If Ashley had already gotten to the point where she was discussing this with the research team, then yeah—she was dead serious. That realization hit Vance like a punch to the gut, sadness creeping in before he could stop it.

“So why didn’t you tell me about it?” he blurted, his voice carrying a whiny edge he instantly regretted.

Ashley hesitated, her tone careful. “Oh, I’ve just been buried in all my projects. And besides, I already told you—it’s not even certain yet.” ...