After recognizing Mary Murray, the guests from Youtopia quickly noticed the telling silence from both the Crystal and Mack families. The ssage was clear—the complicated history between the Murray and Crystal families wasn't up for public discussion today.
Taking their cue, even those who recognized Mary kept their distance, redirecting their attention instead to the golden children of the family: Niall and Benjamin.
One particularly astute guest, standing directly in front of Veronica and Mary, smiled broadly at Sophia. "Madam Crystal, your grandchildren are truly exceptional—both in appearance and character. You must be so proud."
The comnt wasn't wrong. Niall and Benjamin had always been the crown jewels of the Crystal dynasty, cherished and celebrated by Sophia above all others.
Without sparing even a glance toward Veronica, Sophia's face softened as she gazed at her favored grandchildren. "You're too kind," she responded with practiced modesty, though her eyes shone with unmistakable pride.
Whatever other pleasantries followed, Veronica didn't hear them. She and her family were already moving away from the gathering, slipping quietly through the crowd. Though Cullen stood just feet away, she hadn't looked at him again after their initial eye contact.
Maverick and Nate exchanged surprised glances. Neither had expected Veronica's appearance tonight, and certainly not the uncomfortable mont when she'd been mistaken for Niall. They watched in silence as she walked away, the tension lingering in her wake.
The awkward mont was interrupted by the arrival of Marco's secretary, who approached Sophia with an elegantly wrapped gift box. The news that Marco couldn't attend personally sent a ripple of disappointnt through both families—though for very different reasons.
The Mack family's disappointnt carried an edge of anxiety. After Bonnie's recent indiscretions, both Aurora and Jade had pinned their hopes on a potential marriage between Bonnie and Marco to salvage their family's reputation. His absence felt like another door closing on that possibility.
Nate couldn't hide his surprise. As far as he knew, Marco had no conflicting engagents that would prevent him from attending such a significant event.
Even Niall seed caught off guard, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows drawing together in a slight frown. Cullen, however, maintained his practiced neutrality, his face revealing nothing.
Across the venue in the wedding banquet hall, Veronica settled in with her family. They'd barely taken their seats when her phone illuminated with Sabrina's na. Veronica hesitated, her finger hovering over the decline button.
Mary, noticing the caller ID, pieced together the situation—Cullen and Niall attending Sophia's celebration while Sabrina was nowhere to be seen. The poor girl was likely ho alone. With a sympathetic glance, she nudged Veronica. "You should answer that."
Veronica understood Mary's concern and couldn't bring herself to reject the call in front of her. With a small sigh, she excused herself and found a quiet corner.
"Mom!" Sabrina's voice burst through the speaker, overflowing with excitent that Veronica had actually answered. "This Sunday is Mother's Lewis! I got you a present! Can I co see you?"
Mother's Lewis. The words hung in the air between them. After a mont of reflection, Veronica softened her voice. "Okay." Then, concern edging into her tone, she asked, "Are you ho by yourself right now?"
"Yeah!" Sabrina confird cheerfully. "Dad hasn't co back yet."
The simplicity of her answer caused Veronica's heart to tighten. Here was Sabrina, technically Sophia Crystal's great-granddaughter, left behind on her great-grandmother's birthday celebration. Niall constantly professed her deep love for Sabrina, yet didn't think to include her in such a significant family event.
Was this what they called love and care? The disparity was so obvious, so fundantal—how could Cullen not see it?
But Veronica already knew the answer. When it ca to Niall, Cullen's judgnt was perpetually clouded. Any flimsy excuse Niall offered would be enough for him to believe without question, his devotion to her blinding him to the most obvious truths.
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