Chapter 305
Chapter 305:
When Stella finished explaining, Paul was the first to clap. “Excellent suggestion. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking we need. Let’s start developing this idea into a full proposal. I hope the rest of you can learn from Sylvia’s initiative—this is the level I expect from all of you moving forward.”
The meeting soon came to a close, and the team began filing out of the room. Sandra was practically beaming. “Sylvia, you’re such a genius. I swear, my brain would’ve never come up with something like that. Not even if I had a hundred years to think!”
Stella gave her a modest smile. “Honestly, it just popped into my head while we were talking.”
But before the atmosphere could grow too lighthearted, Jamir suddenly raised a concern. “I heard one of the teams we’ll be up against is led by Mr. Hoffman’s old rival. Word is, they’re our toughest competition. What if they end up choosing a similar theme?”
Everyone went quiet for a second, the weight of Jamir’s words settling in.
“I don’t think so,” Elbert finally said. “There are countless topics out there, and Sylvia’s idea was pretty unique. Even if there’s a tiny bit of overlap, it’s not like we’re doing the same thing.”
It was uncommon for different teams to land on the exact same concept, so most of them figured Jamir was just being overly cautious.
“And honestly, even if there is some overlap, we’ve got Sylvia. No one’s going to break things down or push the limits like she can. If anything, it’s the other teams who should be nervous.”
“Exactly! Last time, they only won because Sylvia wasn’t part of it. This year, things are different. We’re aiming straight for the top.”
Elbert gave Stella a reassuring pat on the shoulder and said warmly, “Sylvia, we believe in you. If there’s anything you need from the team, just say the word, and we’re behind you all the way.”
Touched by their support, Stella smiled gratefully. “Thanks, everyone. I’ll do my best not to let you down.”
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With that, she fell in step with the rest of the team as they made their way to the lab, their voices full of laughter and light conversation.
None of them noticed Cecelia in the corner, holding a coffee cup and quietly listening, her gaze locked bitterly on Stella’s retreating figure.
Ever since that disastrous incident with Allen, Cecelia had been stripped of her responsibilities and relegated to low-level tasks, like fetching coffee, running errands, and doing prints. She was no longer allowed near any real projects. Everything she once had access to was taken away. She couldn’t even step foot in the lab she used to work in.
No matter how hard she tried or how many years she put in, it was clear her former position was out of reach now.
She clenched her coffee cup, her knuckles blanching as she watched Stella and the others walk off, laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. That sound—so carefree—stung in her ears.
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