Sabrina's voice pulled Veronica back from her spiraling thoughts.
The mories from yesterday crashed over her like a wave. When she had stumbled and fallen, Cullen remained motionless. When blood seeped through her clothing, his face showed nothing but cold detachnt.
His behavior stemd from more than simple indifference toward her. He was calculating, ensuring Niall wouldn't witness any hint of concern for his wife.
Niall's comfort mattered above all else in Cullen's world.
Whether Veronica drew breath or stopped breathing entirely held no significance for him.
How else could she explain the ice in his eyes when she crumpled to the ground, wounded and vulnerable?
Her expression hardened as these realizations settled. She prepared to refuse the call, but Cullen's voice cut through first.
"Let speak with your mother," he instructed Sabrina.
Sabrina shifted the phone toward Veronica. "Mom, Dad wants to talk to you."
Veronica's lips ford a tight line before she answered. "Tell him I'm occupied."
"Okay," Sabrina relayed the ssage. "Dad, she says she's busy right now."
Cullen's response was clipped. "Fine."
Sabrina concluded the call. "Alright, Mom. Talk to you later."
"Later, sweetheart."
After ending the conversation, Sabrina placed her phone aside and studied Cullen's face. "Dad, sothing's bothering Mom," she observed, her young voice carrying genuine concern.
Cullen barely glanced up from his docunts. His voice remained flat. "Is that your assessnt?"
"Yes. I can tell sothing's wrong, but I don't understand what."
"Noted."
The conversation died there.
Veronica spent the following days working remotely from her apartnt.
Sabrina maintained her daily check-ins about the healing process, though as Veronica anticipated, no ntion of visiting ever surfaced.
The technical proposal she and Dario had compiled received Malcolm's review after forty-eight hours.
Their comprehensive analysis, containing proprietary insights that competitors would kill for, earned nothing but Malcolm's scathing dismissal and complete rejection.
The next seventy-two hours blurred together as Veronica and Dario frantically restructured their presentation according to Malcolm's brutal feedback while maintaining their regular workload.
Monday arrived with Veronica's ankle significantly improved. Though driving remained uncomfortable, she could finally return to the office environnt.
Dario approached her desk that morning. "Cullen's serious about this partnership," he inford her.
Cullen hadn't appeared personally, but his representatives had initiated contact the previous week.
Dario had deliberately withheld this information from Veronica, concerned about the emotional impact on her recovery.
That afternoon brought another scheduled visit from Cullen's company. Successful negotiations could cent the preliminary partnership frawork.
Vincent Jasmine, Cullen's technical director, represented Cullen's private technology venture rather than the Dennis Group's interests.
Veronica encountered him for the first ti during this eting.
Upon discovering Veronica's technical background, Vincent extended professional courtesy. "Pleasure to et you, Ms. Murray."
"Likewise," Veronica responded evenly.
The negotiations proceeded without complications.
DataPulse Co. arranged lunch hospitality for Cullen's delegation at midday.
Their arrival at the restaurant coincided perfectly with Cullen and Niall erging from their own vehicle.
The sight of them together caused Veronica's breath to catch montarily.
Dario massaged his temples, obviously unprepared for such timing.
Vincent's face brightened with recognition. "Mr. Dennis!" he called out enthusiastically.
Cullen and Niall pivoted toward the voice.
Both registered surprise at discovering Veronica and Dario among the group.
Following brief acknowledgnts to Veronica and Dario, Vincent approached Cullen and Niall directly.
Given Cullen's presence and their ongoing business relationship, Veronica and Dario exchanged resigned looks before trailing behind Vincent.
Vincent, clearly familiar with Niall, addressed her with obvious deference. "Ms. Crystal, good to see you."
"Hello," Niall replied, her tone carrying noticeable frost.
Vincent remained unperturbed by her coolness. Considering Niall's elevated position as Cullen's chosen companion and presud future bride, her distant treatnt of business associates seed entirely appropriate.
Vincent redirected his attention to Cullen. "I've been negotiating with DataPulse Co. regarding our collaboration. Mr. Reid's team extended a lunch invitation."
Cullen acknowledged this with a firm handshake. "I appreciate your dedication to this project."
"Simply fulfilling my responsibilities," Vincent replied with professional warmth.
Cullen's attention moved to Dario and Veronica. He nodded toward Dario. "Mr. Reid."
Veronica received no acknowledgnt whatsoever.
Dario returned the polite gesture before making an unexpected suggestion. "Since fate brought us together, perhaps you'd join our table?"
Cullen's refusal ca swiftly. "We'll decline. This is our private ti together. I'll arrange a proper business al soon."
Private ti clearly referenced his romantic outing with Niall. He had no intention of allowing interruptions.
Dario suppressed his internal scorn while maintaining his diplomatic smile. "Your consideration is appreciated, Mr. Dennis."
Niall welcod the prospect of uninterrupted ti with Cullen. Though she found Dario intriguing for future networking, Cullen always commanded her primary focus.
Cullen's protective attitude toward their date filled her with satisfaction, and she refused to tolerate any intrusion on their intimate monts.
She remained silent as they departed together.
Once they disappeared, Dario turned to Vincent. "You're acquainted with Ms. Crystal?"
"We've crossed paths occasionally," Vincent explained. "Mr. Dennis obviously treasures her company. She's visited our offices multiple tis."
The revelation struck ho.
Throughout her years married to Cullen, Veronica had never stepped foot in any of his business locations. Cullen had explicitly forbidden such visits.
Yet Niall enjoyed unrestricted access to his professional world.
While Vincent's attention wandered, Dario moved closer to Veronica and spoke quietly. "Following the charity auction incident and last week's technology exhibition, the Crystal family has cultivated impressive connections throughout Porter. Reports indicate they've secured multiple significant contracts within days."
Upon completing these projects, the Crystal family would establish unshakeable roots in Porter's business landscape.
Cullen's influence had granted the Crystal family achievents in re days that most entrepreneurs spent years pursuing. The envy surrounding their rapid ascent was entirely predictable.
Veronica's gaze dropped as she whispered her acknowledgnt. "Understood."
Reviews
All reviews (0)