Chapter 20

After returning to the laboratory, Tracy went to see Serena. For a number of reasons, she was unwilling to let Sebastian be involved as a partner on this project. Serena didn't quite understand, but she still agreed to Tracy's request. "Personal dynamics are part of any collaboration," she said gently. "I get it. Trace, don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you need anything else, come talk to me." Tracy finally relaxed and thanked her repeatedly. But she still underestimated Sebastian. After that, it became a pattern. Every so often, she would hear Serena apologize to the group again and again. "The new partner company went under. I'll look for another one. Don't wait around for me. Go ahead and work on other tasks." The first company went bankrupt, the second had no funding, and the third couldn't get internal agreement. By the time they found the fourth company, they hadn't even finished making introductions. The moment the other party heard Tracy's name, they stood up an