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28 February

Wednesday, 1:00 pm local time

Zoe didn’t need Jen, or anyone else, to escort her into Robert’s office

She simply knocked, waited for his “co the door firmly behind her

Robert rose fro for her to join hi area

“I’d rather talk at your desk,” Zoe replied, lowering herself into one of the cushioned seats across fro the tone she wanted, she s one leg over the other Thisto be all business and all about her future at Nano No corporate discussion No technology updates And certainly nothing that smacked of personal

“All right” Robert looked puzzled, but sank back down into his chair, studying Zoe as if trying to figure out as going on in herwould entail

He was about to find out

“Robert, this follow-up conversation is long overdue,” she began “I don’t need to reain what a loyal, committed member of the Nano team I’ve been for over fifteen years I’ve devoted my entire life to this company, and to you”

“No one knows that better than I do,” Robert replied “Just as you kno much I value you”

She sidestepped that one “You’ve toldeven sooner than the rumor mill expects—probably in May You’ve also told me that Vance will be your appointed successor It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that thatpromotion for Ethan”

Robert’s brows knit “None of this is news to you, Zoe I’ve been completely up front with you from the start In fact, you’re the only person at Nano who knows my timeline”

“Yes, and also the reason for your timeline”

Tight lines formed around Robert’s mouth “Now you’re out of line”

“I’ht she’d long since let this go, but clearly it was a wound not so easily closed