Just as Dario and Veronica prepared to move toward the refreshment area, a prominent businessman intercepted them, insisting on discussing potential ventures.
Meanwhile, after exchanging pleasantries with Niall, Edric approached Marco and Nate with practiced ease. "Good evening, Mr. Valerie, Mr. Dante."
Marco acknowledged him with a subtle nod.
Cullen concluded his phone conversations at that moment and strode toward their gathering.
Nate shifted uncomfortably, remembering the extended time Edric and Veronica had shared on the dance floor earlier. He cleared his throat softly, touching his nose in a nervous gesture.
Despite everything that had transpired, Veronica remained Cullen's wife, after all.
Marco's features hardened slightly with similar thoughts. Cullen, however, displayed remarkable composure.
He approached Edric directly, extending his hand. "Good to see you, Mr. Patterson."
Edric reciprocated the greeting. "Likewise, Mr. Dennis."
Cullen raised his champagne flute, clinking it against Edric's before taking a measured sip. "Time flies, doesn't it?"
Edric's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around his glass. "Indeed it does."
Nate found himself speechless at the unexpected civility. His earlier concerns seemed entirely misplaced.
The men continued their conversation with surprising ease, discussing industry trends and mutual acquaintances.
Veronica and Dario remained engaged in lengthy discussions with various business associates throughout the evening.
They successfully avoided another encounter with Cullen's group for the remainder of the night.
As the evening wound down, they offered their thanks to their host and discreetly departed the venue.
Monday morning arrived with unexpected complications. Dario had barely settled into his executive chair when his assistant informed him that Owen Seth from Dennis Group waited in the lobby, requesting a collaborative meeting.
Niall had accompanied Owen on this business visit. Dario felt his patience wearing thin.
Had Cullen come personally, Dario would have declined the meeting without hesitation.
However, his professional relationship with Owen remained solid and mutually beneficial.
Cullen's strategic choice to send Owen made refusal diplomatically challenging.
Dario recognized Cullen's calculated manipulation with grudging admiration.
Furthermore, Owen had brought Niall as his associate.
A dull throb began forming behind Dario's temples, signaling an approaching headache.
He suppressed his irritation and sought out Veronica to brief her on the situation.
Veronica considered this thoughtfully. "Meeting with Niall shouldn't pose significant problems."
An encounter didn't automatically guarantee any business arrangement would materialize.
"You make a valid point," Dario agreed. He paused briefly before asking, "Would you like to participate in the meeting?"
After allowing Niall and Owen to wait in the conference room for several minutes, Veronica and Dario finally entered together.
Dario's arrival prompted both Owen and Niall to stand respectfully.
Niall's expression shifted subtly when she noticed Veronica accompanying him, though she quickly masked her reaction. Following Owen's lead in greeting Dario, she spoke politely. "Good morning, Mr. Reid."
Dario responded with a professional nod. "Please make yourselves comfortable, Ms. Crystal."
Veronica's striking appearance and her previous tenure at Dennis Group had left a lasting impression on Owen.
Before settling into his chair, he exclaimed with genuine surprise, "Ms. Murray! What a pleasant surprise!"
Owen's smile widened with recognition. "I wondered about your absence from Dennis Group lately. You've transitioned to DataPulse, I see."
During Veronica's employment at Dennis Group, she and Owen had collaborated on several successful projects.
She responded warmly, "Yes, I've been part of the team here for quite some time now."
With social formalities concluded, they transitioned to business matters.
Owen presented his comprehensive proposal to Dario while Niall simultaneously offered hers.
Dario accepted both documents and handed one to Veronica. "Ver, would you review Ms. Crystal's proposal and share your assessment?"
Niall tensed momentarily but maintained her professional composure without comment.
Veronica began examining the proposal with focused attention.
While she couldn't absorb information at superhuman speed, her reading pace exceeded most professionals.
Within minutes, she had thoroughly analyzed Niall's entire presentation.
She returned the document to Niall, maintaining direct eye contact. "Your dedication to this project is evident, Ms. Crystal. However, several significant concerns arise. When compared to other organizations pursuing partnerships with DataPulse, your proposal lacks competitive advantages."