Niall took a mont to absorb Marco's words before offering a gracious smile. "That's perfectly fine. Your plans should take precedence."
Marco acknowledged with a nod. After watching Niall's car disappear down the street, he settled into his own vehicle but didn't imdiately start the engine. Instead, he reached for his phone, scrolled to Veronica's contact, and after a brief mont of hesitation, made the call.
Veronica was still at her office when her phone buzzed. Glancing at the caller ID, she answered with professional detachnt, "Mr. Valerie?"
Marco had prepared what to say, but the background noise coming through the line made him reconsider. "You're still working at this hour?" he asked instead.
"Yes," she replied simply.
Assuming this wasn't a business call given the late hour, Veronica added, "I'm available tomorrow. What does Cecelia have planned?"
A stretch of silence followed.
"Mr. Valerie?" Veronica prompted.
Marco ntally calculated how exhausting Veronica's week must have been. It was already past nine, and she was still at the office, undoubtedly drained. Her daughter had returned to Dennis Estate, aning she wouldn't see Sabrina tomorrow. Yet here he was, asking her to spend ti with soone else's child.
The inequity of the request struck him. "If you're too tired, we can reschedule for another ti," he offered.
Veronica, however, didn't feel particularly burdened by the prospect. "Tomorrow is fine with ," she assured him.
After a brief pause, Marco relented. "Alright then."
anwhile, the Dennis family was exiting a restaurant when they encountered the Harris.
Doran, on familiar terms with Watson, greeted him enthusiastically. Maverick and Cullen exchanged cordial acknowledgnts as well.
Sabrina, clutching Cullen's hand, looked up with a bright smile. "Mr. Harris, hello!"
Maverick nodded in response. "Hello there."
As Maverick surveyed the Dennis group, his gaze carefully assessed each face. He noticed that everyone present was familiar to him. There was no unknown woman who might be Sabrina's mother among them.
Had Cullen truly ended his marriage as rumored?
After exchanging pleasantries with the Harris, the Dennis departed for the hospital to visit Cook.
Watson opted to stay overnight with Cook, while Cullen and the others returned to Dennis Estate.
As they arrived ho, Leo turned to Cullen with anticipation in his eyes. "Cull, you didn't forget my idol's autograph, right?"
Cullen tossed his car keys toward Leo. "It's in the car. Go fetch it yourself."
"Thanks, Cull!" Leo caught the keys with excitent.
Seraphine, noticing the exchange, inquired, "What's that about?"
Leo froze montarily, but Cullen smoothly interjected, "Nothing important."
Relief washed over Leo's face as he dashed outside to retrieve Niall's autograph.
Seraphine shrugged, dropping the subject.
When Leo returned, he was holding several notebooks with "ROCK" signatures. His expression revealed slight disappointnt. "Cull, I was hoping for a signed poster—sothing I could hang on my wall and admire daily."
Cullen's response was blunt. "That's not appropriate for you."
"Why not?" Leo protested. He wasn't planning anything inappropriate—just wanted to display it on his wall.
Cullen rely offered an enigmatic smile without elaborating.
Leo recognized that look as a definitive refusal and decided not to press further. Still, possessing his idol's autograph was enough to spark joy. Satisfied with his acquisition, he promptly sent Niall a grateful ssage.
Later that evening, Sabrina approached Cullen with a tablet displaying a movie trailer. "Dad, there's a new animated film premiering tomorrow! The trailer looks incredible. Could we watch it together?"
"I'll be tied up tomorrow," Cullen explained.
With Watson's return, Dennis Estate would likely be hosting nurous visitors the following day.
"Perhaps ask your mother?" he suggested.
Sabrina had been spending more ti with Veronica lately, so the separation wasn't as difficult as before.
"What about Niall? Could I—"
"She has a scheduled lesson tomorrow. Don't disturb her," Cullen interrupted.
Sabrina's lips ford a slight pout. "Okay. I'll ask Mom then."
She retrieved her phone and called Veronica.
Having just arrived ho, Veronica noticed Sabrina's na on her screen but chose not to answer. Setting her phone aside, she headed for a relaxing bath instead.
When her call went unanswered, Sabrina concluded that Veronica must be overwheld with work. "Mom's busy too..."
Cullen glanced at Leo, who was sitting nearby. "Your uncle can take you."
Leo was montarily speechless as he processed this unexpected developnt.
He had already made plans with friends! But rembering how Cullen had just secured his idol's autograph and how kindly Niall had treated him, he felt a surge of goodwill. Without further hesitation, he agreed to accompany his niece to the movies.
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