After a brief absence, Saul and Hannah returned to theboratory.


    Taking a quick survey of the room, Saul wasted no time.


    “Looks like everyone is here.


    Let’s get down to business.


    ”


    Turning to Hannah, he announced, “Hannah has brought back some cutting-edge tech from overseas, along with a research project that is almost wrapped up.


    Hannah intends to share this research with our institute.


    If we pull it off this time, everyone at our research center will get double bonuses!”


    Judy pped enthusiastically and turned to Hannah, eximing, “I always knew you were the most promising among us!”


    Lewis chimed in with a yful jab, “Absolutely.


    Hannah is our professor’s pride and joy.


    ”


    Even though Ste had paused her experiment, her expression remained stoic, unmoved by Saul’s announcement.


    Phoenix beamed at Hannah, expressing his enthusiasm.


    “This is fantastic news.


    We are looking forward to learning from you, Hannah.


    ”


    “You are too kind,” Hannah responded with a smile.


    “Since the research is almostpleted, I’ll need your assistance in a few areas.


    Thank you all for your support during this process.


    ”


    With a warm smile, Phoenix turned to Hannah and said, “We are all the professor’s students and have spent endless hours together in the sameb.


    Don’t think twice about asking for help.


    We are here to support you.


    ”


    Suddenly, Ste interjected with a blunt refusal.


    “Count me out.


    I won’t be contributing and don’t want any share of the bonus.


    ”


    Her t tone dampened the mood in an instant.


    With Little emotion, Ste exined, “I have my own experiments to focus on.


    I simply can’t spare the time to help you.


    Moreover, your project is nearly finished, and I doubt I would be much help.


    It’s best if I sit this one out.


    ”


    Hannah nodded understandingly.


    “That’s perfectly fine.


    We are offering this as a gesture of goodwill.


    Our institute operates as a team, and your bonus will be issued as usual.


    ”


    “I’ll pass, thanks,” Ste replied adamantly.


    “I can’t just sit back and take a bonus for doing nothing.


    Don’t include me in the payout.


    ”


    Saul shook his head in silent disagreement with Ste’s decision but refrained frommenting.


    Breaking the silence, Lewis chimed in, “If she’s passing on the bonus, count me in! I’ll dly take it! Hannah, if there is anything I can do to lend a hand with your experiment, just Let me know.


    Since I’m taking her bonus, I’ll put in double the effort!”


    “Seriously? Don’t you have your own experiments to handle?” Judy rolled her eyes at him.


    “Weren’t you the one pulling an all-nighterst night?”


    Lewis shrugged nonchntly.


    “I can juggle helping Hannah during the day and working on my experiments at night.


    It’s not a problem.


    ”


    Saul finally intervened, “Alright, that’s enough.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Are you some kind of machine? Don’t add to the chaos.


    ”


    Once the formalities concluded, Saul handed a document to Judy, saying, “Here is the experimental data.


    Get it Logged into our system, please.


    ”


    “Consider it done, professor,” Judy assured him.


    Looking at the tired group of students, Saul waved his hand and said, “You all have earned a half-day off today.


    No loitering in theb.


    Go home, unwind, and recharge.


    The third floor will be locked this afternoon, so no excuses for staying behind.


    ”


    With that, Saul nodded to Hannah and made his exit.


    “Yay!” eximed Judy, visibly relieved.