Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 73

Hazel withdrew her gaze, picked up the stack of documents, and walked into the inner office. She spread the files out, skimmed them quickly, extracted the core data, and categorized everything meticulously.

She called in a few team members and delegated the tasks.

"You handle this section, you take this one, and you cover this."

Her voice was crisp and clear, echoing through the lab. "I need it all compiled on my desk by three this afternoon."

The staff exchanged uncertain glances. They took their assignments and scurried off, too intimidated to complain.

Hazel sat back down and began working on her share. Out in the hallway, Audrey leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, watching the scene with icy resentment.

Her lackey leaned in and lowered her voice.

"Audrey, are you really going to let her get away with this?"

Audrey's eyes darkened, her voice barely a whisper. "Of course not. But she'll slip up eventually. She's acting like a big shot now, but she has no real talent. Let's see how long she can keep up the act."

Just then, a flurry of footsteps approached. A junior assistant rushed in, her face flushed with excitement. "Come look! Another specially recruited expert is here. Everyone, come see!"

The lab buzzed with commotion. A few people instinctively glanced at Hazel before rushing out to the corridor.

A smirk flashed across Audrey's eyes. She turned slowly and looked at Hazel.

"It seems Dr. Garrison's abilities aren't as highly valued by Mr. Thornton as she thought."

Hazel didn't respond. She set down her pen, stood up, and walked out.

Julian's gaze cut through the crowd and landed on her face. His brows furrowed for just a second before he quickly looked away.

Audrey was the first to step forward, her face plastered with a beaming smile, a stark contrast to how she treated Hazel. "Dr. Vance! Hello and welcome. My last name is Jennings. I'm the deputy team leader here. Please, let me give you a tour of the lab!"

Evelyn nodded sweetly. "Thank you, Ms. Jennings. I appreciate it."

Audrey eagerly led the way, with Evelyn following closely and Julian bringing up the rear.

As she walked past Hazel, Evelyn's steps hitched slightly. Her gaze brushed over Hazel's face, her smile deepening just a fraction, before she strolled past as if nothing had happened.

Hazel stood rooted to the spot, watching their retreating figures. She said nothing; it wasn't worth her breath. Evelyn was truly amusing. Those in the know would assume she and Julian were an item, but to an outsider, it looked like Evelyn was obsessed with Hazel, following her absolutely everywhere.