The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

At that moment, Dilan brought over a chair and set it beside Hannah.

She sat down with ease and surveyed the line of captains.

“Like I said, if you’re tired of being part of the organization, you’re free to go.

We’re fair here.

Nobody is forced to stay.

You’ll have opportunities outside of the Compton family.

Anyone who wishes to leave can do so now, and I won’t judge.”

After she finished speaking, no one moved for a long moment.

She narrowed her eyes and spoke in a tone everyone could hear, saying, “I won’t hold a grudge if you walk away now.

Later, though, it won’t be this easy.”

After that, people started to slowly drift away from the training grounds.

After about ten minutes, roughly a quarter of the people had left, while the rest stayed behind.

..

Library

The remaining captains stood silently, their heads bowed, without making a move.

“Well, it seems those who stayed have decided to remain,” Hannah said as she slowly studied the captains in front of her.

Tilting her head slightly, she asked, “Then tell me, if you’re choosing to stay, why this behavior?”

The space grew quiet.

Hannah’s eyes grew colder as she continued, “My team is looking after my father in the hospital right now.

Your responsibility is to protect the Compton family, and you’ve failed at that! Wilfred entered my father’s study today.

Did any of you know about this?”

Charlie, standing nearby, looked up in surprise.

“Miss Moore, I had no idea.

I…”

Hannah lifted a hand, cutting her off.

“There was no one from your group outside, so it makes sense you didn’t know.”

She then turned her gaze to the other captains.

“Guarding the Compton family is your job, correct? And none of you were aware?”

One of them stammered, “We failed to perform our duties.

Please discipline us, Miss Moore.”

“My father is already in a difficult situation, and you guys are still joking with your training! How dare you! If you plan to merely loiter here, leave immediately.

I have no place for slackers under my command!”

No longer the gentle girl she once was, Hannah’s presence now intimidated the captains into silence.

After her reprimand, Hannah ordered them off the training field.

But she halted Faustina.

“You, stay behind.”

“Me?” Faustina pointed to herself and glanced at Hannah.

“Why? I… I have things to do.”

Hannah gave her a faint smile and asked, “What exactly are you going to do? Didn’t you say you have no tasks and are free?”

Realizing Hannah had overheard her, Faustina nodded hastily and said, “Alright, I’ll stay.

What do you want?”

Since Faustina was part of Charlie’s team, Charlie remained with her and asked, “Miss Moore, did she do something wrong?”