"Dad."

Ella was rushing to catch the subway on her way to work when John's call came through.

"Had enough of your wild streak yet? You never seem to accomplish anything significant. You married Austin, causing all this trouble, and you can't even give them an heir to secure your position. Your mother and I are counting on you! Come home tonight. I need to talk to you!"

Ella listened to the barrage of criticism through the phone before hanging up.

Another layer of stress was added to her already chaotic emotions.

Ella's relationship with John was strained at best. In fact, she had rarely seen him throughout her life.

From childhood,she had been shuffled between homes, either her grandfather's or the Gonzalez family.

Parental presence had been the one constant absence in her life.

Ella remembered there was a 7 AM meeting scheduled that morning.

Marshall would be submitting her ussessment report on Judith's project.

The entire Research Department had already arrived.

Ella came early enough to avoid being late. She took a seat in the corner.clutching her water bottle.

Others gradually filled the seats around her.

Ella overheard whispers about recent entertainment news and office gossip.

Her keen hearing caught someone mentioning that Judith was planning to introduce Austin to her parents.

Meet the parents?

Austin had never once visited the Brooks family.

He fundamentally disapproved of Ella's parents, especially since John frequently asked Austin for money.

Austin had been convinced that Ella was just a god-digger who married him for his wealth and status.

Ella had tried to explain, bout he wouldn't listen because of the biases.

Austin refused to believe her, so she eventually gave up.

Condensation beaded on her water bottle.

Lost in thought, Ella reached out to touch it, but quickly withdrew her finger when the hot surface burned her.

"Everyone's here."

Royce's voice preceded his arrival.

Ella looked up to see him already seated. leaning back casually in his chair as he began flipping through documents.

Marshall stood and said, "I submitted the assessment report on Judith's project last nightas you requested. Would you like to reviow it flrst?"

Royce felt it was unnecessary to review.

Could he afford not to invest in this project?

With Austin applying pressure, he tossed the report aside, saying."This will do. Look into how much capital budget and startup funding her project needs."

Marshall glanced triumphantly toward Ella, as if saying: See? Mr.Castillo didn't even look at your report. You can leave now.

Ella noticed Marshall's deliberate antagonism and spoke up, "I included startup funding and comprehensive data for this project in my assessment report."

Marshall immediately reprimanded her, "Don't speak about things you don't understand! Project startup funding needs to be reconciled with the Finance Department. If you misreport figures. we'll all face disciplinary action for work errors!"

"Mr. Castillo, please excuse her. She's just an inexperienced rookie who's only been here two days and is already speaking out of turn. I think we should consider terminating her rather than wasting company resources."Marshall suggested cautiously.

Royce continued flipping through papers, ignoring Marshall's comments.

The others, fearing for their jobs, glared at Ella.

How could the Secretary's office dump her in the Research Department?

Where was her professional etiquette?

If misreported funds cost them their year-end bonuses and outstanding employee awards. they wouldn't let Ella off easily.

"Three million dollars?"

Royce was surprised by the unexpectedly low startup funding.

He carefully reviewed the document again. his lips curving into a smile as he looked at Ella. "Your approach of competing with smaller companies using minimal costs gives me quite a bit of inspiration. Ella. Tell me your thoughts."

She stood up and began to articulate her vision confidently.

"The financial market serves users from different social strata. We could develop an AI that's accessible to the general public. targeting lower-income users. By appealing to their emotional needs, we avoid competing with major Al projects while minimizing risk. This way, we can capture a significant market segment."

"This is pure fantasy," Marshall objected. "Lower-income users are often functionally illiterate. How can you build a platform for people who can barely use a smartphone? Unless you can make AI ultra-precise,but that's like teaching someone who can't read to attend a top university."

"Research is about creating possibilities," Ella replied with a smile."Without courage and curiosity, we don't deserve to hold these positions."

"You're completely out of line! You think markets follow your whims?One trend you fail to anticipate, and your idea will destroy this entire project!"Marshall slammed his hand on the table,his face flushing red.

Ella smiled and sat down without further comment.

"Ella's ideas are innovative and creative. We can't be rigid in our thinking.Marshall. Why are you so angry? Ella is under your supervision and needs guidance. New talent always has some wild ideas," Jason intervened

before Royce could respond.

He had actually come to dissuade Royce from investing in Judith's project.but found himself impressed by Ella's ability to turn a liability into an asset.

After hearing her speak, Jason suddenly saw the potential clearly.

"Why don't you stick to your department if you like her ideas so much?"