Maximus's fork paused mid-air as he gave her an incredulous look. "Mama's boy? You clearly haven't met my mother. That woman doesn't have feelings. She has an agenda."
Ava burst into laughter, almost choking on her food. She covered her mouth quickly. "An agenda? What, like world domination through casseroles?"
Maximus leaned back on his seat "Don't underestimate her. One time, she brought over a lasagna and guilt-tripped me into hosting an entire charity dinner in my penthouse. She's a master strategist."
Ava couldn't help but laugh again genuinely. "Okay, I have to meet this woman one day. She sounds terrifying and amazing all at once."
"Careful what you wish for," Maximus said, rubbing the crust from the bread off his fingertips. "She's been asking to meet you ever since Ethan blurted to her about our engagement." He cleared his throat at the new expression on Ava's face. Her smile had faded.
That's right... He said they were engaged.
