"If Mr. Raymond is backing this project, it must have enormous potential.I think we should approve it."

"I agree."

After multiple rounds of evaluation, the project department agreed to launch the initiative.

Judith excitedly relayed this news to Jason, the Research and Development Director at Quantum Tech.

"Absolutely not." Jason barely glanced through a few pages before deciding the project was riddled with flaws.

Especially in this era of mature AI technology, developing another derivative AI with no innovation would only fail when competing against established AI giants.

The project department had approved this? What were those old fools thinking?

"Mr. Carter, why not? I believe this AI concept is viable, and I spent an entire night creating this project proposal."

Jason gave her a cold look, settling back in his office chair with cutting words. "Do you think project development is child's play? Do you have any idea how many nights of research a project team needs before launching an initiative? Don't think your overnight garbage idea deserves any recognition."

Judith knew Jason disliked her, particularly since she first joined the company.

Jason had always been harsh and critical. never sparing her feelings.

Her colleagues said it was just his personality-demanding,strict,and blunt with everyone.

But she knew better. Jason's hostility stemmed from his friendship with Ella.

He must have heard Ella's biased version of their history.

Hatred and anger burned in her eyes.

Even if they didn't recognize her value, she would prove herself to them.

She was every bit as good as Ella.

Judith ran out of the office in tears.

People quickly gathered around her.

"Judith, are you okay? Did Mr. Carter scold you?"

"He doesn't know how to treat a lady with respect."

"He's always like that-strictly professional with everyone. I hat xking with someone that temperamental."

"Exactly."

Judith fought back her disappointment, said she was fine, and department.

In the hallway, she called Austin.

The call connected instantly.

Even if Jason didn't value her, she had Austin, who always prioritized fier.

"Austin," Judith began crying.

On the other end. Austin asked anxiously, "What's wrong? Take your time.

“

She explained everything to Austin, who immediately responded. "Do you have any work this afternoon?"

"No."Judith sniffled.

"I'll take you to meet some investors and introduce you to them."

This was an incredible opportunity.

Meeting investment industry leaders meant Austin endorsed her project.

With his introduction, her project might actually succeed.

She knew Austin truly loved her.

That afternoon. Ella went to run an errand for Royce, who needed her to visit the Innovation Distriet to meet with an analyst about hedge fund matters.

She had just stepped out of ataxi at the entrance to the Technology Park when the toworing, Intersecting high-rises loomed before her, exuding an atmosphere of elitism and Intense pressure.

Ella called to conneet with her contaet and went inside to meet her.bringing two coffees to make a good impression.

While walting, she spotted Judith and Austin emerging from an elevator.

Behind them followed two investors she hadn't boen fore to viat ......with at the club ai fow days ago.

She only know one of them-Eugene, who had seemed uncomfortable when their earlier meeting was cut short.

The other investor, whom she hadn't interacted with much at the club,remained unfamiliar to her.

Eugene noteed her and looked away nervously, like a mouse spotting a cat.

"I just started a project, and Austin specifieally brought me here to secure investment. I heard your Promethous Project is stlll underfunded. Would you like me to ask Austin to Introduce you to some investors?" Judith engerly boasted, hoping to see jealousy and envy in Ella's oyes.

Judith wanted Ella to see how good Austin was to her. The funding Ella couldn't secure. Austin had effortlessly arranged for her.

Even with the Prometheus Project. Ella couldn't gather sufficient funding.

"Isn't this Ella? Last time you pltched to us, your project had many Immature elements. far behind Juditl's proposal. Everyone prefors superfor projects. ompeclally ones Mr. Raymond endorses," sald the investor Ella didn't recognize, stepping forward with a sycophantic smile.

As he spoke, he continued pratsing Judith. "I heard Judith graduated from Westfiold Art Institute and previously worked as a headhunter at a major finanelal conter, Hor future is limitlesst Only rare talents like her deserve to be our parmers."

Blla had nothing to may. It they chose Judith,she could only wish them sUCcoun.

"Please don't say that. This is actually my first domestic project,so l'll need everyone's guidance," Judith responded with humble graciousness.her smile radiating warmth.

Both investors beamed with approval, launching into more praise about her modesty.

Ella remained silent throughout, her gaze shifting away from Judith.

She inadvertently glanced at Austin, who stood composed and quiet.treating her as if she were invisible.

"Are you and Mr. Raymond close to announcing good news? He's gone to great lengths to secure investment for you. He usually doesn't even acknowledge us!" One investor remarked.

Judith bashfully lowered her head,gripping Austin's arm tighter.

Austin looked at Judith and spoke gently, "It's up to Judith to decide."

The two investors exchanged knowing glances.

"Let's go," Austin said.

As they departed, Ella overheard Eugene muttering. "If she hadn't tried to seduce me, 1 might have agreed to invest that night."

"Let me be clear-Ella's Prometheus Project will never surpass Judith's. I've seen plenty of shameless women like her."

Ella's gaze hardened, her fingers digging into her palms as she watched the couple with cold eyes.

It suddenly began to rain outside.

Austin took off his jacket and draped it over Judiths snoulders-a Ella had imagined countless times, now playing out with Judith.

Just then, the analyst emerged from the elevator, breathlessly asking. "Mr.Castillo sent you to meet me-were you the one who called earlier?"

She snapped back to reality, looked up, and managed a slight smile."Yes,it's raining outside. Here's some coffee-we can talk while we drink."

"Thanks. I have my car and can give you a ride to Quantum Tech afterward," she offered apologetically,having arrived late.

Ella assured her it was fine, but the analyst expressed concern. "Are you sure you're okay? Your face looks quite pale."