"I wonder if Mr. Castillo's office is hiring personal assistants. They all look like supermodels," came a jealous whisper from behind Ella,the implication impossible to miss.

Royce, CEO of Quantum Tech, was one of the youngest leaders in the tech industry.

He had founded Quantum Tech in his twenties and quickly established himself as a pioneer in scientific research.

He had recognized Ella's potential early on, hoping to bring her in as a partner to build his empire together.

Unfortunately, Ella had chosen marriage instead.

Though disappointed, Royce had managed to recruit Jason, Ella's college senior, who became one of his most trusted executives.

Royce glanced up, mistaking Ella for Hannag. "Hannah!"

Hearing someone call out, Ella turned around.

She had been so focused on organizing files that she hadn't noticed Judith's snide remarks behind her.

As she stood, her eyes first locked with Austin's.

Those sharp, deep eyes made it impossible not to focus on him.

Their gazes met briefly before Austin looked away dispassionately.

Ella pressed her lips together, accustomed to his indifference.

Her attention shifted to Judith momentarily, noticing her wearing the limited-edition blazer she had been searching for all morning.

So that was why she couldn't find it.

Austin had given it to Judith.

Was it to help her make a good impression at the company?

What special treatment-enough to make anyone envious!

With a bitter smile and conflicted emotions, she turned toward the familiar face and nodded. "Mr. Castillo."

Royce paused, then recognition dawned. "Ella?"

When he spoke her name, Ella had thought Royce might have forgotten her entirely.

The fact that she, at such a young age, had once turned down the renowned Royce was quite a courageous act.

It would make for an incredible anecdote in business circles.

"Yes, it's me," She confirmed.

Judith spoke first, her voice filled with mock surprise. "Ella, didn't you fail your interview? Why are you hanging around Quantum Tech? Even if you want Mr. Castillo to give you a chance, you shouldn't compromise your dignity. Dressed so provocatively-you're not planning something inappropriate with Mr. Castillo, are you?"

In just a few sentences, Judith had painted Ella as a manipulative woman willing to sleep with Royce for a job opportunity.

With her silver tongue, Judith could easily twist truth into lies.

As she spoke, Judith clung to Austin's arm. "Austin, why don't you arrange a position for Ella? Save her from this futile effort."

"Women who use their bodies to get ahead don't deserve to work at Quantum Tech." Austin said coldly, his intimidating presence suggesting he believed Ella was trying to seduce Royce.

Royce understood why Austin was targeting Ella and asked, "Are you here for a job?"

"No, I'm a secretary here," Ella replied, straightening her attire and offering her professional smile.

Royce paused, finding it difficult to imagine "Phoenix" working as his secretary.

What a waste of talent!

Judith's eyes flickered with surprise before she recovered her composure with a light laugh. "Oh, so you were interviewing for a secretarial position.I misunderstood, Ella. But secretary roles don't offer much room for advancement. Why not let Austin arrange something better for you?"

Beside her, Austin remained cold as he stated, "Even a secretarial position is beyond her qualifications. I don't do favors for anyone."

The statement made Royce's eye twitch as he looked at Judith.

Then who was this woman?

Austin's blatant double standard was obvious to anyone with eyes.

Ella wasn't stupid-she could see that Austin had brought Judith

specifically to introduce her to Royce, even exempting her from the interview process for direct employment.

Yet when it came to Ella, he claimed to be strictly professional.

Seeing his lack of reaction and hearing his cutting words that wounded Ella. Judith smiled with satisfaction, though she still pretended to comfort him. "Austin, don't be so harsh."

His cold, emotionless eyes showed no reaction as he glanced impatiently at Royce, apparently tired of being in the same space as Ella. "Shall we continue inside?"

He clearly didn't want to remain under the same roof as Ella any longer.

Ella heard the subtext in his words.

Austin now didn't even pretend. He openly displayed his intimacy with Judith, as if wanting the whole world to see how much he loved her.

He even brought Judith, a company newcomer, to meet Royce personally.

Everyone knew he intended to establish Judith's authority and secure her position in the company.