His gaze became fixed, drawn irresistibly to Austin. Ella did not attempt to hide. She continued, "This is my contact information and Summit Technologies' brochure. Please call me if you need anything."

"Yes,of course."

"Mr. Gonzalez has already conferred with us in advance about Summit Technologies' project gaining momentum. We can establish a long-term partnership."

Ella felt bashful under their praise and lowered her head demurely.

At that moment, Atlas came rushing out, breathing heavily.

Seeing him gesture to her, Ella had to say goodbye to Anthony. "I have an urgent matter to attend to. Anthony. I'll treat you to dinner next time."

Anthony nodded subtly before turning away to engage in conversation with other prominent investors.

She followed him inside, listening as Atlas vented his frustration angrily while walking.

"You have no idea that our project's Valentin suddenly withdrew his shares."

Ella halted in her tracks and abruptly lifted her gaze to meet Atlas's eyes.

"Valentin stated that due to certain reasons, he intends to sever ties with Summit Technologies Group and even retract his equity. We have spent considerable funds on the Prometheus Project. All that initial investment has gone to waste. The product exchange meeting hasn't even arrived yet,

and this withdrawal will affect the company's stock market. The entire Summit Technologies might go bankrupt."

Ella stood rooted to the spot, those words replaying in her mind.

Bankruptcy.

Ella knew enough about finance to understand that financial institutions were likehouses-once one link broke. or one foundation became unstable.everything could collapse.

"Where's Daron?"

Atlas replied dejectedly. "Mr. Bales has already returned to the company to confront Valentin."

"You all need to hold steady and continue testing the Al model. This cannot go awry at such a critical juncture, lest the months we've devoted to research and development be jeopardized." Ella remarked softly.

Atlas merely murmured his assent, remaining silent thereafter.

Neither of them had a smile on their faces.

The summit wasn't over, but they had to leave hastily.

While busily gathering flyers, chairs, and tables, Ella once again encountered Austin. accompanied by Judith at his side.

"Austin, is this the surprise you mentioned?

Judith's face beamed with a bright smile.

Austin gave a sound of agreement.

"Then let's get ready and have dinner with Valentin later to discuss my project."

"Alright."

Austin was already looking down, beginning to book a restaurant.

So attentive.

The missing Valentin, Summit Technologies' sudden capital chain rupture,the stock market crash-was it all Austin's behind-the-scenes manipulation?

She couldn't imagine Austin would go to any lengths to pave the way for Judith. even if it meant destroying her.

She had brought in so many investors and partners for this project. Once a crisis emerged, she would not only face enormous debt but also the risk of imprisonment.

Ella stopped walking and stared directly at Austin. "You did this?"

This time,she refused to restrain herself and strode purposefually toward Austin.

Austin stopped walking and looked at her coldly, like a stranger, distant.

Judith was constantly watching Austin's expression. as if afraid he might show emotion because of Ella.

"Ella, are you misunderstanding?" Judith cleared her throat softly and spoke in a hushed tone.

Ella's eyes reddened, pushed almost to the breaking point as she stared at Austin's stern face. "Austin, I admit marrying you was my own doing. I've

let go of our marriage now, and I don't want to be entangled with you anymore."

"Summit Technologies' only life's work is the Prometheus Project. It doesn't matter what you do to me, but why involve others? Making Valentin withdraw to expand Judith's project connections and invest in her project-do you need to go to such extremes?"

"Austin, what did I do wrong? I just married you; I didn't commit murder or arson. Why won't you leave the people around me alone?"

Austin scoffed coldly, dismissively saying, "You're overthinking."

"Overthinking? You're talking about poaching Valentin right in front of me-am I hearing things?"

He looked down at Ella condescendingly. "Ella, look more for reasons within yourself. Don't attribute Valentin's leaving Summit Technologies to others."

Having said that, Austin left with Judith.

Ella watched the backs of the two as they walked side by side, gritting her teeth, with anger intertwining in her heart,growing stronger.

"You're such a bastard!"

Austin paused, and Judith tugged at his wrist. He then strode forward.

Ella resisted the urge to cry. She couldn't cry over a scumbag like Austin.

After leaving the summit. Ella received news from Summit Technologies confirming that Valentin had indeed withdrawn his investment and had taken some of the Prometheus development team with him.

Ella didn't need to guess where these teams had gone.

She closed her eyes, completely unable to sleep.

The next day, she developed a fever.

Ella requested a day off from the company and rested at home.

Marshall called her.

When Ella answered, her voice was congested, and her mood wasn't particularly good.

"What is it?"

"Who permitted you to take time off? You volunteered for Judith's project,and the mess hasn't been cleaned up. How am I supposed to explain to the design department if you don't come? Get back to work immediately!"

Marshall's scolding came from the other end of the phone.

Ella gripped her phone tightly and impatiently replied, "The company can still run without me. If she thinks my project proposal isn't good, she should apply to Mr. Castillo to work on her original project."

"According to the laws, as an employee of the company. I'm entitled to vacation time. If you continue to harass me while I'm legally resting,I'll have to tell Mr. Castillo that I can't stay in the R&D department-fire me!"

"What did you say?" Murshall was furious.

Ella hung up the phone.

She put her phone aside and closed her eyes, feeling her ears aching and her thoughts in disarray.

Summit Technologies was in trouble, the Prometheus project was on hold.and most importantly, the product development meeting was approaching.What should she do?

Ella didn't choose to sit and wait for death. She got up from bed and started working with her laptop.

Around noon, she was too hungry and got up to find food.

Downstairs in the living room, Ella walked to the refrigerator and opened it to see it filled with food.

"Ella, you're up. Aren't you running a fever? Have you taken any medication?" Ella saw Briar.

Briar had just returned from buying groceries outside. Seeing Ella standing woodenly on the side, she quickly went to the sofa to get a blanket for Ella.

"Your forehead isn't hot now. Are you still feeling unwell?" Briar reached out her hand tentatively toward Ella's forehead.

Ella shook her head, managing a bittersmile. "I'm a bit hungry."

"Alright, I'll make you something to eat right away!"