Two days after the contract signing, Griffin departed from DataPulse, citing other commitments. Veronica and Dario retreated to the meeting room, exhausted from their morning's work. They had just settled down with steaming cups when Ramona entered, carrying a substantial pile of glossy envelopes.
"These are all the year-end banquet invitations we've received recently," she announced, placing the stack before them.
The collection comprised at least thirty invitations. Veronica spotted familiar names among them—Maverick, Marco, Dennis Group, and Stellar. As they sifted through the elegant cards, both noticed the Crystal family's invitation included not only Dario's name but Veronica's as well.
Dario reclined against the conference table with casual elegance, holding the Crystal family's invitation between his fingers. His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Our company seems to have quite the magnetic appeal these days."
The truth was less about DataPulse's charm and more about their latest groundbreaking projects and ECHO technology, which had clearly captured the Crystal family's attention. Their eagerness to secure Dario's favor was so intense they'd even stooped to including Veronica on the invitation—a calculated move to curry favor.
What the Crystal remained ignorant of was that the coveted technology they were pursuing hadn't been Dario's creation at all. This irony deepened the amusement reflected in his eyes.
The Crystal family wasn't alone in their transparent strategy. Harris Group, Stellar, and Dennis Group had all smartly included Veronica's name on their invitations. Only Marco had taken a different approach, sending separate invitations addressed individually to each of them.
"Marco shows some class," Dario remarked appreciatively.
Veronica remained silent, recalling her last encounter with Marco—that morning he'd inquired whether she was Malcolm's protégé. Now, hearing Dario's assessment, she chose not to comment.
After examining the invitations thoroughly, Dario declared, "We'll decline Harris Group, Stellar, Dennis Group, and the Crystal family. We should only attend banquets for companies we genuinely enjoy working with, like Valerie Corporation."
For certain businesses like Harris Group, they would simply send a courtesy gift. As for Dennis Group, Stellar, and especially the Crystal family, Dario saw no reason for even that minimal gesture. Complete disassociation seemed the wisest course.
"Agreed," Veronica nodded, sharing his perspective entirely.
Their energies had been devoted primarily to core company operations and studying the materials their mentor had recently provided. Unless social engagements served a specific business purpose, neither wanted to squander precious time on superficial networking.
DataPulse was also planning its own year-end celebration, though given their hectic schedules, invitations wouldn't be dispatched for another few days.
With the fiscal year drawing to a close, they still needed to resolve outstanding business with Stellar. The following day, Veronica visited Stellar accompanied by Jordan and several team members. Upon arrival, they encountered Niall, though neither acknowledged the other as they proceeded to their respective appointments.
While Veronica was immersed in her work, she sensed someone observing her. Glancing up, she recognized Benjamin and promptly returned her attention to the task at hand.
Benjamin had been in Porter for several days. After two days of aimless leisure activities left him restless, he'd learned that Niall was employed at Cullen's company. Curiosity had driven him to visit Stellar, where he unexpectedly spotted Veronica immediately upon entering. He'd mistakenly assumed she must work there.
Noting how she'd merely glanced at him before looking away, he turned to his escort with interest. "What are they working on?"
"Different department from mine, so I'm not entirely certain," the guide replied. "Likely something related to language system maintenance."
Benjamin found himself genuinely interested in observing their work. However, seeing the intense concentration on Veronica's face and throughout her team, he thought better of interrupting them.
"Where's my sister?" he inquired instead.
His escort smiled politely. "Ms. Crystal is currently in a meeting. Would you like me to take you there?"
Benjamin nodded and followed the employee through the corridors. Minutes later, he found himself in a well-appointed meeting room where attendees listened attentively as his sister delivered what appeared to be an important presentation.