Sarah continued ranting, her face flushed with anger as she turned to Ella."It's all your fault."

Ella looked at her with confusion.

Sarah crossed her arms and flopped back into her chair, her lips pursed in annoyance. "Next time Austin shows up, just lock him out."

Ella,finally realizing what had upset her friend, broke into a wide smile.

"I'm just glad you're not mad at me."

Ella gave her a gentle smile.

Sarah laughed. "Don't be silly. How could I ever be mad at you?"

She gave Ella a quick hug to reassure her.

Just like that, everything was fine between them again.

The next day, Ella went to check out the location Jason had found for their office.

It was in an office building next to an administrative complex not far from the tech park.

Stepping inside gave Ella the distinct feeling of downgrading from a five-star hotel to a roadside motel.

Ella silently encouraged herself. It didn't matter if their rental space was as modest as Summit Technologies Group's first office.

She strode confidently into the building.

Just as she entered the elevator, her phone buzzed.

Looking down, Ella saw a message from,Jason.

[Fifth floor.]

Ella pressed the button for the fifth floor and watched the old elevator slowly ascend.

She found herself silently hoping for the best.

When the elevator doors finally opened, the reality was nothing like she'd imagined.

The office faced the administrative building, blocking almost all natural light. The long corridor was cluttered with wooden crates haphazardly stacked, leaving barely enough room to walk.

Ella bit her lip, reluctantly lifting the hem of her pants and tiptoeing carefully.

Hopping from one clear spot to another like a ballet dancer,she finally reached a somnewhat spacious area.

"You made it!" Jason poked his head out from inside the office,flashing her a smile.

Ella shot him a disapproving look. "Madison and the other investors put up all that money, and this is what you found for us?"

"Ella, our company's just getting started. Hiring talent and developing drones burns through cash like nothing else. You don't understand how expensive everything is since you've been living as a wealthy socialite.dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars without blinking."

Jason's tone carried a hint of mockery.

Ella fell silent.

'Well, a small space could still be functional if properly organized.'She thought.

She decided not to argue with Jason for now.

Making a compromise, she knelt to help him unpack the crates. "What about the company name?"

"I came up with three options: Synergy Global Corporation, Apex Holdings Group,or Ascend Industries Inc."

Ella shook her head and suggested her own: "Diamond Tech Solutions."

When Ella mentioned Diamond Tech, Jason paused momentarily before chuckling. "Are you deliberately positioning us against Austin's company?"

After all, Austin's company was the Raymond Group.

"Exactly. Diamond is more valuable than Raymond."

Her answer was confident and determined.

"I like your spirit. If you'd shown this kind of determination earlier,you wouldn't have fallen for Austin's manipulation." Jason sliced open another box with his utility knife.

Ella helped him unpack everything from inside.

"Once we get some contractors in here, this place will be transformed!"Jason straightened up, looking at Ella with unwavering confidence. "Soon,this area, that area, and the entire tech park will be our territory!"

"Jason, are you really that certain we'll succeed?" Ella asked.

Jason nodded firmly. "Together, we're unbeatable. Don't forget how we dominated every university competition across the country."

Back then, they had advanced through every round, defeating 99% of the country's top talent.

Ella felt her fighting spirit ignite inside her. She smiled and said, "Alright!"

Five days later, Judith was leaving Quantum Tech to buy coffee when she overheard two tech park employees chating.

"Did you hear Diamond Tech Solutions got an investment from Orion Global Holdings?"

"Orion? You mean the company owned by that legendary investment genius with the golden touch?"

"That's right. What kind of connections does Diamond Tech have to attract such powerful backing so quickly?"

"Who knows? No one's even seen Diamond's CEO in public yet, though rumor has it he's a chubby, balding man-basically your stereotypical tech nerd."

"Probably. Didn't Diamond Tech also secure funding from that nearly bankrupt Summit Technologies Group? Only clueless nouveau riche would make that kind of investment decision!"

"Maybe Orion made a rare mistake this time?"

Judith listened to their conversation, mentally placing a question mark next to Diamond Tech Solutions.

She hadn't heard anything about Ella lately.

But she had already told her parents about Austin and Ella's divorce.

John and Carol were delighted by the news, especially John.

After Ella's rebellion against the family and escape from his control,John had been furious. Now, he was pleased Judith'd managed to maintain her connection to Austin.

Judith's lips curved into a slight smirk. Who cared what Diamond Tech was?

Her Blue Lantern Project was making significant waves in the Al industry.

And the once-promising Prometheus Project had already failed.

'Ella, you'll never surpass me in this lifetime.' She thought to herself.

With her chin raised proudly, Judith walked back into Quantum Tech.

Meanwhile, five days earlier, Ella had called the well-dressed businessman she'd met in the car. She discovered he was the owner of Orion Global Holdings.

After sharing a meal with him, he surprisingly agreed not only to invest in Diamond Tech but also to help cover the funding gap for the Prometheus Project.

The reason was rather unexpected-it was because of the flowers she had recommended.

Apparently, the man had been dressed up that day for a famnily gathering.

His grandmother loved tulips, and after buying the tulips Ella had

suggested, his grandmother had been so pleased that her health condition had improved.

In a stroke of unexpected luck, Ella had gained the backing of Orion Global Holdings.

"This is my business partner, Jason," Ella introduced, standing beside the imposing businessman.

The man's mature charisma made Jason feel oddly uncomfortable.He had to admit the man was slightly better looking than himself.

But so what?

He wasn't bad-looking either!

At least they were the sameheight.

Jason secretly compared their heights in his mind.

Besides,he was wearing sneakers-who knew if this guy had heel lifts in his dress shoes?

"Hello." The man in the suit gave Jason a cold, perfunctory glance and responded politely.

Ella, intimidated by the businessman's powerful status and position,carefully introduced him: "This is the CEO of Orion Global Holdings,Derek Thornton."

Jason pursed his lips and responded with casual disrespect. "What brings you here?"

Ella saw his lack of professionalism and couldn't believe his attitude, Didn't he understand that Orion had invested in their company?

She nudged Jason's foot with her own, giving him a warning glare.signaling him to speak properly.

Derek glanced sideways at Ella, noting her close relationship with Jason.and asked casually, "Shall we tour your new company first?"

Ella continued glaring at Jason before turning back with a pleasant, "Of course."

"This way, please," She said, instantly transforming her expression into one of eager politeness when facing Derek.