"Yes." When discussing Cullen, Niall's voice took on a noticeably warmer tone. "My injuries are still healing, and Cullen was concerned about me, so he insisted on coming to get me."
She delivered these words without so much as a sideways look at Veronica. Then she continued, "Mr. Harris, we should be going now. Perhaps we'll see you another time."
Maverick had been prepared to confront Veronica directly and defend Niall's honor.
However, observing how Niall refused to acknowledge Veronica's existence entirely, he understood that she held such complete contempt for the woman that she wouldn't waste the energy required for basic courtesy.
Witnessing Niall's confident and straightforward attitude, Maverick found himself even more drawn to her magnetic presence.
In that moment, he decided there was no value in engaging with Veronica. She simply wasn't worth the effort. This realization only intensified his growing distaste for her.
He addressed Niall, "I'm departing as well. Shall we leave together?"
Niall agreed with a nod, and she departed alongside Isaac without a backward glance.
While Niall completely ignored Veronica's presence, Maverick couldn't resist turning back to deliver a withering stare before following them out.
Veronica didn't need to decode the meaning behind that look. Maverick wasn't the first man to develop an instant dislike for her simply because of Niall's influence.
With this thought, she met his hostile gaze with equal coldness before dismissively turning away, walking toward the exit as though they were invisible.
Maverick felt genuinely stunned.
Rather than showing any shame at being confronted, she was displaying an almost righteous defiance.
He released a derisive laugh. Incredible. The world truly contained every type of person imaginable.
Observing Veronica walking out beside them without any apparent hesitation, Isaac experienced both surprise and irritation, his expression darkening.
Niall's stride briefly wavered but immediately steadied, maintaining the pretense that she hadn't registered Veronica's presence at all.
In the parking area, Cullen had already emerged from his vehicle and was positioned against the door, waiting for Niall's arrival.
Spotting Veronica exiting with the group, he paused momentarily before quickly recovering his composure.
Veronica noticed Cullen as well. However, without acknowledging anyone else, she proceeded directly to her own car.
After programming her navigation system, she drove away.
As her vehicle moved forward, she glimpsed Cullen considerately opening the car door for Niall with his characteristic tender attention.
Saturday evening brought a banquet, and Dario had returned Friday afternoon.
Upon learning about Maverick's conduct, he responded with a cold sneer. "Given those circumstances, there's no reason for us to pursue a partnership with him. There's no benefit in dealing with someone so insufferable."
Veronica found herself in complete agreement.
Maverick wasn't the only viable business partner in their field. She had no intention of compromising her dignity for his sake.
Saturday afternoon found Veronica selecting her evening attire when her phone began ringing.
The caller was Sabrina.
She had been declining these calls, hoping this approach might reduce their frequency. However, Sabrina continued calling two or three times weekly.
Veronica chose not to answer this call either.
Unlike previous occasions, Sabrina no longer experienced the same level of disappointment.
Initially, her mother's repeated refusal to take her calls had caused her significant heartache. But her father had advised her that if she felt compelled to call, she should follow that impulse, because eventually, her mom would answer.
So now, whenever she wanted to speak with Veronica, despite knowing the call might go unanswered, she still reached out immediately.
Following the call, she casually set aside her phone and observed Cullen, who was now wearing a formal suit.
Sprawled across the master bed, she swung her legs playfully. "Dad, are you leaving this early to collect Niall?"
Cullen confirmed with a sound of agreement.
"Then you both need to return early tomorrow and spend time with me."
Cullen departed roughly ten minutes after completing his preparations.
By eight o'clock that evening, Cullen and Niall made their entrance at the banquet together.
Niall had again chosen an expensive ensemble, appearing absolutely stunning and impossible to overlook.
The moment they entered the hall, they immediately became the focal point of everyone's attention.
Marco and Nate had arrived earlier. Seeing the couple's entrance, they approached them.
Maverick, Edric, and Kolton had also just arrived. Noticing the disturbance, they turned to observe.
When Maverick spotted Niall, that familiar flash of appreciation appeared in his eyes once more.
Edric observed Cullen and Niall briefly before asking Kolton, "Is that Niall Crystal?"
Kolton confirmed with a nod. "Indeed. She's quite beautiful and captivating, wouldn't you agree?" However, regardless of her beauty or appeal, she belonged to someone else.
Edric looked only briefly before averting his gaze without offering any commentary.
Cullen's mere presence commanded immediate respect. Upon his arrival, numerous people approached to offer their greetings.
Soon, a substantial crowd had formed around him and Niall.
At that precise moment, Dario and Veronica made their entrance.
DataPulse currently held the position as the industry's most discussed company. Therefore, Dario' attendance at the banquet naturally drew eager attention from all directions.
Simultaneously, many found themselves captivated by Veronica's striking appearance.
This evening, Veronica had chosen an off-white, hand-embroidered evening gown that perfectly complemented her elegant silhouette while projecting an intellectual, tranquil beauty.
Someone within the crowd whispered, "One must admit, both Mr. Dennis and Mr. Reid are exceptionally fortunate men."
Despite their contrasting styles, both Niall and Veronica represented the pinnacle of feminine beauty.
The instant Dario and Veronica stepped into the hall, Marco, Nate, Edric, and Maverick all immediately focused their attention on them.
Since DataPulse had become the industry's most prominent topic, the banquet host's invitation to Dario came as no surprise.
However, Marco remained uncertain whether Veronica would accompany him. Now, witnessing her arrival with her arm linked through Dario', his expression grew more intense.
Nate had anticipated her possible attendance but hadn't expected her to appear so breathtakingly beautiful. Even despite his personal feelings toward her, he was forced to acknowledge that Veronica's distinctive, serene charm was absolutely undeniable.