"Judith is so talented. If she says it will work, it definitely will. Everyone should just trust her," Peter declared with a nod, shooting Ella a threatening glare as he raised his eyebrows.

The others quickly chimed in with their agreement.

"Peter's right. Who else could develop a project like Judith?"

"Some people don't know their limitations and keep trying to compete with Judith. Do you really think you're in her league? Have some self-awareness."

"Having just a local degree and thinking you belong here is embarrassing."

"Judith has Austin backing her up. Ella, you'll probably just be a corporate drone your entire life."

Ella listened to their insults and slander in silence,her expression revealing nothing.

"Are you finished?" Jason stood beside Ella, his expression darkened with anger as he gave the group of gossipers a cold stare.

They quieted down immediately, intimidated by Jason's senior position.

"Everyone, disperse," Royce followed up with a sternlook at the design department employees, his expression clearly displeased.

They quickly filed out of the office.

As Ella was about to leave, Royce called out to her.

"Wait a moment."

She paused.

Jason walked past her, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat before leaving the office.

"Are you having trouble getting along with your colleagues?" Royce studied Ella as he asked.

Ella answered quietly, "They don't particularly like me."

"Don't take those people too seriously-they're just a mob mentality."Royce said,trying to comfort her.

He continued, "You know Austin is always making things difficult for me.

I'm not refusing to help you, but my hands are tied."

She forced a slight smile, her gaze lowered to the polished floor as she stared at it, lost in thought.

"I can handle these things myself. I understand your position."

"You can go now."

She nodded.

When she reached the door, Ella gripped the handle and pulled it open slightly, then turned back to Royce. "Mr. Castillo, please relay a message to Austin for me. If he wants to play the knight in shining armor, that's fine,but I don't want to be dragged into his relationship with Judith. In the future, ask him to get his facts straight before automatically assuming I'm targeting Judith."

With that, she pulled the door open and walked out.

Jason was waiting for her in the hallway, noticing how dejected she looked.

"Surprise!"

He deliberately jumped out from the side,startling Ella.

She managed to pull her lips into a weak smile as she looked at him."Jason,you're so childish."

"I always thought you were this unbreakable, strong person," Jason said,crossing his arms and teasing her. "Don't tell me these little obstacles have got you down?"

Ella pressed her lips together slightly, offering no response.

He reached out and ruffled the top of her head, letting out a small sigh."You've got me watching your back at Quantum Tech. If anyone gives you trouble, just drop my name."

"Thanks, Jason." Ella uncomfortably shrank her neck, finding his words embarrassingly sentimental.

Jason gave her an annoying smile. "Ill help you find a new job."

"What?"

"Just kidding," Jason shrugged naonchalantly.

Ella fell silent.

She knew Jason wouldn't suddenly become this supportive without some mischief behind it. She understood his personality too well.

He was definitely up to something with this sudden compassion.

"I'll take you out for dinner after work," Jason mentioned casually.

She gave him a suspicious look, confused by the offer. "You're not planning to ditch me with the bill again, are you?"

Hearing himself described so unflatteringly, Jason grew irritated and glared at her.

"So unromantic!" he snapped.

Ella stood there bewildered.

After hurling that accusation, Jason stormed off.

During college, Jason had frequently skipped out on paying, leaving her to cover the bill so many times that she'd lost count.

When she returned to her workstation, a new wave of mockery and strange looks greeted her.

"Did you have a verbal showdown with the design department in Mr.Castillo's office? Ella, you've got some nerve!"

"Our research department doesn't need to make enemies. Why do we keep getting dragged into your drama?"

"Seriously, if the design department has any issues, you handle them yourself."

"Peter rolled his eyes at me last time. Ella, don't drag us into your messes.okay? We still have to work together."

Ella chose not to argue back. She was outnumbered, and confronting her own department would only get her criticized by Marshall for not being a team player,which would eventually reach Royce.

She had just promised Royce she would maintain better relationships with

her colleagues.

"Ella, have you finished all your work?" Marshall approached her desk with suspicion as he watched her packing up.

Ella placed her organized materials into her bag and replied calmly."Everything's done."

Marshall clearly thought she was lying,but merely snorted dismissively and walked away.

As she left the building after work, Ella spotted Jason's car waiting outside.

Jason lowered the window and gestured to her. "Get in."

Ella hesitated momentarily before opening the door.

"Do I need to help you with your seatbelt?" he asked.

"No need."

Ella quickly fastened her seatbelt, decisively rejecting his offer.

Jason gripped the steering wheel and pressed the accelerator, driving forward.

"There's a document in the glove compartment. Take it out."

Ella reluctantly retrieved the document from the compartment.

She opened it and began reading.

"This is the drone project Austin and Mr. Castillo are discussing."

Ella frowned slightly, closed the file, and looked up. "This is company confidential material. I shouldn't be looking at it."

This project is different from that drone project."

Ella's expression froze.

"Austin's projects always involve top-tier talent. His project teams cost tens of millions of dollars in investment, and some require strict confidentiality-even research department directors can't access them."

Ella seemed slightly confused. "What are you saying?"

"This is a project I personally want to develop."

"Are you really planning to leave Quantum Tech?"

Jason glanced at her sideways while turning the steering wheel."Given our company's current situation, do you think there's any future here?"

Ella shook her head, not understanding.

He clicked his tongue and continued in a casual tone, "From what I can see with the new arrival, Judith, and the way things are developing,this company is headed for bankruptcy sooner or later."

"If you say that, Mr. Castillo would be heartbroken."