Robert said he would stay in the laboratory, guarding what he called "the spark"-something more important to him than his own life.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a top-floor restaurant constructed entirely of glass, offering a panoramic view of the city's nightscape below.

Austin sat at a table directly facing the massive suspension bridge that spanned the harbor.

The table before him lacked elaborate place settings-just two wine glasses and a bottle of red wine, already properly decanted.

"Sit," He said, personally pulling out the chair across from him for Ella.

Ella took her seat opposite him but didn't bother glancing at either the dazzling night view or the undoubtedly expensive bottle of wine.

"Drakmoor. Government. Military."

She looked directly at him, calmly enunciating these three terms.

"Austin, who exactly are you?"

This was her sole purpose for accepting his invitation tonight.

Austin poured half a glass of wine for her. The liquid slid gracefully down the inside of the glass, creating a beautiful trail.

"The Raymond Group was founded by my father, but my mother's family had already established their first railroad in Drakmoor before World War I." He said.

Rather than answering directly, he began what seemed like an unrelated

history lesson.

"They built their wealth through the gold rush, secured their position with military contracts during both World Wars, and earned their ticket into the Drakmoor government through the space program."

"The Raymond family's roots in Drakmoor run much deeper than the history of the Raymond Group."

Ella felt her heart slowly sink.

All this time, she'd believed she'd married into a domestic commercial empire. She never knew that half of Austin's identity was deeply embedded in the power structures of Drakmoor.

"So when you acquired Vanguard Technologies, it wasn't about targeting me from the beginning," She finally understood.

"That was an accident, but also a warning," Austin replied, lifting his wine glass without drinking from it.

"If Derek could use the Commerce Department's power to trap you, I can equally use the Defense Department's power to protect you. His rules don't apply here."

"Protect me?" Ella repeated as if she'd heard something laughable.

"What makes you think I still need your protection?"

"Derek. He's not working alone," Austin said, leaning slightly forward.

"I've discovered-that his funding comes not just from Solaris, but partially from an offshore fund called 'Prometheus Trust.'"

"That fund was established twenty-six years ago, and its beneficiaries are

anonymous."

Ella's fingers involuntarily tightened around the stem of her wine glass.

"What he wants isn't to inherit the Sprout Initiative-he wants to completely appropriate your mother's research for himself, then use his own name to recreate, even surpass, your mother's brilliance."

"He doesn't want collaboration-he wants to consume everything."

"So you called me here tonight just to tell me we now have a common enemy?" Ella asked.

"No," Austin shook his head.

"I'm here to tell you what kind of ally I need."

"The technology behind the Sprout Initiative has far exceeded the scope of commercial competition. It's a key that could change the shape of future warfare."

"This key cannot fall into the hands of a madman like Derek."

"Agile Logistics under the Raymond Group needs this system to upgrade its global unmanned delivery network-that's business interest."

"Meanwhile, the Drakmoor government needs the system's underlying architecture to build their next-generation drone defense system-that's national interest."

His gaze was as deep as a starless night sky as he looked at her.

"And you,Ella-you need my resources, my power, and my connections in Drakmoor to clear all obstacles so you can sit comfortably in your Iaboratory doing the research you want to do."

"This is a transaction-fair and beneficial to us both."

Ella fell silent.

She couldn't argue because every word Austin spoke was the truth.

"How do I know you won't become the next Derek?" She voiced her core concern.

"Because my name is Raymond. My family only invests in future rule-makers-we don't steal others' glory."

"Besides, I've already destroyed our three-year marriage with my own hands. I don't want to destroy the last gift your mother left for you-and for this era."

Just then, an amused voice came from the restaurant entrance.

"Austin, I heard you were back. Why didn't you give me advance notice?"

A tall man with captivating blond hair approached their table, wearing an impeccably tailored blue suit.

"Blake, shouldn't you be in a meeting?" Austin asked.

"The hearing ended early," The man called Blake replied with a smile as he reached their table. His blue eyes immediately fell on Ella, flashing with undisguised admiration and curiosity.

"And who might this lovely lady be?" He asked, raising an eyebrow with a probing tone.

"My business partner, Ella Brooks," Austin said before Ella could answer.choosing his words carefully.

"Blake Ashton," The man extended his hand to Ella, his face wearing a charming smile.

"Congressman for Stormhaven's Twelfth District."

Ella shook his hand politely.

A congressman this young-his background must be extraordinary.

"I believe I overheard you discussing a Defense Department project?"Blake said, naturally pulling up a chair and sitting down as if they were old friends. "As it happens, I'm back for that new drone defense system bid as well."

He turned to Ella with interest. "Is Ms. Brooks' company also interested in this project?"

"My company is the core of this project," Ella replied evenly.

Blake's eyes suddenly lit up, like a hunter spotting premium prey.

"Is that so? Now that's surprising," He said.

He picked up the wine bottle from the table and very gallantly poured himself a glass.

"From what I understand, the hot favorite for this bid is the 'Titan' project backed by the Thornton Foundation. Their chief technology officer is supposedly a genius headhunted from Spectrum Technologies."

"Genius?" Ella smiled.

"Compared to my mother's 'Sprout Initiative,' all geniuses become mere mortals running to keep up."

Her tone was calm as still water, yet carried an undercurrent of absolute confidence born from superior capability.

Blake paused momentarily, then broke into hearty laughter.

"I like your confidence. Ms. Brooks," He said,raising his glass.

"It seems this bid will be far more interesting than I anticipated. I look forward to seeing your performance at the hearing."

He finished his wine and tactfully stood up.

"I won't interrupt your dinner any further."

He glanced at Austin with a knowing smile.

"Austin, this business partner is far more intriguing than your previous ones."