Ella walked out of Golden Fork Bistro, feeling the cool evening breeze ngainst her face. The slight chill helped clear her mind.

She pulled out heor phone, about to call a ride, when Jason's call came through.

"How did it go? Done with the business dinner?" Jason's voice sounded more relaxed now, carrying a hint of confident ease.

"Just left," Ella replied simply.

"You don't need to worry about the supplier issue anymore. I've found an alternative solution," Jason said, causing Ella's eyebrows to rise in surprise.

"That quickly?"

"I did some research on the top precision gyroscope suppliers for drones.Apart from those monopolized by Raýmond Group, there's actually a hidden giant called 'MicroMachining Solutions.' Their technology is even more advanced, but they only export and never work with domestic companies."

Jason explained rapidly, his words tumbling out in excitement.

"I reached out through my graduate advisor abroad and made contact with their representative. They're willing to talk with us. I've already sent over Diamond Tech's information, and our technology patents. They're very interested but require one of our core technical personnel to fly over for face-to-face negotiations."

This was a true business partner-someone who was already working on solutions while she was facing a crisis, not just complaining about

problems.

"What do you mean?" Ella felt warmth spreading through her chest.

"I was planning to go myself, but with the company just getting started,I can't leave. So this important mission falls to you, Ms. Brooks," Jason said with a hint of playful teasing in his voice.

"I've already booked your flight-eight AM the day after tomorrow to Ironbridge, Lumeria. I've sent all the details and the address to your email.Someone will meet you at the airport."

"Jason, thank you," Ella said sincerely.

"No need to thank me. We're in this together now." Jason chuckled softly. "Oh, and be careful around Ausin. He holds grudges. If he couldn't crush you this time, his next tactics will only get dirtier."

After hanging up. Ella stared at the flight information Jason had sent,her gaze growing determined.

When she retuarned to Sarah's apartment and finished washing up,she received a message from Griffin, scheduling a meeting at Horizon Ventures Inc. at ten tomorrow morning.

Immediately after, another text came in from an unfamiliar number.

[This is Derek. You handled yourself admirably tonight. Be careful in Lumeria. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to contact me.]

Ella looked at these two messages, knowing she had successfully created an opening tonight.

But before she could feel any satisfaction, Sarah burst out of her bedroom.

her face panicked.

"Ella! This is bad! Quick, look at Twitterj"

Frowning, Ella opened Twitter to find a bolded topic trending:

#Former Quantum Tech Director Ella Sells Herself To Secure Investments.

Below were several blurry photos taken outside Golden Fork Bistro,showing her surrounded by male executives raising glasses in toast.

One particularly misleading angle made it appear as if she was throwing herself at someone.

Even more vicious were the comments from paid trolls spreading rumors about her college years, claiming she had a chaotic personal life and had used unscrupulous means to chase Austin, portraying her as nothing but a gold-digger.

Overnight, she had been transformed from a promising entrepreneurial talent into a shameless woman without dignity.

Ella's fingers gripped her phone so tightly they lost their color. She knew this was Judith's counterattack.

She had underestimated just how low Judith would go.

Her phone began vibrating frantically with calls and abusive messages from unknown numbers.

Just then, a call came through from a number labeled "Raymond Estate."

Ella hesitated before answering.

The voice that came through wasn't what she oxpected-It was elderly.

weak,but warm.

"Is this Ella?"

She knew this voice immediately-Karen, Austin's grandmother and the only person in the Raymond family who had ever shown her genuine warmth.

"Mrs.Raymond?"

"Yes, dear, it's me. Are you alright?" The elderly voice was filled with concern.

"Don't look at those awful things online, and don't believe them. I know you're not that kind of person."

In the moment when the whole world was slandering her, this once-family member was the first to stand up and say she believed in her.

"Mrs. Raymond, I'm fine. It's all false," Ella said, struggling to keep her voice steady.

"I believe you," Karen said simply.

Ella's nose stung with emotion, tears threatening to spill over.

At her lowest point, when she was being vilified by the world and cornered by Austin and Judith's joint efforts. Karen, the only one who had ever shown her warmth in the Raymond family, was the first to stand up and believe in her.

"Mrs. Raymond. I'm fine. It's all nonsense," She repeated.

"I'm glad you're alright." Karen sighed, her voice heavy with fatigue."I iusi suddenlv missed vou very much. Could you come see me now? Right

away?"

Ella's heart sank suddenly. "Mrs. Raymond, what's wrong? Are you sick?"

"Just the usual problems, nothing serious. Don't tell Austin. Just come by yourself,quietly. I have something to give you."

After hanging up, Ella's anger at being slandered was temporarily replaced by concern.

Sarah grabbed her arm, pacing anxiously.

"Ella, this is clearly Judith's doing! She wants to ruin your reputation before you go to Lumeria, to make Griffin and Derek back away from you.Should we release a statement to clear things up?"

Ella slowly shook her head, her gaze cold as ice.

"Releasing a statement now would only show we're rattled-exactly what she wants. She thinks a few blurry photos and paid trolls can destroy me."

Sarah pressed on urgently. "But public opinion is spreading too quickly.I'm worried Griffin won't be able to withstand the pressure!"

Ella took a deep breath and dialed Jason's number.

"You've seen the trending topic?" She asked directly.

Jason's voice remained perfectly calm on the other end, without the slightest trace of panic.

"I've seen it. Typical troll operation. I've already got our tech team tracking the IP addresses of those first few marketing accounts that broke the story. Judith's methods are still so basie. What can she do besides sprend rumors?"

Listening to Jason methodically handling the situation, Ella felt much more settled.

"You're doing the right thing. Don't react yet. Let the rumors spread a bit more. However much she spent buying that trending topic, I'll make her pay back ten times, a hundred times in the future."

Jason laughed softly. "Alright, I'll follow your lead. How are things on your end?"

"I need to visit the Raymond estate," She replied.

Jason's voice instantly rose. "Are you crazy, Ella? Austin is probably desperate to catch you making a mistake right now. Going to the Raymond estate at this moment-aren't you walking straight into his trap?"

"Mrs. Raymond called and asked me to come. She doesn't sound well.Of all the Raymond family, only she has ever truly caredfor me.How can I refuse?"

Jason was silent for several seconds. "Then be careful. Austin is like a rabid dog, and Judith is even more poisonous."

"I understand."