Who's the lucky date? 😉Ava: Actually, it's with Liam. Mrs. Sinclair wants us to represent Aesher Solutions. 😬Chloe: Whoa, that's... interesting! Are you sure you're up for that? Things seem a bit complicated between you two.Ava: I know, right? But it's a huge opportunity for the Phoenix project. And Sarah will be there too, as Liam's assistant. She promised to be my "escape route" if things get awkward. 😅Chloe: Well, if you're sure... Just promise me you won't let him sweep you off your feet with his billionaire charm. Stay focused on your career goals!Ava: Don't worry, I will! Professionalism 100%. Though I have to admit, I'm a little nervous. I've never been to anything this fancy before. And I have nothing to wear! 😫Chloe: Girl, please! Leave the fashion to me. I'm in the South of France, remember? Designer dresses galore! What's your size again?Ava, initially hesitant to accept Chloe's offer, knew her friend wouldn't take no for an answer. Besides, the thought of wearing a designer gown to the gala was undeniably tempting.Ava: Okay, fine. But I'm paying you back!Chloe: Don't worry about it, babe. Consider it an investment in your future success. Just get ready to dazzle everyone at that gala! ✨The following week was a whirlwind of preparation. Ava practiced her elevator pitch, refining her words to perfectly encapsulate the essence of the Phoenix project. She was determined to make a lasting impression, to prove her worth, and to solidify her position as a rising star in the tech world.Liam, meanwhile, had made a dramatic return to the office, his "illness" miraculously vanished. He strode through the hallways with his usual air of authority, his presence commanding attention and admiration. The female employees, from the receptionists to the senior managers, couldn't help but swoon over his tall, imposing figure and his piercing blue eyes.Ava, observing the "Liam effect" with a mixture of amusement and annoyance, rolled her eyes and focused on her work. She wouldn't be one of those women who fawned over him, she told herself. She was here to make her mark, not to be another conquest in Liam Blackwood's impressive repertoire.As the day of the gala approached, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. Ava, despite her initial reservations, couldn't deny the thrill of attending such a prestigious event, especially with Liam by her side. She was ready to face the challenges, to embrace the opportunities, and to show the world what Ava Bennett was made of.