#Chapter 20 Life’s Work

Grace I couldn’t even think. I was barely processing what he told me. My mind was racing with a mix of emotions. I remembered the long hours and sleepless nights. I had left a good team to finish the work. How could it not be patented yet? What had they been doing? Was there something wrong with the synthesis? A component I missed? "I didn't mean to blindside you," he said gently, reaching out to place to take my hand and squeeze. “It was just clear that you didn’t know, and you need to know.” His eyes met mine. I could see his sincerity. "Charles, I... I'm just surprised," I admitted, my voice tinged with a mix of uncertainty and curiosity. "I understand," he replied, giving my hand another comforting squeeze. The warmth of it seemed to spread up my arm. "But I want you to know that you’re not alone in this.” “I…” I cleared my throat and pulled out my phone. “I need to make a call.” My hands were shaking as I called the R&D department, but the voice who answered wasn’t one I r