The vibe around the room turned awkward fast, with Ashley zoning out in her own head. The four researchers and Vance kept sneaking glances at each other, like they were silently passing notes about how painfully uncomfortable the moment had gotten.

Everyone assumed Ashley was ticked off by Karenina’s answer. But none of them could just throw out something sugar‑coated to please her—that would tank the integrity of their work. Poor Karenina looked like she was carrying the weight of the ...