Summary

In Chapter 17, Zoe is filled with guilt over her role in her brother's death. Although Adrien tries to comfort her, she thinks perhaps it is safer to be alone so she cannot hurt anyone else. As the weeks pass, she wants to stay connected to the Link so she can feel numb. One day Max brings her a piece of chocolate cake he took from a meeting of the Uppers. He tells her about the other delicious food they enjoy. He insists that the two of them can have a wonderful life together; but, he balks when she mentions her desire to help others escape from being drones. He becomes angrier when she mentions Adrien. Again, he tries to get physically intimate but she brushes him off. Later she and Adrien have a conversation about pain and emotion. He tries to explain concepts...