For the past four years. Ella had put her career on hold for her family.

She'd once been brilliant, renowned as "Phoenix" in academic circles,pioneering groundbreaking research in autonomous vehicles and advanced Al systems.

But that was before she'd skipped ahead in her education to follow Austin's footsteps into prestigious institutions.

She had been like someone blinded by love, chasing desperately after Austin.

Even knowing that Austin and Judith were considered the perfect couple by everyone around them.

She had never given up.

So when she received acceptance letters from internationally recognized institutions, she chose to decline.

Multiple companies had extended job offers, hoping she would join them immediately upon graduation.

Quantum Tech had been among them.

But she had been too foolish, too blinded, with Austin occupying her every thought.

Perhaps God had taken pity on her determination.

Right when everything seemed hopeless, Austin had his accident.

After he became paralyzed, she stayed by his side day and night, caring for

him tirelessly, repeatedly hoping for a miracle, praying he would stand again.

To treat his paralysis, she even returned to studying medicine and giving lectures at various universities, creating treatment plans, all in the hope of finding that one-in-a-hundred chance that might help Austin walk again.

Her persistence paid off; her efforts succeeded.

Yet somehow. Judith reaped the benefits of her hard work.

She had come so close.

When it came to pursuing Austin, she seemed perpetually clueless.

Why was that?

It was more difficult to decode than any research problem, as if some cosmic force had predetermined that they could never be together.

The night before her interview, Ella pulled a dust-laden trunk from beneath the bed. Upon opening it, she found an aged yet meticulously maintained laptop and several trophies.

She powered on the device; the screen illuminated to reveal a desktop adorned with the codename "Phoenix."

Within the folders lay documents detailing her participation in various prestigious national scientific research competitions during her university years,alongside an unfinished project model entitled "Optimization of Perception Fusion Algorithms for Autonomous Driving."

Gently tracing the codename on the screen, she whispered, "Ella, welcome back."

The gentle breeze caressed her face as Ella entered the building.

Quantum Tech stood as the most representative company in the scientific research community. Their advanced AI products had dramatically increased the company's market value and influence upon release.Subsequently, they became the industry leader in autonomous vehicles.

They had shocked the world twice.

These achievements had cemented Quantum Tech's position in the scientific research community.

A handful of people moved through the spacious lobby. Ella made her way through them toward the reception desk.

"Here for the interview? Follow me."

She was about to head for the elevator when a soft vroice asked from behind her.

"Excuse me, which floor is the interview on?"

Ella turned around to see Judith.

She was here for an interview, too.

Ella's expression remained unchanged as she quickly averted her gaze.

This had nothing to do with her.

Judith, seeing Ella, adopted a familiar tone. "Ella, you're here too?"

Ella didn't answer.

Judith awkwardly retracted her smile and looked toward the receptionist,who responded with enthusiasm, "I'll take you1 there."

"Isn't that too much trouble?" Judith asked with a shy smile.

The receptionist shook her head. "It's part of my job. Besides, Mr.Raymond specifically told our manager, Mr. Castillo, to look after you."

"Don't go out of your way. I just wanted to try this out," Judith replied modestly.

The receptionist continued with her praise, "Don't be so humble! After all,you're a Westfield Art Institute graduae! We're honored to have you with your international expertise return to invest in our domestic research!"

Judith blushed at the compliments.

Ella listened to their animated back-and-forth as she entered the elevator,watching the doors slowly close.

The consequences of abandoning everything for love had manifested thoroughly in her life.

What she had once rejected was now a coveted opportunity for others.

She couldn't blame anyone for looking down on her. She had brought this upon herself.

There was no point in regret. She still dared to start over. Returning to square one wasn't such a big deal.

The elevator doors opened, and Ella looked up to see Austin's good friend.

Paul Hernandez.

Ella had intended to ignore him and walk past.

"Ella!" Paul's eyes held contempt and disdain as he looked her up and

down, blocking her path. "Here for an interview? Got kicked out by Austin?

After marriage, Ella had barely left home, focusing all her attention on Austin.

To care for him, she had devoted most of her time to Austin, hardly taking care of herself, making her appear almost matronly.

She didn't answer, which only fueled his arrogance. "Cat got your tongue?With your qualifications, there's no way you'll pass this interview."

Just then, someone passing by uttered coldly, "She won't make it through;the R&D department of Quantum Tech might as well shut down." Then,turning to Ella, he commanded, "Follow me."

Raising her eyes, Ella recognized the face: Jason Carter.

It turned out that the prominent company he had joined was none other than Quantum Tech.

Jason had been her senior during university, with whom she had collaboratively developed numerous academic projects, though their relationship had grown strained over time.

She had forsaken their entrepreneurial ambitions for the sake of love,causing their paths to diverge.

Their falling out had severed their ties.

Recalling a message from an alumni group, she felt an inexplicable hesitation to confront him directly.

Her thoughts then drifted to the receptionist's sycophantic demeanor

towards Judith in the elevator, prompting her to glance back at Paul and retort, "How did you deduce I wouldn't pass the interview? By looking at my face?"

She returned his scrutinizing gaze. "You seem quite familiar with the process. Is that how you got your job based on your looks?"

Paul's expression darkened. He opened and closed his mouth several times before finally spitting out, "No wonder Austin doesn't like you with that attitude!"

"I couldn't care less what he likes!"

Paul stood dumbfounded.

The Ella he remembered had never been so sharp.

As Austin's friend, she had always been courteous to him. Now she seemed like a completely different person.

With Judith also at Quantum Tech and Ella here too, this was turning into a dramatic confrontation.

After they had departed, Paul thought for a moment before calling Austin.

"Austin, did you know Ella's trying to get into Quantum Tech?"

On the screen, Austin frowned slightly.

Why had she gone to Quantum Tech? Was she trying to become self-sufficient? Was she truly leaving him? Or did she know Judith was there and planned to cause trouble?

He took a call from his secretary. "What's my next appointment?"

"Mr. Raymond, you have a meeting at Quantum Tech at 10:30 to discuss the Autonomous Vehicle Economic Expo."