Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 6

Queenie nodded slowly. "Yes. The higher-ups have completely frozen our funding. I'm just praying this new researcher can pull off a miracle."

Hazel frowned. Even though she had heard the gossip, hearing her mentor confirm it made her breath hitch. How had the Institute fallen into such a desperate state?

Queenie let out a bitter sigh. "Since you left, the project has been crawling. Our investors pulled out one by one. The equipment is ancient, but we don't have the cash to upgrade it, which means our data is lagging. It's a vicious cycle. Last month, our biggest backer pulled the plug. I've been running around for a month, and absolutely no one is willing to invest."

By the time she finished, Queenie was looking at Hazel with bloodshot eyes. "Hazel, I'm getting old. I just can't carry this alone anymore."

It felt like a giant hand was crushing Hazel's heart.

Queenie used to be so vibrant and cared deeply about her appearance. But these past few years had hit her with one devastating blow after another—first Hazel leaving the lab, then Charles passing away, and now the project collapsing. Her gray hairs had multiplied, and she looked exhausted and weathered.

Hazel couldn't imagine how she had survived all of this by herself.

Hazel's voice trembled slightly. "Don't worry, Professor Finch. I won't let this project die."

Queenie stared at her, her red eyes sparking with sudden hope. "Are you sure?"

Hazel met her gaze and nodded firmly. "I'm sure. I'm coming back, and I'll figure out a way to get the funding."

As if suddenly remembering something, Queenie frowned. "Will Julian agree to this? Don't forget, when you fought to quit the lab to be with him, Charles was furious. The two of you almost never spoke again."

At the mention of that, a painful lump formed in Hazel's throat. The person she had wronged the most was her late mentor. She looked up, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I've already decided to divorce him."

With that, Hazel carefully packed the ruined painting away.

"I'm going to head over to Sycamore Lane first, and then I'll go home to prep for the gala tomorrow."

Queenie walked her to the door, suddenly grabbing her hand. "Hazel."

"Yes?"

Queenie looked at her, her eyes glistening. "No matter what happens, you always have a home with me."

Hazel choked back a sob, nodded emphatically, and turned to leave.