Earlier that afternoon, Dario had contacted her with an update about the legal arrangements, mentioning that she would meet with the attorneys the following morning.
Veronica knew she needed to expedite the divorce proceedings without delay.
Marco recognized her misunderstanding but chose not to clarify. His response was measured. "Understood."
Veronica anticipated the call would conclude there. When silence stretched between them, she inquired with slight bewilderment, "Mr. Valerie, was there something else you needed to discuss?"
Marco detected the steadiness in her tone, noting the complete absence of anguish, devastation, or inner chaos he had anticipated hearing.
Yet was this composure genuine? Or was she masterfully concealing her true feelings beneath this collected facade?
His prolonged silence prompted her to ask again, "Mr. Valerie? Are you there?"
The question jolted him back to the present. "Yes, I'm here."
Her voice remained businesslike. "Did you need anything else?" Without allowing him time to respond, she continued, "I have several urgent matters requiring my attention. Unless there's something specific, I'll need to end this call."
Marco found himself with little choice. "Of course."
Veronica disconnected without ceremony.
Malcolm had expressed genuine enthusiasm for one of her recent research proposals. Several days earlier, he had reached out requesting that she compile and organize her findings.
He had offered to conduct a thorough review and, assuming everything met standards, assist her with the journal submission process.
Her recent intensive work with Stellar and DataPulse had consumed most of her available time, leaving this academic project largely neglected. With this rare window of opportunity, she was determined to make substantial progress.
She set her phone aside and opened her laptop, diving into her work.
After ending their conversation, Marco immediately called Nate back. "You mentioned Cullen demanded both divorce and complete custody of Sa. Surely she fought back? Are they gearing up for a custody battle?"
Nate had contacted him earlier specifically to discuss this very situation.
His response was immediate and incredulous. "Absolutely not! She accepted everything! The divorce, the custody arrangement, all of it without a single objection. She simply signed every document they put in front of her. Her composure was unnerving, Marco. I've never witnessed anything like it!"
This revelation stunned Marco equally. Such behavior seemed completely contrary to everything he knew about Veronica's character.
Like Nate, he struggled to comprehend how Veronica could surrender custody of Sabrina so effortlessly. The woman he knew would never abandon her child without a fierce fight.
Nate pressed for his opinion. "What's your take on this?" Before Marco could formulate a response, Nate offered his own theory. "Maybe this is some elaborate psychological strategy? Making Cullen feel remorse by appearing completely indifferent?"
Marco had no ready answer. He couldn't entirely dismiss the possibility, considering Veronica's profound emotional investment in Cullen, such manipulation wasn't beyond the realm of possibility.
After contemplating in silence, he asked, "How did Cullen handle her reaction?"
Nate considered this. "Cullen was visibly caught off guard. During dinner at the family estate, I noticed him watching Veronica far more intently than usual.
"If I'm reading this correctly, Veronica might be playing a brilliant psychological game. I may have underestimated her strategic thinking!"
Marco's response carried an undercurrent of something deeper. "Perhaps she genuinely desires the divorce."
Nate paused, processing this suggestion. "You're talking about Veronica?" He released a skeptical laugh. "Impossible. She's harbored feelings for Cullen since adolescence. After investing so many years of her life in him, she wouldn't voluntarily walk away."
Marco's words held layers of meaning. "People evolve. Circumstances change them."
Nate remained unconvinced. "I still think you're wrong about this."
Shifting topics, he continued, "Regardless of her motivations, this development benefits Cullen enormously. When you return from your business trip, and after Niall has made more progress in her recovery, we should arrange a proper celebration."
It was only then that Nate realized Marco had grown remarkably quiet, his silence stretching uncomfortably long.
The weight of unspoken thoughts hung heavy in the air between them, each man grappling with the implications of Veronica's unexpected surrender and what it might truly signify for everyone involved.