Veronica was just about to approach her business associate when she spotted a familiar silhouette standing behind him.
Despite seeing Isaac, Veronica maintained her composure, her expression betraying nothing of her inner turmoil. Isaac hadn't noticed her presence yet. Beside him stood a teenage boy, around seventeen or eighteen, enthusiastically waving toward the airport exit.
"Mom, Niall! Dad and I are over here!" the boy called out cheerfully.
At the sound of his voice, Veronica halted abruptly, realization washing over her. She turned slowly, confirming her suspicions – there stood Penny and Niall, smiling broadly as Benjamin Crystal rushed toward them with boyish enthusiasm.
Griffin Brennan, DataPulse's business partner, approached Veronica with professional warmth. "Ms. Murray," he greeted, extending his hand.
Releasing the tension from her fist, Veronica pulled her attention away from the family reunion and offered Griffin a polished smile, accepting his handshake. "Mr. Brennan, a pleasure to meet you in person."
By now, Penny, Isaac, and their family had spotted Veronica. Isaac's brow creased with concern, while Penny's welcoming smile dimmed slightly. Niall, however, appeared completely unfazed by Veronica's presence.
Benjamin, oblivious to the sudden tension among his family members, followed their gaze. Upon seeing Veronica, the teenager's eyes widened appreciatively at her striking appearance.
"Wow, what a beautiful lady!" he exclaimed without filter. Niall immediately frowned, shooting her brother a warning glance.
Isaac hesitated momentarily before placing a hand on Benjamin's shoulder. "Let's get to the car," he said firmly, deliberately looking away from Veronica.
Though Benjamin reluctantly shifted his attention, a thought suddenly struck him. "Where's my future brother-in-law?" he complained. "Why didn't he come pick up Dad and me? With that kind of attitude, he expects to marry my gorgeous, talented sister? Hmph, I object!"
Niall laughed, lightly tapping the back of his head. "Cullen had an important meeting he couldn't reschedule. But he knew you were coming, so he canceled his evening plans and reserved a private dining room for your welcome dinner. Does that meet your approval, your highness?"
"I suppose it'll do," Benjamin replied with mock arrogance, regarding his sister with admiration. "You're so beautiful and accomplished. Whatever he does for you is just the bare minimum if he wants to marry you!"
His comment elicited warm laughter from Niall, Penny, and Isaac.
Meanwhile, Veronica concluded her exchange with Griffin, and they headed toward their waiting vehicle. Just before entering the car, she overheard nearby onlookers commenting, "What an attractive family of four. Are they celebrities?"
"Not sure, but they look so close-knit and happy. I'm envious."
Veronica closed the car door with perhaps more force than necessary, silencing the outside voices. During the hour-long drive, she maintained professional conversation with Griffin, pushing thoughts of Cullen's family from her mind. As they pulled up to the restaurant around noon, Veronica stepped out of the vehicle – only to find Isaac's group emerging from their car at the same moment.
Isaac's frown deepened upon seeing her again, clearly unsettled by the coincidence.
Niall noticed her father's concern and offered him a reassuring smile, silently communicating that there was nothing to worry about. She remembered how, before Cullen had formally initiated divorce proceedings with Veronica, he had brought Niall to meet his family. Back then, Veronica had been too intimidated by Cullen's influence to cause any problems.
Now, with the divorce nearly finalized, she would have even less reason to create a scene.
Isaac seemed to understand Niall's silent message, though caution still shadowed his expression. This was supposed to be a joyful family reunion, and he wanted nothing to disrupt it.
Veronica deliberately avoided looking in their direction, focusing instead on the restaurant entrance. Just then, Dario arrived, stepping out of his car with confident grace. As he surveyed the scene, his gaze landed first on Isaac's group and then, with apparent surprise, on Benjamin, taking in the uncanny resemblance between father and son.