Chrustuba Inc. is evaluating a new project with an after$-$tax cost of $$8\mathrm{.}6$ million at t $=0.$ There is a $50\%$ chance that the project would be highly successful and generate annual after$-$tax cash flows of $$5\mathrm{.}0$ million during Years $1,2,$ and $3.$ However, there is a $50\%$ chance that it would be less successful and would generate annual after$-$tax cash flows of only $$1$ million for each of the $3$ years. If the project is highly successful, it would open the door for another after$-$tax investment of $$12$ million at the end of Year $2,$ and this new investment could be sold for $$24$ million after taxes at the end of Year $3.$ Assuming a WACC of $11\mathrm{.}5\%,$ what is the project's expected NPV $($in thousands$)$ after taking into account this growth option? Do not round intermediate calculations.

a$.$ $$3,385$

b$.$ $$4,997$

c$.$ $$2,498$

d$.$ $$3,775$

e$.$ $$4,141$