Jason fell silent for a few seconds, immediately understanding her intention.

He finally said. "Vicious, but smart. The higher you aim,the harder you fall."

Ella exhaled softly.

"Judith spent good money on those trending topics. We shouldn't let them go to waste."

"How are things on your end?" Jason's voice returned to its usual calm.professional tone.

"Don't worry, I've already encrypted and sent our patent technology documentation to MicroMachining Solutions," He said.

"They responded quickly-they're very interested in our algorithmic models and specifically requested that the core technology lead come for an in-person meeting. That's why you must go to Lumeria. As for internal matters." Jason paused briefly.

"Those alumni I contacted have agreed to join us. They start tomorrow,so the technical team's initial structure is complete. I'm also keeping close tabs on the renovation crew, ensuring they'll finish on schedule. You only need to handle two things."

Ella immediately replied, "The supplier contract with MicroMachining Solutions and Series A financing from Horizon Ventures Inc.."

"Exactly, Ella," Jason suddenly called her by name. "Just now at the Raymond house,are you really okay?"

Ella's hand tightened on the steering wheel, the numbness from that slap still lingering.

"I'm fine," She said. "Better than I've been in a long time."

She ended the call and drove back to Sarah's apartment.

Sarah was pacing anxiously and rushed over the moment Ella walked in.

"Ella,thank God you're back! Have you seen Twitter? You're the number one trending topic. Those people are saying such horrible things! That bitch Judith-how dare she!"

Ella removed her coat, her expression unnervingly calm.

"Sarah, please prepare the materials for tomorrow's meeting with Griffin."

Sarah froze.

"You're still going to Horizon Venturea Inc.? At a time like this, Griffin won't possibly meet with you."

"He will," Ella said as she walked into the bathroom and turned on the cold water.

"If he's not an idiot, he'll know this is the perfect opportunity to swoop in and invest in Diamond Tech at rock-bottom prices."

Sarah stared at her friend's back, suddenly feeling that Ella had become both strangely unfamiliar and incredibly powerful.

The next morning, Ella's name dominated every financial and entertainment section online.

The hashtag #Ella Escort Service had already garnered over a hundred

million views.

As soon as she stepped into Horizon Ventures Inc.'s building, the receptionist's gaze cut into her like ice, filled with contempt and disdain.

"Ms. Brooks, Griffin is in a meeting, and you'll need to wait in the lobby,"She said coldly.

Ella glanced at the wall clock, where the hour and minute hands were slowly converging.

Nine fifty-eight in the morning-just two minutes away from their scheduled ten o'clock appointment.

She didn't argue, simply sitting down calmly on the lobby sofa.

The wait stretched to a full hour.

At eleven o'clock, the receptionist finally informed her she could go up.

Griffin's office was filled with cigar smoke.

The man who had been so enthusiastic toward her just yesterday now reclined in his executive chair like an iceberg, examining her from head to toe with a cold, appraising gaze.

"Ms. Brooks, you've arrived," He said flatly. "Please, sit down."

Ella took the seat across from him without showing any sign of nervousness or discomfort.

"Griffin. I assume you've seen last night's news," She sald.

Griffin tapped his cigar ash without denying it.

"Ms. Brooks, I greatly admire your technical expertise. But Horizon Ventures Inc. doesn't just invest in projects; we invest in people. Your current personal reputation has sevérely impacted Diamond Tech's valuation. A founder who could collapse at any moment due to personal scandals is the biggest minefield in the capital market."

Ella smiled.

"Griffin, as an investor, you of all people should know what's real and what isn't. Are you going to believe those blurry photos circulating online,or the core algorithm I demonstrated for you last night?"

Griffin's expression darkened.

"I believe the algorithm. But I can't ignore Austin's blacklisting.Your suppliers have all cut ties. Even if I invest, what will you use for production?"

Ella sat with her spine perfectly straight.

"Griffin, I didn't come here today to beg for your investment. I came to deliver a gift."

She slid a document across the desk.

"This is a complete optimization solution for Time Warp Express's inefficient algorithm. Along with a custom-designed new dispatch system model that my team at Diamond Tech has created specifically for them,"

Griffin's pupils dilated sharply.

He took the document and grew increasingly astonished as he read through it.

Ella's solution was ten times more elegant than what his company's internal technical team had produced after three months of work.

She had even identified the three most vulnerable breakdown points and provided perfect solutions for each.

Griffin's voice trembled slightly.

"What exactly are you proposing?"

"It couldn't be simpler," Ella said, rising to her feet.

"I will sign a performance contract with Horizon Ventures Inc.. I'll solve Time Warp Express's algorithm crisis, and Horizon Ventures Inc. will lead our Series A funding round at Diamond Tech's highest valuation before the blacklisting. If I fail, all of Diamond Tech's technology patents will be transferred to Horizon Ventures Inc. at no cost."

Griffin inhaled sharply.

He stared at Ella intently.

"You've lost your mind! You're gambling with your life's work!"

Ella met his gaze, her presence commanding the room.

"I'm not gambling with my life. I'm betting on technology. Griffin.I'll ask you one question: are you in or out?"

Beads of sweat formed on Griffin's forehead.

He slammed his fist on the desk.

"Fine, I'm in. Pll have legal draft the performance contract immediately.Ms. Brooks, you've genuinely impressed me."

Ella had secured what she wanted and turned to leave with efficient finality.

"Griffin, I'm flying to Lumeria tonight. In three days, I'll send you Time Warp Express's preliminary solution. I hope that by the time I return, the Series A funding will have been deposited."

Ella walked out of Horizon Ventures Inc.'s entrance into the harsh sunlight.

She was about to hail a taxi when a black Bentley silently pulled up in front of her.

The window lowered to reveal Derek's handsome but coldly detached face.

"Get in. Don't waste time."

Ella opened the door and slid into the seat.

"Mr. Thornton, are you condescending to be a chauffeur for a woman with a tarnished reputation?" She quipped.

Derek didn't smile. He handed her a tablet.

"Look through this. It contains what you need."

On the screen were MicroMachining Solutions' internal documents.

Plus a detailed biography of its founder and CEO,Claus Schmidt.

Ella's expression turned serious.

"Mr. Thornton, what exactly are you implying?"

"I never make investments without certainty." He replied.