"Misunderstanding?" Ella let out a derisive laugh. She had already seen through Royce's intentions.

Since joining Quantum Tech, she had been the target of countless rumors and gossip. The slander had never stopped, and now Royce was claiming she had misunderstood?

Had Royce ever addressed the rumors circulating within the company?

Had he ever stepped forward to explain or defend her against any of these attacks?

"Mr. Castillo, thank you for looking after me at the company these past few days, but I've found a better opportunity elsewhere," She said firmly.

Royce questioned her skeptically, "Besides Quantum Tech, what company could offer better compensation and growth opportunities than mine?"

"I'm planning to start my own business." She replied.

"You?" Royce's disbelief was evident in his voice.

Ella had finally realized that this conflict-ridden workplace wasn't fostering her growth.

On the contrary, it was draining her emotionally, making her believe the problems were her fault.

But Ella knew with absolute clarity that she wasn't the problem.

"And what about Jason?" He pressed.

Ella loworad her anze considering her resnonse carefully "lason is my

senior from the university. He always hoped we would start a business together after graduation. Unfortunately, I was too young then and misjudged certain people. So this time, I 'intend to fulfill that old promise."

Just as Ella finished speaking, a knock sounded on the office door.

She turned to see Austin entering from outside.

Ella inwardly groaned. 'Had he overheard everything I just said?'

Austin didn't look at her, instead directing his attention straight to Royce.

"How's Judith's project coming along?" He asked.

Royce appeared confused.

Hadn't Austin already secured numerous investors for this project during the summit?

And with the entire R&D department focused on it now, what possible issues could there be?

Royce genuinely couldn't understand what problems the project might face.

With so many eyes in R&D watching over it, even something utterly worthless would bloom under such attention.

"It's going well. I'll make sure the R&D department keeps a close eye on this project." Royce replied, clearing his throat and glancing toward Ella.

Ella stood silently at the side, her expression neutral as she listened to their conversation.

After Austin had ensured Judith's project stole the spotlight at the summit,he was now following up and supervising it, seemingly forgetting about

his own responsibilities.

At this time of day, he should have been in a company meeting.

Yet here he was.

Ella found it darkly amusing, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly.

"I'll check on Judith and discuss the drone project with her," Austin announced before leaving.

Ella watched his retreating figure until Royce called her name, bringing her back to reality.

She lowered her gaze, her thoughts unreadable.

"Even if Jason resigns with you, have either of you ever shown any respect for this company?" Royce rapped his knuckles against the desk.questioning her harshly.

Ella kept her head down, listening without responding.

Her demeanor was excessively detached.

Seeing this, Royce sighed in resignation. "I know you've faced difficulties here and want to leave, but Jason is the backbone of this company. If he goes,how will all the operations continue?"

"The entire design department follows Jason's lead. I don't even know who could replace him in that position." He continued.

Ella replied coolly, "Since joining the company, I've only signed a labor contract. I'm not obligated to stay here, Mr. Castillo. You have your concerns, and I have my plans. I want to leave, and I mean it."

Royce sighed heavily, clearly at a loss with Ella.

"Fine, I'llapprove your resignation. The company will pay your salary for this month," Royce said, having done all he could.

Ella nodded and prepared to leave.

"Ella, regardless of what happens, even if you actually establish your own company someday and surpass Quantum Tech, I hope you'll consider me first when looking for strategic partnerships," Royce said, his vision extending far beyond the present.

Ella left with a simple "Sure."

As she exited, Jason approached and asked, "How did it go? What did Royce say?"

"He agreed," Ella shrugged, offering a faint smile.

Jason clicked his tongue and folded his arms. "So, have you thought about what our firststep should be after resigning?"

"I'll apply for a bank loan," She said.

Jason's expression turned incredulous, as if he'd boarded a sinking ship."Don't tell me you don't even have startup capital?"

"I don't have much money let, aside from this month's salary of about ten thousand dollars," She admitted.

Jason looked somewhat shocked. "You've been married into wealth for so long-hasn't Austin given you any money at all?"

Ella lowered her head in embarrassment.

No one could have imagined how foolish she'd been, thinking only of what she could give to Austin.

She had never once asked him for money.

"Your self-sacrificing behavior makes me furious! Ella, use your brain for once! If you marry into money, you should at least get something out of it.How can you end up with nothing?" Jason's frustration was evident.

He didn't finish his thought, only sighing deeply.

Ella shot him a glare. "If you think starting a business with me will put you at a disadvantage, you might as well go back to being the Design Director."

"You've got quite an attitude! I've barely said anything,and you're already giving me the cold shoulder!" Jason tapped her forehead pointedly.

Ella responded with a cold huff.

"Do you know how long I've worked here? I've saved quite a bit-around two million dollars," He revealed.

Ella's eyes widened in surprise.

Jason continued with a smug smile, "I was planning to buy a marriage house, but since you're determined to start a company, I might as well use it as our startup capital."

"If you have someone you're planning to marry, I suggest you reconsider being so impulsive," Ella said, suddenly concerned about jeopardizing his plans.

Seeing Jason prepared to invest his entire savings, her enthusiasm cooled.

She wasn't sure where this venture would lead.

It could end in disaster, and Jason's savings would be wasted.

Jason suddenly turned serious, looking directly at her. "There's someone I've liked for a long time-years, in fact. But it's still in the secret crush phase. I'm too scared to tell her how I really feel."

Ella,seeing his rare moment of sincerity, sympathized. "Jason, I never imagined you had such a tragic love story."

Jason clutched his stomach, breaking into laughter, and pointed at her mockingly. "Can't you tell I'm joking?"

Ella narrowed her eyes and puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him in annoyance.

"This money wasn't going to any special use anyway. One person doesn't need much, so we might as well use it for something meaningful," He said.