Cullen's phone buzzed during dinner, breaking the comfortable atmosphere around the table. The caller ID displayed the auction house's number. He answered with his usual composed demeanor.
"Mr. Dennis, regarding the items you bid on yesterday, they're ready for pickup," the voice on the other end informed him.
Cullen's face showed no reaction to the news. "Understood."
The auction house representative hesitated before continuing. "Should we arrange for secure storage until you're ready to collect them?"
"That won't be necessary," Cullen replied curtly.
The coldness in his tone made the caller nervous. Without pressing further, they quickly wrapped up the conversation and hung up.
Niall, who had been quietly eating beside him, noticed his brief exchange. "Business trouble?" she asked, her fork pausing midway to her mouth.
Cullen slipped his phone back into his jacket pocket. "Just the auction house following up on some items."
A smile crossed Niall's lips as she prepared to respond, but Sabrina's curious voice cut through their conversation.
"What's an auction house?" the young girl asked, her eyes bright with interest.
Cullen continued cutting his steak with precise movements. "It's a venue where valuable items are sold to the highest bidder."
Sabrina's excitement was immediate. "They sell valuable things? What kind of valuable things? Does it sound exciting?"
Niall couldn't help but laugh at the girl's enthusiasm. "It can be quite thrilling, actually. You've never experienced one before?"
Sabrina shook her head vigorously. "Never." Her curiosity peaked further. "Are there really lots of valuable things there?"
"Plenty," Cullen confirmed.
"I want to see what an auction house looks like!" Sabrina declared with childlike excitement.
Niall's expression grew thoughtful. "Though I should mention, the items there might not appeal to someone your age."
Sabrina's face fell slightly. "Oh..."
Cullen noticed her disappointment and added, "You could still participate in the bidding process."
"Bidding?" Sabrina's confusion was evident.
Cullen set down his utensils and reached for her tablet. With practiced efficiency, he pulled up several videos and articles explaining auction procedures, walking her through the entire process.
As Sabrina absorbed the information, her excitement returned full force. The concept of competitive bidding fascinated her completely. "This looks amazing! Dad, could you take me to one?"
"Absolutely. Next time I have a free weekend, we'll attend one together. You can bid on anything that catches your eye."
Niall observed their interaction with a warm smile but chose to remain silent, letting father and daughter bond over their shared planning.
The following morning arrived crisp and clear. Maverick made his way to Stellar's headquarters for their scheduled meeting. Upon entering the conference room, he discovered both Niall and Cullen already present, deep in conversation over project documents.
Maverick's steps faltered slightly when he spotted Niall. "Ms. Crystal, I didn't expect to see you here today."
"The project I was spearheading previously still requires my oversight during the transition period," Niall explained professionally.
Maverick nodded with understanding. "That makes perfect sense." Privately, he had assumed that once her family secured the lucrative Dennis Group contract, she would return to focus on their expanding business needs.
Cullen gestured toward the empty chair across from them. "Mr. Harris, please make yourself comfortable."
As Maverick settled into his seat, his mind involuntarily drifted to that evening at the restaurant when he had witnessed Cullen embracing Veronica. The memory created an uncomfortable tension in his chest, but he forced himself to compartmentalize his personal concerns and concentrate on the business discussion ahead.
Niall participated in the initial portion of their meeting before excusing herself to handle other pressing matters elsewhere in the building.
More than an hour passed as Cullen and Maverick worked through various project details and timelines. Niall eventually returned, seeking a brief respite and the excellent coffee that Cullen's secretary had thoughtfully prepared for her exclusive use.
The two men continued their intense discussion when Cullen's phone interrupted them. He apologized and stepped away to take the call privately.
Maverick found himself alone with Niall, and the image of Cullen holding Veronica resurfaced in his mind with uncomfortable clarity. His internal struggle was becoming increasingly difficult to mask.
"Mr. Harris, you seem to have something on your mind," Niall observed, her intuition picking up on his obvious discomfort.
Maverick quickly shook his head, forcing a neutral expression. "I was simply reflecting on how exceptionally well Mr. Dennis treats you."
The truth was, Maverick remained uncertain about the context of what he had witnessed. Without proper understanding, bringing up such a sensitive topic seemed inappropriate and potentially damaging.
After careful consideration, he decided silence was the wisest course of action.
The evidence of Cullen's devotion to Niall was undeniable and extensive. Maverick had personally witnessed Cullen revitalize a dormant Stellar project specifically to enhance her professional standing. He had observed Cullen tirelessly introduce valuable contacts to benefit her family's business interests. Most recently, Cullen had launched an entirely new Dennis Group initiative designed primarily to advance her career prospects.
The level of commitment and sacrifice was extraordinary by any measure.
Maverick had seen it all unfold firsthand, and the realization struck him deeply. If he were in Cullen's position, he honestly questioned whether he could demonstrate such unwavering dedication and selfless support for another person's success and happiness.