The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never by Gilbert Soysal

Hannah stepped out of the car, the crunch of Leaves underfoot adding to the feeling of seclusion and isolation.

She led the way to the door of the villa.

Knock, knock, knock!

The door swung open after three knocks, revealing a man in a dark suit.

Recognizing Hannah, Caleb said without preamble, “Miss Moore, our boss has been expecting you.

”

Hannah entered the living room and saw Bryson standing there, his expression inscrutable.

She c@@ked her head to one side and asked, “Where is she?”

Bryson rose from his seat and gestured for Caleb to lead the way his voice emotionless.

“She’s in the room at the end of the hall.

”

As the door swung open, Hannah’s eyes were drawn to a figure huddled on the bed, hands and feet bound tightly.

The woman’s head was down, her long hair obscuring her face.

Maryam’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Hannah, but her expression quickly shifted to a smile.

“Hannah, it’s been ages!”

Hannah’s eyes scanned the woman, taking in every detail.

exactly

there without a word, a meaningful smile playing on

on, Maryam

“Mr.

can’t possibly

need to tie me

”

narrowed, his

Hannah,

knows too much about us,” he said, his eyes never leaving Hannah’s

“Yes, I do know.

Maryam’s smile seemed to suggest that she knew exactly what was weighing on

what happened to our mother,” she said, her voice soft

silence as she strode towards Maryam, her

her hand curling around Maryam’s

like daggers,

“You’re lying.

I’m an only child.

have

family history better than

”

forced to look up at Hannah, who still

her lips still curled into a

that

be some connection

”

“Oh, really?”