Jason stepped on the brake and turned to face Ella, his expression serious."Ella,you're brilliant. You should understand what I'm suggesting-rather than working for someone else,why don't we start our own company?"

"I mentioned starting a business back when we were in college. But you were determined to get married, so I had no choice but to join Quantum Tech. Now you've finally escaped that marital prison. Why can't we work together?"

"Royce is a businessman, and businessmen chase profits. Today, when all those people were humiliating and insulting you, he didn't once consider your position."

"Have you thought about what happens next time? If they start framing you or setting you up, do you think Royce will value a highly skilled professional like you, or someone with connections and status like Judith?"

Ella froze,clearly caught off guard by Jason's foresight.

Jason tapped hisfingers lightly on the steering wheel, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ella, you have so much potential; don't limit yourself. After everything I've said, you should understand why I wanted to take you to dinner today."

Ella seemed dazed, leaning back against the seat and lowering her eyes in silence.

"You've missed many important opportunities at critical junctures in your life. I hope this time you'll think carefully before giving me an answer.Whether we launch this project depends entirely on your choice, Ella.I hope you won't disappoint me again."

With that, Jason started the car again and drove toward the restaurant.

During dinner, they discussed work extensively.

The summit was scheduled to take place about twenty days later.

For the past while, Ella had been carefully considering Jason's proposal.

If the incident at the summit hadn't happened, she might not have changed her mind about staying at Quantum Tech.

Fate was taking its time. Ella had specifically called Daron to discuss and finalize their promotional strategy.

After clarifying their approach,she put on a formal blazer with a skirt and left the Raymond mansion.

When she arrived at the summit, rushing to make it on time, Daron was already instructing Atlas and Maddox to set up tables and chairs and distribute promotional flyers to the business and political leaders attending the event.

"Ella, you're here," Daron said, looking somewhat surprised to see her.

Ella frowned slightly and asked, "Where's Mr. Dobbins?"

"Haven't seen him lately. Not sure where he's gone."

She felt uneasy, but didn't say anything further. Instead,she walked over to Atlas and introduced herself. "I'm Ella from Quantum Tech. Nice to meet you."

Atlas muttered something under his breath, suddenly remembering seeing Ella's name during the beta testing phase.

Could she be the one who had created the home assistant Al model without authorization?

He immediately looked at her with admiration, moving closer to Ella. "I know you!"

"You do?" Ella pointed at herself, not recognizing him.

Atlas nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining brightly. "We've met before.don't you remember?"

She had met too many people to remember everyone.

Ella hesitated for a moment, then smiled and asked, "Could you tell me your name?"

"Atlas!"

He nodded, pointing excitedly at himself.

Maddox was more composed, though he also recognized Ella. "Hello. I'm Maddox."

She managed to register both their names and committed them to memory.

After memorizing them, Ella smiled gently. "Looking forward to working with you both."

"Absolutely, Ella," Atlas said, extending his hand for a handshake.

Ella didn't shy away but gripped his hand firmly, nodding slightly with a gentle expression.

Her perfume smelled wonderful.

Atlas was in awe, thinking about how this brilliant tech professional had managedto create an Al home assistant model that passed beta testing.

Her expertise and data calibration were incredible.

He almost wanted to never wash the hand that had shaken Ella's, just so he could keep smelling her perfume.

"Who's that over there with the crowd around them?" Atlas asked, rising on his tiptoes to peek at the commotion ahead.

Maddox glanced over casually and said, "Looks like it's from Quantum Tech."

"Quantum Tech? The company founded by that young prodigy. Mr.Castillo?" Atlas asked.

"Yes."

Atlas's expression brightened with excitement.

For someone with his insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge,encountering tech geniuses was always thrilling.

Ahead of them, Judith was surrounded by a crowd.

Beyond her role as a Quantum Tech employee, what attracted even more attention was the prominent figure beside her-Austin.

Camera flashes continuously popped as Austin calmly caught Judith when she nearly tripped in the crowded space.

Judith quickly nestled against his chest, her lips unable to hide her satisfaction with the moment.

Austin. we'll be photographed," she snld sofily.

He unhurriedly took Judith's hand, indicating it wasn't a problem. "T'here are industry leaders at this summit. I'll Introduce you to them."

Reporters, never ones to miss explosive news toples, especially those that entertained the public, began firing questions.

"Ms. Brooks, when are you and Mr. Raymond getting married?"

"We've heard about your touching lovestory."

Judith responded with feigned shyness. "It's not like that. Austin is just worried I can't handle these social events, so he brought me along."

"Mr. Raymond has always been known for avoiding women. He must really care about you, Ms. Brooks."

"Could we get a photo of you two together?"

"Is there good news coming soon?"

Austin, seemingly concerned about Judith getting crushed in the crowd.guided her away from the reporters' cirele.

Once outside the media frenzy, business leaders from varlous industries appronched them to socialize.

Though the summit hadn't officially started. Judith had already become the center of attention.

Ella watched from a distance while sotting up tables and chairs and distributing flyers.

She had handed out several coples, but fow people showed interest in

taking them.

"Did you put a tracker on Austin or something? You seem to be everywhere he goes," a voice sneered.

Ella looked up to see Paul, who had come with Austin and Judith.

She calmlycontinued arranging chairs and held onto her stack of flyers as she moved through the crowd toward the next setup area.

Paul, angered by her ignoring him, strode after her and grabbed her arm."Why are you running? I'm talking to you. Stop pretending you didn't hear me."

"Let go of me!" Ella snapped, forcefully shaking off his grip.

Paul's expression immediately darkened, shocked that Ella would defy him.

"Now I see your true colors. You feign innocence in front of Austin, but this is who you really are. Look over there-the people who deserve to be with Austin are being welcomed by industry leaders. All you can do is watch and envy them!"