Royce silenced the crowd with an imposing slam of his palm on the desk,his voice sharp and commanding. "Enough of this clamor!"

At his words. the murmurs dwindled to complete silence.

He answered the phone, and mere moments after lifting the receiver. the low. resonant voice of Austin echoed from the other end.

"Judith's project proposal is flawless. I trust you will refrain from unnecessary meddling," Austin declared coldly into the phone.

Royce's expression darkened.

He glanced meaningfully at Judith, who stood before him,his tone serious."What did you say to Mr. Raymond?"

Judith sniffled, dabbing at her eyes. "Austin just asked a few questions because he was worried about me. Mr. Castillo, if you need to blame someone, blame me. I just wanted to prove myself so badly."

She portrayed herself as the victim.

As if the mere shedding of her tears should instinctively melt everyone's hearts into forgiveness.

Yet, in truth, there was a grain of veracity to her words. What company did not cherish diligent,ambitious employees?

Royce massaged his temples with a weary sigh. Were it not for the looming risk of total financial loss in Judith's project, he would never have entertained Ella's alternative proposal.

As a seasoned strategist navigating the relentless storms of the business world.Royce possessed an extraordinary vision and an unparalleled acumen for commerce; discerning at a glance which ventures would yield profit and which would falter.

No matter how elegantly Judith crafted her plan, it lacked any element with genuine market viability; it was, in essence, no more than a worthless scrap of paper.

"Judith's proposal is commendable in parts, but there are few feasible aspects;it is hardly practical," Royce replied diplomatically. HIad he been less tactful, he might have scolded Judith into resignation.

Cradling the phone, he was met with Austin's cold, resolute tone from the other end.

"Practicality? Royce, do you pursue projects merely for their practicality?Judith's plan has been thoroughly revised, with all shortcomings addressed.Her capabilities have always been formidable. You need not belittle her just to favor Ella."

Royce's expression darkened as he struggled to steer the conversation diplomatically. "Ella is merely assisting Judith on this project. Even talents as remarkable as Judith requirea capable aide, don't she? That's [precisely why I am,"

Austin's voice rose sharply, reverberating through the receiver and making Royce's eardrums ache. "I care not for your reasons; you will remember this: Judith is the chief strategist of this plan. Recognize the hierarchy clearly. Do not forget your eager desire to invest in the drone project.Should you show favoritism or discrimination against Judith, I will have no choice but to remove you from this venture."

Austin pressed his ultimatum anew, his threatening words striking Royce like a sharpened blade.

He begrudgingly admitted his defeat before Austin.

Austin stood at the pinnacle of the high-tech industry. With his control over numerous cutting-edge technology research projects,targeting or suppressing Royce's company would be trivial for him.

Quantum Tech had only gained prominence in recent years,while Austin had already established itself as an industry leader.

Royce looked helplessly at Ella.

Though she hadn't heard what Austin said on the phone,she could guess that he wanted Judith to keep the project.

She hadn't planned to take over this mess anyway.

But Austin had slept with her just last night.

And now he was already turning his back on her.

She felt irritated-angry in a way she couldn't articulate, but she suppressed these conflicting emotions.

"I'll withdraw from the project," Ella volunteered, hoping to spare Royce from an awkward position.

Royce felt touched by her gesture and was about to respond when Austin's cold voice continued through the phone: "Judith's been crying for so long.Doesn't Ella, who tried to steal her project at least, owe her an apology?"

Ella looked bewildered.

Should she apologize?

What had she done wrong?

"Mr. Castillo. the revision of the proposal was directed by Mr. Banks. If Mr.Raymond believes I should apologize, then please have Mr. Banks apologize to Ms. Brooks as well. The responsibility doesn't lie with me.T'm just a research employee who can't override a manager's decisions.Please forgive."

She refused to apologize to Judith!

She hadn't done anything wrong-on the contrary, she'd helped revitalize Judith's garbage project.

If Judith insisted on using that worthless proposal. Ella couldn't help her.The company would bear the financial loss, not her.

After all, Royce was the one investing real money into this research and development.

"You're clearly shifting blame." Peter stood up righteously.

Ella smiled faintly. "The responsibility belongs to everyone. Projects are filtered through various departments before reaching us at the bottom.I was simply following Mr. Banks' assigned tasks. If we're assigning blame.everyone played a part. Who authorized the changes to this project, and who proposed the decision? You can't just target me because I'm in a lower position,can you?"

Peter,seeing her calm and rational response, suddenly found himself speechless.

He disliked Ella intensely, his face reddening with anger as he glared at

her.

"What's all this arguing about? Reseurch isn't run solely by Marshall.Judith,if you think Marshall's position isn't senior enough, should I lead the apology on behalf of everyone?"

Jason appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Ella turned and saw him, momentarily startled.

'What is he doing here?' She thought.

"Project selection and evaluation are handled by specialized departments.

This was merely an A-level project. While it's been revised, it still has significant issues that make it unsuitable for the market."

He continued, "Mr. Castillo has shown Judith considerable respect. If you re not appreciative of that and want to make a scene, do you have a better proposal? Or have you generated substantial revenue for the company?You've only just joined-projects don't come together overnight. You need patience. Revisions are normal in this business. If your attitude is this poor.perhaps you shouldn't be working on projects at all."

Each of Jason's statements was compelling and logical. The expressions around the room shifted rapidly.

"That's enough. Judith, you don't need to withdraw from the project. The credit will go to Judith since you originated the project concept. Ella will simply be working under you, sharing the workload," Royce instructed both women, then asked Austin. "Are you satisfied with this solution?"

Austin responded coldly,′′IsJudith satisfied?"

Royce looked toward Judith.

Though visibly reluctant. Judith agreed to the arrangement.

"Tll make everyone see this project in a new light at the upcoming summit.

"She declared with renewed determination.