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 between you

our research for a while,

”

are just as competent as

have

“Don’t sell yourself short.

were the only one who could

Campbell’s train of thought.

a long way to go

”

you don’t believe me, ask him

Don’t you agree, Lewis?”

glance at him with

Lewis simply shrugged.

brightest in the

has taken the

more times than I

”

eyebrow, clearly surprised, “But his research work has rarely had any

”

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

Mr.

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

”

heard about this from Saul before, and

Judy nodded in agreement.

the ordeal at

understandable that

”

grabbed a plate and

plate, it let out a satisfying sizzle, filling

mouthwatering aroma.

each passing moment, the tension melted away, and

the opportunity, Hannah asked, “So, what happened

let out a heavy sigh, propping her chin