"Annie, here’s the situation," Quentin Thorne said. "The higher-ups are considering having you move into economic research. I wonder if you have any interest in that?"

"Work in economic research?"

"Yes."

Sienna Thornton looked puzzled, turning to Julian Shepard and Tobias Blackwood: "But my major is international law."

Julian Shepard chuckled: "As far as I know, you studied economics for four years at HKU."

"That’s true, but..." Sienna was contemplating how to explain to Julian Shepard why she studied economics at HKU.

She currently felt a bit stressed.

Firstly, it was clear that these people indeed wanted her to leave the Treaty and Law Department and work in another division. Yet she had invested years into the Treaty and Law Department, finally becoming Deputy Director, and didn’t want to switch units now.

Moving to a new unit meant her career would basically be starting over. At 33 years old, she wished to dive deep into one field instead of constantly hopping around.

This sense of being forced felt very unpleasant, leading to her frustration.

She tried her best to suppress that feeling and calmly stated: "In undergraduate, I studied economics, focusing on international economics, to lay a foundation for my subsequent engagement in international economic and trade law. My expertise, however, remains in law."

She swallowed softly, continuing: "If you insist on having me work in economics, I am capable, but I won’t be better than those who specialize in economic research. Therefore, I believe I am not the best candidate for you; I apologize."

Both Julian Shepard and Tobias Blackwood remained silent, seemingly surprised by her straightforward rejection, making the atmosphere suddenly awkward.

Sienna discreetly observed Julian Shepard’s expression, worried about offending him and possibly getting into serious trouble.

Julian Shepard merely nodded slightly, seemingly taking her words in and reconsidering.

Sienna’s tension didn’t dissipate; she remained on edge.

After a moment, Julian Shepard smiled and said: "It’s not about having you leave the Treaty and Law Department immediately and start a new job right away. There will be a transition period, approximately fifteen to sixteen years, during which you can learn and practice."

Sienna didn’t quite understand: "Several years?"

"Our plan is this way. Director-General Thorne, have a look." Julian Shepard pushed a tablet towards her, tapping a few times before a mind map appeared.

"This year and the next, you will continue in the Treaty and Law Department, aiming for the successful completion of the fourth and fifth cases. At the end of next year, you will be announced as the Director of Economics. Then your promotion curve goes like this..."

Julian Shepard’s finger slid across the tablet, enlarging the mind map.

The higher-ups had detailed plans for her forty-year career, specifying the year she would be promoted and the roles she would undertake.

Sienna was astonished.

She thought she was dreaming, discreetly pinched her thigh, and realized it hurt.

Julian Shepard chuckled at her shock: "This is a way of nurturing and preparing talent. We need people with compatible mindsets and mutually supportive ideas to gather strength."

As he spoke, his right hand subconsciously formed a fist.

"When you successfully negotiated the fastener case in Valois during your first year, I took notice of you. I’ve watched your speeches during negotiations and reviewed your background. Initially, we weren’t aware you were Dean Thorne’s daughter, but we were very satisfied with your background before that! From a farmer’s family, clean background, very down-to-earth and relatable! Plus, something I admire is you gave up your green card and HK citizenship to return to develop domestically."

Julian Shepard said this with a welcoming smile, looking kindly at Sienna.

Sienna felt guilty.

She dared not disclose that her resolute return was initially for Quentin Thorne. Later, as fate would have it, she fell in love with Simon Forrester, which led to her settling domestically—not with noble ideals or love for her country initially.

But revealing this would be self-sabotage.

Now Julian Shepard wanted to have her join as an ally...

Sienna knew what this meant, feeling slightly excited.

Tobias Blackwood was quietly discussing her situation with Julian Shepard: "She’s been with Jules for many years, and the couple hasn’t had any scandalous news. Over the past years, The Forresters have done well in charity, plus being a daughter of Dean Thorne and granddaughter of Professor Thorne are advantages. The Treaty and Law Department had her featured on news and interviewed by official media, highlighting her background beautifully. No one is more suitable."

Julian Shepard listened to Tobias Blackwood’s words while smiling at Sienna, repeatedly nodding, showing satisfaction towards her.

"How old is Director-General Thorne this year?" he suddenly asked.

Sienna: "Thirty-three years old."

Julian Shepard smiled: "Same age as my wife. But you’re more capable, handling things on your own at a young age. She married me before finishing her graduate studies and has stayed home with our kids since."

When he said this, his face showed gratitude and affection for his wife.

Sienna considered the man, thinking that, given Julian Shepard’s strength, his wife could only stay home with the kids. She imagined Tobias Blackwood’s wife, Nadia, perhaps also well-protected due to her husband’s power.

Simon Forrester, however, didn’t have as many constraints, so she had the chance to venture out.

She felt fortunate, being freer than the partners of major figures.

Julian Shepard’s mention of his family life eased Sienna’s tension a bit. Her mood eased, and she smiled, asking: "How many children do you have?"

"Three, two sons and a daughter. The eldest is seven, the second is four, and the youngest, the girl, is over two months old."

Sienna felt envious: "The two brothers must surely protect their sister; that’s wonderful."

Julian Shepard: "I quite like your son; if there’s ever an opportunity, it’s good to let the kids from both families interact more. Who knows, maybe your son and my daughter will fancy each other, and we’ll become in-laws."

Sienna maintained a polite smile, thinking, the pressure of being your in-law would be immense.