Bonnie's face drained of color when she spotted Marco deep in conversation with Veronica. Her fingers dug into Nate' arm as disbelief flickered across her features. "What could Marco possibly want with her?"
Nate opened his mouth to respond, but Bonnie was already moving toward them with determined steps.
Dora's hand shot out, catching Bonnie's wrist in a firm grip. "They're handling business matters," she said, her voice carrying a warning edge.
"Business?" Bonnie's voice cracked with skepticism.
She forced herself to stay put, though every muscle in her body scread to interrupt whatever was happening between them. Her gaze remained locked on the pair, studying their every gesture and expression.
Veronica had chosen a flowing winter dress that hugged her figure in all the right places. Despite the minimal effort she'd put into her appearance, she commanded attention effortlessly. Standing beside Marco's tall fra, they created an image that made Bonnie's stomach twist with jealousy.
Even knowing that nothing romantic could exist between them, Bonnie couldn't shake the gnawing anxiety clawing at her chest. She tugged at Nate' sleeve repeatedly. "What are they discussing that's taking this long? This is ridiculous."
Bonnie's infatuation with Marco was as transparent as glass to everyone around her.
Nate had spent enough years observing Marco to understand his preferences completely. Marco had zero tolerance for spoiled, demanding won like Bonnie. He'd made his disinterest crystal clear on multiple occasions.
Nate let out a weary chuckle. "It's called networking, Bonnie. Adults do it at social events."
"Since when can't business wait until Monday morning?" Bonnie's voice rose with frustration.
Nate had reached his limit with her whining. He was ready to head inside for refreshnts, but Marco's extended absence kept him rooted in place.
The sound of approaching footsteps made him look up. Cullen and Niall were finally making their entrance. Nate raised his hand enthusiastically. "Here we are."
Isaac and the rest of their group imdiately brightened at the sight of the newcors. "Cullen, Niall, glad you could make it."
Cullen acknowledged them with a brief nod, but his attention quickly shifted to where Veronica and Marco stood engaged in their conversation.
The Crystal and Mack watched Cullen's face like hawks, searching for any crack in his composed facade. But Cullen's expression remained perfectly neutral as he observed the scene for just a mont before turning back to them. "I should go pay my respects."
Jade and Dora shared a aningful look as Cullen began walking toward his ex-wife.
Niall stepped forward with a reassuring smile directed at the watching families. "Mrs. Dennis Senior maintains cordial relationships with the Jayden family. Despite the divorce, Cullen wouldn't risk creating unnecessary tension."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "A polite greeting in public is simply good manners. Nothing more should be read into it."
The explanation seed to ease the visible tension in Jade's shoulders. For a brief mont, she'd wondered if there were lingering feelings that could complicate their carefully laid plans.
Niall's own gaze drifted toward Veronica briefly before she deliberately looked elsewhere, projecting an air of complete indifference.
Veronica's position gave her a clear view of Isaac's group, so she'd imdiately noticed when Cullen and Niall arrived together. What caught her off guard was Cullen's decision to approach her directly.
Her brow furrowed with annoyance as she watched him draw near.
"Madam Jayden," Cullen addressed Mary first, his tone respectfully formal.
Mary's warm deanor evaporated the instant she saw him approaching. Her smile transford into a cold, unwelcoming expression. "Mr. Dennis."
Cullen seed completely unbothered by her icy reception. He turned slightly and gave Veronica an equally brief acknowledgnt.
Veronica deliberately turned her head away, refusing to make eye contact or acknowledge his presence in any way.
Just as Niall had predicted, Cullen was rely going through the motions of social courtesy. Having completed his obligatory greeting, he was clearly ready to retreat.
Before departing, he caught Marco's eye and raised an eyebrow slightly, silently asking if Marco was ready to rejoin their group.
Marco imdiately understood the unspoken question. He turned to Mary and Dario with an apologetic expression. "I'm afraid I need to attend to sothing else. Perhaps we can continue our discussion another ti."
Dario waved him away with obvious irritation, clearly unimpressed by the interruption.
Mary, however, maintained her gracious composure despite her displeasure with Cullen's presence. "Of course, dear. We'll catch up properly when you have more ti."
With their brief exchange concluded, Marco fell into step beside Cullen as they made their way back toward the Crystal and Mack, leaving Veronica standing with the Kleins while the tension of the unexpected encounter slowly began to dissipate.
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