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“Robert will never forgive you,” Susan said, reluctantly bringing up Nano’s CEO, his fierce coy, and his ultimate faith and future plans for Vance

“Maybe not,” Vance replied “Maybe it will destroy my career and my relationship with Robert But he’s a father, too I have to hope that, on soe my decision”

“Thank you for that” Susan kne much that statement cost her husband But all she could think about was Lauren

She turned away, dashing tears off her cheeks “In theh thethat much for our other children”

“That’s a big so down the emotional fort”

“For now,” Susan responded “Jessica and Andrew aren’t stupid They’re both picking up onthrough a rough patch That certainly upsets theive the the truth Still, they’re puzzled by the fact that Lauren isn’t answering their texts, other than in cryptic snatches Howto be before they put two and two together?”

“Not long,” Vance said gri as we can But I will discuss this with Aidan We ht have to tell the kids about their sister They’re adults If they realize what’s at stake, they’ll stick to the script But I don’t want to do anything without running it by Aidan first I ht be a control freak, but I’m not an idiot When I turned this over to Aidan and his team, I said I’d let them take the lead I intend to do that”

He zipped up his laptop case and slung it over his shoulder, walking over to give Susan a quick kiss on her forehead “I’ll fly back right after I e with my team”

“Find out as much as you can about Aidan’s overseas efforts Please, Vance”

“Count on it”

NanoUSA main conference room

26 February

Monday, 9:45 am local time

Standing beside Vance at the podium, Simone scanned the cavernous room

There were over a hundred very anxious people—executives, areaback at her as Vance outlined her credentials and explained what her role at Nano would be