Kelsey recognized Cook imdiately.
After exchanging pleasantries, her attention shifted to Veronica, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You must be Ver, I presu?"
eting Kelsey for the first ti, Veronica responded with appropriate deference, "Yes, that's ."
Kelsey's gaze was appraising but kind. "You're quite beautiful," she remarked appreciatively.
Prior to her arrival at the hospital, Kelsey had been thoroughly briefed on Rose's dical condition.
However, rather than rushing to prescribe treatnt, she preferred a more asured approach—observing the situation firsthand before making any clinical decisions.
Veronica and Mary had intended to remain at the hospital throughout Kelsey's evaluation and treat her to lunch afterward as a token of their gratitude.
Kelsey, however, gently dismissed them. "I'll contact you once I've formulated a comprehensive treatnt plan," she assured them.
With a aningful glance at Veronica, she added, "As for that lunch—we'll have plenty of opportunities for that in the future. No need to rush."
Given her professional insistence, Veronica and Mary had no option but to comply. Veronica returned to her office responsibilities while Cook accompanied Mary back to the Murray residence.
That evening, after completing her workday, Veronica made her way to the Murray ho for dinner. Cook was still present.
As the evening drew to a close and Cook prepared to depart, she reached for Veronica's hand, giving it a gentle, sympathetic pat. A soft sigh escaped her lips.
Cook was well aware that Veronica and Cullen had recently formalized their divorce at the courthouse.
She recognized that their decision was final—no amount of intervention would change their course now. Even if she wished to interfere, certain individuals were simply beyond persuasion.
Perhaps severing ties with Cullen and embarking on a new chapter was truly the optimal path for Veronica.
With this realization weighing on her mind, Cook offered a simple but heartfelt wish: "Take good care of yourself."
Veronica nodded with quiet resolve. "I will. Please do the sa."
Upon returning to the Dennis residence, Cook froze in the entryway, startled by the sight of an unexpected visitor seated in her living room.
"What brings you here?" she asked, unable to mask her surprise.
Cullen glanced up at her casual tone. "You berated out of nowhere yesterday. I thought perhaps you missed my presence, so I ca by."
Cook responded with a derisive snort, turning to the nearby housekeeper. "When did he arrive?"
"Around six o'clock, ma'am. I intended to inform you, but Mr. Cullen insisted I shouldn't disturb your engagents, so—"
"Nana!" Sabrina's excited voice interrupted as she bounded down the stairs.
Cook's expression softened instantly at the sight of her granddaughter.
Embracing the child who flew into her arms, she asked warmly, "Sa, have you eaten? Are you hungry?"
"Dad and I already had dinner," Sabrina replied. "What about you, Nana? Have you eaten yet?"
"Yes, I have," Cook answered with genuine affection.
Despite her joy at seeing Sabrina, Cook's exhaustion from her long day was evident.
Cullen noticed her fatigue and suggested, "I actually ca to discuss sothing important, but seeing as you're tired, perhaps tomorrow morning would be—"
"I won't be in any better mood tomorrow morning either," Cook cut in tersely.
She was certain that whatever Cullen wished to discuss inevitably involved Niall.
"I can't control your actions, but don't burden with these matters," she stated firmly.
This was the first ti Sabrina had witnessed her grandmother's temper flare, yet she remained unperturbed. "Nana, are you upset about sothing?" she inquired innocently.
"Yes," Cook admitted, her expression conflicted as she regarded the child.
Turning to Cullen, she said pointedly, "Ver's mother is facing a severe health crisis. Were you aware of this?"
Despite Veronica's success in securing Kelsey's expertise, if Rose's condition proved too advanced, even Kelsey might be powerless to help.
Cullen's response was coolly detached. "I am now."
His tone remained even, his expression unchanged—neither surprise nor concern crossed his features. When it ca to Veronica, his deanor remained cold and disinterested.
He was fully cognizant of the long-standing animosity between the Murray and Crystal families, and yet—
The more Cook contemplated his indifference, the more her chest constricted with disappointnt.
Sabrina looked up questioningly. "Hasn't Grandma been sick for a long ti?"
She recalled Veronica explaining years ago, when she was very young, that Rose was ill and required hospitalization.
"Your grandma has developed a different illness now," Cook explained gently.
Then, without sparing Cullen another glance, she stated coldly, "In the future, don't co to with your trivial concerns. You may leave now."
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