Guessing that Austin deeply resented any mention of Ella, Paul quickly changed the subject.

"Judith's finally back from abroad. Aren't you planning a welcome party? You two are absolutely perfect together—even an outsider like me can see it. The good news is she's settling back in Arcadia now, so you can see each other every day."

Austin kept his eyes on the documents before him, pausing his pen mid-signature. "I'll ask Judith about it later."

"You really do spoil her. We should all get together sometime. Ella wouldn't prevent you from going, would she?" In Paul's eyes, Ella had never been worthy of Austin. She had merely taken advantage when Austin was paralyzed.

Austin didn't respond, his expression unreadable.

Meanwhile, Ella followed Jason toward the interview hall, her gaze lowered. Jason noticed how gaunt she had become, like a withered branch. He remembered her once saying, "I love him; he is my everything." Now, looking at her pale face, he sighed. "I've said it before: one must have personal worth. Relying on others eventually leads to falling apart."

Ella’s cheeks flushed as she whispered, "Have you finished your scolding?"

Jason stopped. Scolding? It was righteous frustration! Austin was a fool; Judith couldn't compare to Ella’s intellect. Ella was his wife, yet he treated her like a stranger.

Ella had prepared thoroughly for this interview at Quantum Tech. Years ago, the founder had personally invited her, known then by her genius alias "Phoenix." But she had chosen love over a career. Now, at twenty-eight, she was starting over.

"Ella Brooks."

Hearing her name, Ella took a deep breath and entered the room. Joan Walker, the HR manager, looked up. After a brief silence, she asked, "Phoenix, is that you?"

Ella smiled with serene composure. "Yes, that was the name I used during my university days."

Joan was about to offer her the R&D position when the door opened. A receptionist led Judith in. "Ms. Walker, this is the lady Mr. Castillo mentioned."

Joan looked at Judith’s timid stance compared to Ella’s composed brilliance. The choice was clear based on merit, but with the pressure from the board, she had to give the R&D position to Judith.

"Go directly to sign the employment contract," Joan told Judith. Ella remained standing, silent. She saw Judith’s challenging smirk as she left.

"Ms. Brooks," Joan said, her voice softening. "There’s a secretary position available. With your 'Phoenix' identity, it’s beneath you, but it’s a start."

"I accept," Ella agreed readily. She needed to stand on her own feet again.

After signing the contract, Ella encountered Judith in the lobby. "Ella, were you rejected?" Judith mocked.

Suddenly, Judith waved. "Austin!"

Ella turned. The scent of a woody cologne reached her—the very one she had gifted Austin. But now, it was mixed with the sweet, cloying notes of Judith’s perfume.

Austin walked past Ella as if she were invisible, standing beside Judith. He took off his jacket and draped it over Judith’s shoulders. "Are you cold?"

Judith looked up at him, smiling sweetly. "Not at all. But Austin, I think I got in through connections... Ella probably hates me now."

Austin glanced briefly at Ella, his eyes cold and detached. "What happened?"

"She failed the interview!" Judith responded with an innocent pout.

Ella remained expressionless, her heart turning to ice.

"As long as you passed," Austin said, his attention focused entirely on Judith, "everyone else is irrelevant." He led Judith away, leaving Ella standing alone in the shadow of their intimacy.