The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never
Chapter 1578

“I… I just can’t stand being accused falsely.

I’ve poured everything into this project.

I… I… Phoenix stumbled over his words, visibly choked up.

He composed himself and asserted, “Regardless, this project is sound.

”

“Alright, then let’s go ahead and sign the contract now, without waiting for my advisor,” Maloney suggested.

At these words, the two swindlers eagerly whipped out the contract.

With a sigh of relief, Phoenix slumped back into his chair, looking dazed.

Maloney took the contract, read through it carefully, then reached for the pen beside him.

In the private room, all eyes turned to the pen that Maloney held poised above the paper.

Suddenly, the pen halted its descent.

Maloney raised his head to look at Phoenix and said, “Dr.

Shaw, before I sign, I need to ask you something.

”

Phoenix’s eyes met his.

“What is it?”

“How serious is the crime of stealing someone’s research project?”

At this, Phoenix visibly panicked.

He stood up quickly and demanded, “What are you implying?”

Maloney raised an eyebrow and replied smoothly, “Dr.

Shaw, it was just a question.

Why are you so upset?”

“You… you think I stole someone else’s work?”

Phoenix was deeply upset.

“I refuse to sign this! I can’t agree to any deal if you doubt my integrity!”

His declaration of not signing heightened the tension in the room for the two swindlers.

“Phoenix, what are you saying? Are you going back on your word?”

Chaos erupted in the room.

But Phoenix ignored everyone and rushed toward the door.

At this point, the tension in his mind finally snapped.

Phoenix suddenly flung the door open.

Outside, a group of people stood, led by Hannah.

Shocked, he staggered back a few steps and nearly lost his balance.

Hannah, standing just beyond the threshold, shook her head.

“It’s you.

I can’t believe it’s really you.

”

The expressions on the faces of the others were complex.

Disappointment marred Saul’s features as he said, “I hoped it would be someone else.

I never imagined it would be you.

Phoenix, why?”

Saul’s words seemed to weigh Phoenix down.

He slumped into a chair, unable to stand.