Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 20

Hazel's hands paused for a fraction of a second. She nodded, her tone so incredibly detached it sounded like she was gossiping about a stranger. "Yes."

Queenie stared at her, her eyes brimming with maternal heartbreak. "You foolish girl, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Hazel smiled faintly. "There's nothing to tell, Dr. Finch. It's all in the past."

Queenie let out a heavy sigh, looking deeply conflicted. "She was transferred here from the higher-ups. I can't figure out who is backing her. I want to transfer her out, but I don't have the authority to pull that off alone right now."

Having finished changing, Hazel walked over and gently squeezed Queenie's hands. "It's okay, Dr. Finch. If she actually has the skills to stay at the Institute, it's a win for all of us."

Queenie looked at her, her heart aching. "You are always so selfless. Can't you put yourself first for once?"

Hazel just smiled. She was about to reply when Queenie suddenly remembered something.

"Wait, you're the one who actually closed the Apex investment, aren't you?"

Hazel froze. Seeing her reaction, Queenie knew she was right.

"I knew it! How does that woman sleep at night? What gives her the right to steal your credit?"

Hazel stayed quiet for a few seconds before softly replying, "Dr. Finch, if her taking the credit brings hope to the team and boosts morale, let her have it."

She paused, looking Queenie dead in the eye. "As for my involvement, please keep it a secret for now."

She was right in the middle of a brutal divorce. The last thing she needed was to give Julian any ammunition to complicate things.

Queenie felt a crushing weight on her chest. She knew exactly how heavy the burden Hazel was carrying was. She nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "Alright. I'll do as you ask."

...

Once they finished organizing, the two women stepped out of the office, only to be hit by a wave of panicked shouting.

"Oh god! The data is corrupted!"

She wasn't just an empty vase. At the very least, she was far more dangerous than she appeared.

As Hazel stepped up to review the data, she instinctively glanced toward the entrance. Julian was gone.

She brushed it off and leaned over to focus on the numbers on the screen.

Suddenly, a furious, thunderous roar echoed from the hallway.

"Evelyn Vance! Get the hell out here!"

The voice was coarse and violently angry, instantly silencing the entire laboratory.

Hazel looked up, her gaze immediately snapping to Evelyn.

Evelyn's face had completely drained of color, turning as white as a sheet, her lips trembling uncontrollably.