Sabrina bounded over with unbridled excitement. "Wow, look at all this amazing food! And milkshakes too!"
"Mm," Cullen replied with a subtle smile. "I anticipated your arrival and had some refreshments prepared."
His eyes drifted toward Veronica. When she deliberately avoided his gaze, he smoothly redirected his attention to Thomas and Adrian, acknowledging them with a brief nod before gesturing toward the seats. "Sit down."
There was an unmistakable authority in Cullen's demeanor.
After exchanging pleasantries with Cook, both Adrian and Thomas instinctively followed his instruction, joining Sabrina at the table and accepting the food that she and Cullen distributed among them.
Once the children were settled and eating, Cullen extended a serving toward Veronica. "Would you like to try some?"
Aware of Cook watching their interaction, Veronica accepted the offering with a polite, "Thank you."
She took a tentative sip and discovered it was strawberry flavored—exactly what she preferred.
Upon hearing about their skiing plans, Cook turned to Cullen with a concerned expression. "Cullen, you should accompany Ver and the children."
She elaborated, "Skiing can be quite dangerous. It would be overwhelming for Ver to supervise three children by herself. Go and assist her. Carlos and Matilda are here with me, so you needn't stay the entire time."
Veronica opened her mouth to object, but Cullen swiftly responded, "I understand."
The news that Cullen would be joining them visibly delighted Sabrina.
After spending additional time in the hospital room, Veronica and the group prepared for their departure.
Cullen collected his documents before leaving with them.
They traveled in separate vehicles—Sabrina, Adrian, and Thomas rode with Veronica.
At the ski resort, Cullen was helping Sabrina adjust her winter gear and goggles when his phone interrupted them. He stepped aside to answer it, and after a brief conversation, said firmly, "I'll be there later."
Sabrina looked up at him. "Dad, who called?"
Instead of providing a direct answer, Cullen posed a question: "Would you prefer having lunch with Dad, or would you rather eat with Mom?"
Sabrina appeared confused. "Huh? Aren't we all eating together?"
Cullen's expression remained neutral as he replied, "No, Dad has some business to attend to."
Veronica and the others overheard this exchange but refrained from commenting.
Cullen gently patted Sabrina's head. "There's no hurry. Enjoy skiing first—you can decide afterward."
While the three children chatted nearby, Veronica adjusted her goggles and regarded Cullen with a measured look. "The divorce proceedings are still ongoing?"
"Not yet finalized," Cullen confirmed.
After a brief hesitation, he added, "If you're in immediate need of funds, I can arrange for a partial transfer to your account in the meantime."
That wasn't what Veronica had been inquiring about. Before she could clarify, Sabrina's voice interrupted them. "Mom, come over here!"
Veronica abandoned the topic and was moving toward Sabrina when her phone rang—Phillip was calling.
His voice was cautious through the speaker. "Someone from Dennis Group just reached out to me. They're interested in discussing a potential collaboration."
Dennis Group was currently under Cullen's control. With his extensive business acumen, Phillip recognized that Cullen wouldn't extend such an offer without ulterior motives.
He was calling Veronica to understand Cullen's intentions and to rationally assess whether there might be hidden complications in the proposal—essentially, to determine if he should accept it.
Veronica didn't provide an immediate response.
After ending the call, she turned deliberately to lock eyes with Cullen.