The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never by Gilbert Soysal

Judy turned to Hannah and looped her arm through hers, suggesting, “Let’s celebrate with some barbecue tonight.

I know this new restaurant nearby that’s supposed to be amazing!”

“Sounds perfect,” Hannah agreed with a smile.

“It’s my treat.

”

“Hannah, you are a gem!” Judy exclaimed, enveloping Hannah in an exaggerated hug.

She turned to Lewis and asked, “Hannah’s treating tonight.

Do you want to join us?”

Lewis nodded.

“I can’t say no to a free meal.

”

Glancing at Stella and Phoenix, he asked, “What about you two? Are you coming?”

At that moment, Stella had already packed up, her coat dr@ped over her arm.

“No thanks.

You guys go ahead.

”

As Stella left, Phoenix offered a gentle smile and replied, “Have fun.

I’ll sit this one out.

”

In the end, only Judy, Lewis, and two other girls ended up going to the barbecue joint.

As they settled into their seats, Judy couldn’t help but vent, “Honestly, since you left, our lab’s efficiency has taken a nosedive.

Because of this, Mr.

keeps drawing comparisons

research for a while, and he was

”

“But you are just as

have

“Don’t sell yourself short.

the only one who could keep pace with

Campbell’s train of thought.

long way to go to

”

don’t believe me, ask

Don’t you agree, Lewis?”

a glance

Lewis simply shrugged.

brightest in

taken the

ire more times than I can

”

clearly surprised, “But

”

“We all got an earful last time, but Phoenix got the worst of it! We were on the brink of success,

Mr.

salvage the situation, taking full responsibility for the error, which is why Phoenix managed to keep his

”

hadn’t heard about this from Saul before, and it made her pause

Judy nodded in agreement.

was quite the

being overseas, it’s understandable

”

Lewis grabbed a plate

the grilling plate, it let out a satisfying

mouthwatering aroma.

tension melted away, and the group grew more

opportunity, Hannah asked, “So, what happened with the

let out a heavy sigh, propping her chin up