Ella's business networking event had made her an overnight sensation.

The legendary feat of downing thirty bottles of alcohol had transformed her into the investment world's undefeated female warrior.

The price, however, was her immediate hospitalization, where she vomited violently through the night.

Ella had nearly ended up in intensive care.

Jason stood by her bedside, looking at Ella, who had risked her health for their business venture.

He questioned whether pushing her to start this company with him had been the right decision.

He thought to himself as he quietly walked to the window and pulled the curtains closed to block out the harsh suńlight.

Ella stirred at the grating sound of the curtains being drawn, opening her bleary eyes as her vision gradually came into focus.

"Jason, I..." She tried to speak but found her throat coated with something unpleasant, unable to swallow yet painful to leave as is.

Seeing her awake, Jason hurried to call a nurse.

"Ella, can you stop pushing yourself so hard? If we can't secure investors now, we'll find them later. Drinking yourself half to death isn't worth it.If something serious had happened to you, that would have been a real loss."

Ella rasped,"Water."

Jason handed her a glass.

She drank eagerly, feeling immediate relief in her throat, though her head remained foggy.

"How did I get back?" She asked.

"You called me yourself, though you were barely conscious. I didn't hear you speak-just an address from someone asking me to pick you up." The details were hazy in Jason's memory, too.

He only remembered a masculine voice, presumably one of the investors who had kindly made the call on her behalf.

Ella furrowed her brow, unabe to recall this detail.

"Did it work?" She asked, taking small sips of water.

Jason leaned against the wall with a casual posture. "It's uncertain."

"I nearly killed myself drinking at that table,and not one of them signed?"Ella asked incredulously.

"Ms. Evans did leave her number. Getting those old men to part with their money is harder than climbing to heaven."

Jason felt they had miscalculated this time.

They'd lost both the battle and their resources.

The medical bills alone had cost around three thousand dollars.

At this critical startup phase, when they needed every penny,the failed negotiation was particularly painful.

Of course, Jason understood what he couldn't express aloud, and Ella pulled back her covers, removing her IV as she prepared to leave the bed.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Home."

Jason grabbed her wrist, becoming serious for once.

"Your health is your greatest asset. We don't need to pinch pennies that badly."

Ella noticed his serious expression but stubbornly responded, "How is it not worth it? The Prometheus Project needs funding, our startup needs money, and I'd rather rest at home than smell antiseptic in a hospital."

He couldn't argue with her determination. "Fine, it's your body. If you don't value it yourself and end up dying, don't blame me."

"Jason, can't you wish me well for once?" She asked exasperatedly.

He rolled his eyes at her while gathering her belongings.

"Drink this," He said, opening a bottle and holding it out to her.

Ella raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Having a change of heart?"

"It's poison. Take it or leave it."

Ella noticed the label indicated it was a hangover remedy and smiled warmly. "I knew you were all bark and no bite."

"Next time, it will be poison." He quipped.

Ella and Jason soon checked out of the hospital. She settled into theback

seat of a taxi.

Austin's call came through.

"Where are you?" He asked.

If not for this call, Ella might have almost forgotten about him.

Sometimes Austin would surface briefly to torment her before disappearing from her world again.

Ella's voice was calmer than usual. "What is it?"

"I've signed the divorce agreement. I'm waiting for you at the courthouse."

Ella's grip on her phone tightened involuntarily.

She had imagined this scenario countless times, but now that it was actually happening, she felt no joy.

Perhaps she still hadn't truly learned to let go of her marriage to Austin.

"Alright," She said simply.

Ella glanced up at the rapidly passing scenery outside the window.

"Anything else?" She asked.

He said, "What did you do about Briar?"

Ella lowered her eyes thoughtfully. "She's my employee. She comes with me."

"Fine. Remember to take all your belongings with you. Don't leave anything behind."

Listening to him, Ella sensed he was being petulant. yet also trying to make a clean break.

She said casually, "If there's anything I can't take, just throw it out. That bathtub I often used still has my scent on it."

"You used the kitchen, too. I'll have everything completely remodeled,"Austin shot back.

Ella couldn't be bothered to argue.

"Whatever you want."

"Those pathetic plants you kept? I've already had them all dug up and thrown in the trash," He continued.

Ella touched her ear dismissively. "And?"

Austin pressed on. "I've also arranged to have your security door removed.

"You've got money to burn, so knock yourself out," She replied.

She was certain now-Austin was like a destructive husky tearing the house apart.

"For this marriage, we owe each other nothing. If you need compensation- "

Ella interrupted him, "You can't compensate me. You'll never repay what you owe me."

Austin paused, then laughed coldly. "What do I owe you?"

Her eyes flashed with a hint of viciousness, but she remained silent.

"Llar," He said dismissively before hanging up.

Ella listened to the dial tone, lowering her hand in exhaustion.

"Austin's call?" Jason guessed, noticing her dejected mood.

Ella put her phone away and nodded.

"Going to the courthouse today for the divorce. If you're busy, you can take another car."

Jason leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "No way! I love gossip. I'm coming along to see how you handle your husband."

"Jason, have you lost your mind?" Ella couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated expressions.

He seemed to enjoy pouring salt on her wounds.

Jason hummed cheerfully. "Gossip is a human trait."

"Fine, just don't embarrass me," She said with a glance at Jason, unable to hide her disapproval.

Jason's lips curled into a smile. "My handsome face has charmed countless women. When Austin sees me, he'll have to admit defeat. I'm going to make our alma mater proud."

"How shameless," Ella retorted with twitching lips.

She now doubted whether bringing Jason to the courthouse was a good idea.