Lester's plans to go rafting with Veronica never materialized, but fate had other designs when he encountered her family again during dinner at the resort.
Phillip and Poppy extended a warm invitation for him and his friend to join their table. The atmosphere was relaxed as they settled into comfortable conversation.
"What prompted your return to pursue your career here?" Phillip inquired curiously after learning of Lester's connection to the Martin family.
Lester's hands paused montarily as he recalled his initial motivation. "I've always been fascinated by DataPulse's programming language Echo and their groundbreaking Vespera project," he explained, his voice carrying genuine enthusiasm. "Coming back gave the opportunity to join the company and imrse myself in learning these innovations."
The ntion of DataPulse triggered subtle knowing smiles from Phillip, Poppy, and Mary, who exchanged quick glances with Veronica. She, however, kept her gaze downward, focusing intently on her al as if avoiding any connection to the topic.
Lester didn't register the significance of their reactions. In his mind, while Veronica was undeniably talented in her field, she had only been with DataPulse for about a year. The programming language Echo had existed long before her arrival, and industry consensus credited its developnt to Malcolm. It seed perfectly logical that soone of Malcolm's caliber would be behind such a sophisticated language.
As for the cutting-edge Vespera project, Lester sincerely believed Dario was spearheading the initiative. His limited interactions with Dario during company etings had left him impressed with the man's technical prowess. Without deeper collaboration, Lester couldn't accurately assess whether Dario or Veronica possessed superior skills, though his workplace observations suggested Veronica typically served in a supporting role to Dario.
Throughout dinner, the Murray family displayed remarkable warmth and engaging conversational skills. By the ti the al concluded, Lester had ford favorable impressions of everyone present.
When dinner ended, Veronica and her family departed for ho, prompting Lester and his friends to wrap up their evening shortly after.
The following day, Sabrina reached out to Veronica, announcing her imminent return to the country. "Mom," she said through the phone, "Dad won't be back for another few days. Do you have ti? I'd love to visit you and Granny when I get back."
Veronica hesitated briefly, rembering Mary's recent ntions of Sabrina. After a montary pause, she replied, "Co on over."
On the holiday's final day, Sabrina arrived at the Murray residence directly after returning to the country. She had thoughtfully brought presents for Veronica and everyone else in the family.
Mary, Phillip, and the others were visibly delighted with their gifts, expressing their appreciation warmly.
Veronica couldn't help noticing two additional packages in Sabrina's suitcase—clearly intended for Cullen and Niall. She discreetly averted her gaze, maintaining her composure.
After distributing the presents, the excitent gradually gave way to fatigue from Sabrina's travels. Still reluctant to part from Veronica, the young girl nestled against her, wrapping her arms tightly around Veronica's waist before drifting off to sleep. She hadn't even taken ti to shower.
Seeing Sabrina's exhaustion and peaceful slumber, Veronica chose not to wake her. Once the child was deeply asleep, Veronica carefully transferred her to the bed.
The next morning, before heading to work, Veronica drove Sabrina to school. She deliberately avoided asking when Cullen might return.
Three days after the June Lewis holiday concluded, Cullen ca back to the country. Rather than contacting Veronica directly, he reached out to Sabrina first.
After speaking with him, Sabrina inford Veronica, "Mom, Dad says he's coming to pick up soon."
"Okay," Veronica responded simply.
Despite her reluctance to leave the Murray family, Sabrina couldn't ignore her father's expressed longing to see her. Though torn between staying with Veronica and returning to her father, she prepared to depart with him.
Cullen arrived half an hour later. Veronica walked Sabrina to his car, holding the girl's hand protectively.
As Cullen stepped out of the vehicle, his eyes t Veronica's. "Thank you for taking care of her these past few days," he said.
Veronica didn't acknowledge his gratitude. Instead, she turned to Sabrina and said, "Sa, I need a mont with your dad. Wait in the car, please."
Sabrina glanced between them before nodding. "Okay," she agreed, climbing obediently into the vehicle.
Once Cullen closed the car door, Veronica finally spoke, her voice edged with controlled anger. "Sa is only six years old. Were you really comfortable letting her travel so far with just bodyguards?"
Before he could defend himself, she continued coldly, "I don't know why you place such implicit trust in those bodyguards, but I won't accept sothing like this happening again."
She braced herself for his counterargunt, expecting resistance.
Instead, Cullen simply looked at her steadily and replied, "Okay, I understand."
His unexpected acquiescence left Veronica montarily speechless.
"We should get going now," Cullen added quietly. "You should get so rest."
Veronica said nothing more, turning silently to walk back toward the house.
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