The call was from Christopher. As Zoe stepped out of the room and answered, his voice came through immediately. "Zoe, Merry Christmas! I know I'm a bit late, but it's not too late, right?"

Walking toward the floor-to-ceiling windows at the end of the hallway, Zoe glanced back and saw that Cole had indeed followed her.

He kept his distance, neither too close nor too far, making it hard for anyone else to notice he was trailing her.

Zoe responded to Christopher, her voice slightly distracted. "Dr. Rivers, Merry Christmas to you too! I heard your company is having its annual meeting today. You've been busy all day, huh?"

On...