Chapter 312

Chapter 312:
Frankly, if she ever wanted to, Stella could become their fiercest rival—she knew precisely where to strike. With the Walsh Group teetering on the edge of collapse, their roster of partners was thinning fast. So Stella could easily poach the Walsh Group’s clients and seize their projects.
William watched her cool composure with a faintly amused smile. “You’re right—you really could make his company go bankrupt any time you wanted.”
With another high-stakes competition looming, Stella and her team at the research institute embarked on a new round of experiments. This round demanded far more ingenuity and stamina than their previous quest for the top prize.
Stella threw herself headlong into the work, leaving no detail unchecked. Over the course of more than two relentless weeks, they pushed themselves to the brink. At last, after endless trials, their research finally took shape.
“Sylvia, I couldn’t have cracked this competition without you,” Sandra lingered beside Stella, poring over the latest round of experimental results together.
With today’s data finally tallied, the project was officially complete—ready at last to be handed off to the competition judges for review.
Stella pushed back from the desk, letting out a long, exhausted sigh. “Guys, it’s been a tough slog for over half a month. You’ve all done an amazing job!” she said.
For more than half a month, they’d practically lived inside the lab—days and nights blurring together as they chased every detail to perfection. Meals and sleep were their only breaks from the grind.
“We have to celebrate tonight,” Elbert chimed in, grinning as he glanced around at his equally weary, exhilarated teammates.
Just as Stella was ready to join in the well-earned festivities, her phone buzzed. A message from William flashed across the screen.
“Come to the banquet with me tonight. It’s a great opportunity for Nebula’s future.”
Stella let out a resigned sigh before addressing her team. “Something just came up—I might have to skip dinner with you all tonight.”
William had work for her, and in her position, declining simply wasn’t an option. This was for Nebula’s benefit, after all, and she couldn’t justify backing out. Sandra’s face briefly registered disappointment, but she quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. “It’s alright, Sylvia. Take care of your business. We’ll have plenty of chances to eat together.”
Sandra’s easygoing response only deepened Stella’s guilt. “Tomorrow night’s on me, then. I owe you guys a proper meal,” she added quickly, eager to keep things from turning sour.
That promise brightened Sandra’s expression immediately. “You’re on. Looking forward to it!”
Stella gathered her things and returned to her dorm to change clothes, mentally preparing herself for the evening ahead.
.
.
.