During the meeting with Derek. Jason kept making his presence known in not-so-subtle ways.

Ella couldn't understand what Jason was doing.

Securing investment from Orion Global Holdings had been challenging enough, and here he was potentially jeopardizing this valuable relationship.

Was he hoping to sabotage this partnership?

Fortunately, Derek didn't seem bothered.

As he was about to leave, he glanced at Jason, who was standing nearby with his ears perked up, trying to eavesdrop, and gave Ella a meaningful smile. "There's a dinner tomorrow that could significantly benefit your drone project. Make sure you're there."

Jason's expression noticeably darkened.

"Of course! I won't letyou down," Ella replied with an eager smile.

Behind her.Jason mimicked her enthusiastic response with an exaggerated grimace.

Completely childish.

Ella rolled her eyes, not bothering to engage with Jason's antics as she escorted Derek out.

When she returned, Ella confronted Jason. "What exactly were you doing?Do you realize how influential Orion Global Holdings is in the research Industry? We're lucky to have secured this investment only becauseI-"

Before she could finish her self-promotional speech, Jason interrupted,"All that pretentiousness. He's just like Austin-putting on airs."

He stood with his arms crossed, launching into a lecture. "This whole thing definitely has some hidden angle. For all we know, he might be using business discussions as an excuse to hit on you."

Ella stared at Jason in bewilderment.

"Are you joking right now?" She asked, completely confused.

"His eyes were practically glued to you the whole time, plus he's offering special dinners? You seriously don't have even a hint of suspicion? What if he's some con artist targeting tech startups?" Jason stood with his hands on his hips, scolding her like she was a child.

Ella thought he was blowing things completely out of proportion.

This was just business-mutually beneficial.

How had it suddenly turned into a romantic interest?

She looked at Jason with growing exasperation.

"Jason, even if he were interested in me, wouldn't that be good for the company? Having that connection could lead to long-term collaboration.Besides,your eyesight must be failing-where exactly did you see him showing any interest in me?" Ella argued.

"He was cold as ice! Wearing that expressionless face!"

Suddenly, Ella sensed something wasn't right.

She stiffly turned around to find Derek standing behind her, fixing her with an icy stare.

"Mr. Thornton, why do you come back?" She said, mortified.

Derek replied calmly, "I left some documents behind and came back to get them."

Ella rushed to retrieve the papers.

After she left, Derek noticed Jason's smug, triumphant smile.

He casually asked, "You have feelingsfor her?"

Jason reacted dramatically. "What are you talking about? I don't like her at all! Absolutely not."

Derek saw through the denial but didn't press the issue.

"I think you're the one who likes her," Jason countered.

Derek shrugged, surprisingly candid. "Yes, I'mn attracted to her type."

Jason was stunned.

The meeting of rivals created an instant tension.

In his mind, Jason had already killed Derek a thousand times over.

"So Ms. Brooks doesn't care for overly reserved personalities?" Derek inquired.

Jason was speechless.

Derek watched as Ella hurried back from the office, glanced up with a slight raise of his eyebrow, and smiled enigmatically. "Ill win her over."

"Derek!" Jason pointed at Derek, seething with anger.

At that moment, Ella emerged and caught Jason's finger. "Be polite! Mr.Thornton is our client!"

She then handed the documents to Derek with both hands, presenting them formally.

As if she were serving royalty.

At the end of the workday, Ella had successfully recruited several technical staff,including Atlas and Maddox, who had previously worked at Quantum Tech.

Atlas and Maddox had been sent as reinforcements.

After the Prometheus Project overcame its critical phase and got back on track, these programmers were no longer needed.

Daron had specially permitted them to work at Diamond Tech as contractors for a few months.

Ella was interviewing candidates in her office when Anthony unexpectedly appeared.

"What brings you here?" She asked, looking up in surprise.

Anthony lifted his gaze toward Ella and said, "I heard you needed people."

Ella was delighted, standing up to ask, "I nearly forgot-you must know many academic researchers. Could you introduce them to come work for us?"

"Grandfather was so upset about you that he stopped accepting students altogether. But I have several former classmates I could introduce you to,"Anthony replied warmly.

Ella listened attentively, her expression brightening with a wide smile."You're absolutely my lifesaver!"

His expression became more serious as he considered his response."However, their salaries would be quite high. At your current startup stage,you might not be able to afford them."

Ella lowered her eyes, casting faint shadows across her face.

"That's not a problem. I can afford any salary, as long as they're willing to join. Anthony, achieving full coverage range with the drone project is nearly impossible."

She continued, "That's why I've always believed I needed extra help. With your connections, you can certainly ease our urgent needs. Money is a minor issue for me-I can afford any price. I've been an employee myself,so I understand that if a company doesn't pay well, employees won't invest their full energy into it. I'm more than willing to pay them well,so don't worry about that."

That was all Anthony needed to hear.

He nodded gracefully. "Alright, I'll trust your judgment."

"I still have to interview some other candidates today, so I can't properly host you. Would it be okay if my business partner showed you around instead?" Ella was about to recommend Jason when the door suddenly opened.

Jason leaned against the doorframe, casting a sideways glance at Ella and the excessively friendly Anthony.

"Who's this now?" He asked.

"A friend of mine," Ella replied casually.

Jason narrowed his eyes, his tone somewhat flat. "Your friend's quite handsome."

Why did that comment sound tinged with jealousy?

Ella's mouth turned downward in resignation. "Never mind whether he's handsome or not-could you please show him around? I'm still busy interviewing other candidates."

"So many tasks, yet you can't even entertain your own friend?" Jason complained.

Ella was confused by his attitude.

"Jason, we're running a company here-I can't handle everything myself.Can't you do something practical for once?" She challenged.

Jason shot Ella a fierce glare before storming out, slamming the door behind him.

Ella was completely baffled by his behavior.

What was he angry about?

She hadn't done anything to provoke him.

Ella turned back to Anthony with an apology.

Anthony's brow was furrowed, his expression cooling. "Your business partner has quite an attitude. If you're not comfortable with the arrangement, I could help you instead."

"I don't need your help. He's just abit sharp-tongued, but he's good-

hearted underneath," Ella defended him.