Benjamin remarked with curiosity, "Everyone here seems to hold Niall in high regard."
The staff member escorting him through Stellar's sleek hallways responded with genuine enthusiasm, "Without question. Ms. Crystal possesses exceptional talent, and our entire team admires her tremendously."
What remained unsaid was how the staff also enjoyed substantial perks thanks to Niall's relationship with Cullen. That detail wasn't appropriate to share with her brother.
A warm sense of pride swelled in Benjamin's chest hearing such praise about his sister. Still, he didn't want to interrupt her important meeting.
"Could you show me around the rest of the company?" he asked, adjusting his backpack strap.
"Certainly," his guide nodded, directing him toward another wing of the building.
As they rounded the corner, they nearly collided with a tall, well-dressed man who had just entered through the main doors. Benjamin's guide immediately straightened his posture.
"Mr. Valerie," he greeted with noticeable deference.
The man—Marco—acknowledged the greeting with a subtle nod before assessing Benjamin with a quick, analytical glance. His eyes took in Benjamin's youthful appearance and casual student attire, clearly forming conclusions about his identity, though his expression revealed nothing.
"This is Ms. Crystal's younger brother, Benjamin Crystal," the guide explained, filling the silence.
Though Benjamin had never personally encountered Marco before, he'd heard plenty about him from Niall's conversations. Connecting the deferential "Mr. Valerie" with what he knew, Benjamin ventured, "You must be Marco?"
Marco offered a minimal nod. "Hello."
Benjamin smiled warmly. "Hi there."
Just as Benjamin prepared to engage in conversation, Marco's attention drifted to a woman working at a nearby station. Without preamble, he stated flatly, "I'll head over there."
Before Benjamin could respond, Marco strode purposefully toward the woman, leaving Benjamin and the guide standing awkwardly behind.
Benjamin blinked in surprise at the abrupt departure.
Wasn't Marco supposed to be close with Niall? His demeanor seemed oddly dismissive. The interaction felt unexpectedly cold.
Marco, however, gave no thought to Benjamin's perception as he approached Veronica's workstation.
"Ms. Murray," he greeted, his tone noticeably different from how he'd addressed Benjamin.
Veronica turned around, pausing momentarily when she recognized him. "Mr. Valerie," she replied with professional courtesy.
The year-end crunch had kept Marco occupied with various projects, and as a result, he and Veronica hadn't crossed paths in nearly two weeks. Additionally, shortly after their last conversation, he'd been summoned to an unexpected confidential meeting with the executive board—though that wasn't something he intended to discuss at present.
Looking directly at Veronica, he asked, "Will you be attending my company's banquet this weekend?"
"Yes," she answered simply.
Since Marco had voluntarily intervened to help her uncle, Veronica had noticed his particularly attentive attitude toward her. Regardless of his motivations, he had assisted her when needed. Their professional collaboration had progressed smoothly recently, and he'd personally extended an invitation. Both professionally and personally, declining would have been inappropriate.
A subtle smile formed on Marco's lips at her confirmation. "I appreciate it."
"You're too polite," Veronica responded evenly.
Perceiving her disinterest in continuing the exchange, Marco didn't push further. "Don't let me interrupt your work," he said.
Veronica nodded briefly before returning to her discussion with Vincent and their team members.
Despite the conversation ending, Marco remained nearby, listening attentively to their professional exchange and occasionally offering relevant insights.
As both Marco and Nate held shares in Stellar, they maintained connections to the company even without direct operational involvement. With the annual meeting approaching, their presence was expected—explaining Marco's visit today.
Shortly afterward, Niall emerged from her meeting room and immediately spotted her brother. "Finished touring the company?" she asked, walking toward him.
Benjamin nodded. "Yeah, I've seen everything."
Just then, Nate arrived, his confident stride carrying him directly to their small group. He greeted Niall warmly before turning his attention to Benjamin.
"This must be your little brother," Nate said with an appreciative smile. "Not bad, not bad—the Crystal family certainly has exceptional genes."
Niall laughed lightly and was about to formally introduce them when Benjamin spoke up first. "You must be Nate."
Nate raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's right. Impressive—you've got a good eye."
Niall smiled again, preparing to add something, when Benjamin rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Actually, it's because I already met Marco."
Niall's expression shifted to surprise. "Marco is here?"
"Yeah, over there," Benjamin replied, gesturing toward a corner of the open workspace.
Both Nate and Niall followed his indication, their gazes landing on Marco engaged in conversation with Veronica. Even from a distance, the unusual gentleness in his typically businesslike demeanor was unmistakable.