---- Their stance was clear. Unable to make headway with them, Smith invited Julia out for dinner instead. Over appetizers, they chatted about the industry for a bit, before he shifted topics. "If you'd joined Cole last year, I think you'd have made huge progress by now. A missed opportunity." The last tthey met, he'd asked about her current situation. At the time, he hadn't commented. But now, the regret in his tone was obvious. Julia understood the subtext.
Maggie's paper had caused a stir both domestically and internationally. Everyone in the field knew: for Cole to publicly release such a groundbreaking paper, it had to mean their internal R&D was on a whole other level-what they showed was just the tip of the iceberg. She believed that too. That was the whole reason she'd wanted to join them in the first place. But she hadn't expected Cole to rise so fast, so far. ---- If she'd gotten in last year? She might've already gained the kind of technical foundation to run her family's tech company solo. Now, looking back, she realized that Maggie blocking her wasn't just about people-it was about power. About potential Smith stirred his wine glass, then asked, "Still thinking about joining Cole?" Of course she was. But as long as Johnny stayed loyal to Maggie, she'd never have that chance. Not that she'd say that out loud. Instead, she offered a diplomatic smile. "I have my own company now.
We even collaborated with Cole before. But considering information security concerns, I doubt Mr. Gray would consider hiringfull-time." Smith looked visibly disappointed. "That's a shame." Friday morning Maggie had just cback from a jog when she got a call from Madam Wilson. ---- It'd been months since they last saw each other, and the old lady was inviting her to dinner. She was just about to say yes when Madam Wilson added, "I'l be bringing Franklin and Isabella along. You don't mind, do you?"