When Seraphine and the others arrived without seeing Veronica, they assumed she'd accompanied Cullen to the airport to welcome Sabrina home. But as evening fell with Cullen and Sabrina back at Dennis Estate and no sign of Veronica, questions began to surface.
No one bothered to inquire deeply about Veronica's absence. Her relationship with the family had always been complicated, and most preferred not to pry.
When Leo asked where she was, Cullen offered a clipped response: "She's busy."
Leo accepted this without question and returned to playing with Sabrina, his attention quickly diverted. Cook, however, exchanged a knowing glance with Cullen. She understood the real situation—that Veronica had moved out—but chose to maintain her silence on the matter.
After dinner, Sabrina entertained herself for a while, building towers with her blocks and flipping through picture books. But the novelty soon wore off, and a familiar emptiness settled in her chest. Despite having just returned from her overseas trip with Cullen, something was missing. Or rather, someone.
With determined little fingers, she grabbed her phone and dialed Veronica's number.
Meanwhile, Veronica sat in her new apartment, surrounded by financial reports and contract drafts that Malcolm had sent over. She'd thrown herself into work, determined not to waste a single moment dwelling on her decision to leave Dennis Estate. When her phone lit up with Sabrina's name, she hesitated for a brief moment before answering.
"Hello?" Veronica's voice was casual, as though they'd spoken just yesterday rather than nearly a month ago.
"Mom!" Sabrina's voice burst through the speaker, pure joy radiating from that single word.
Veronica's eyes remained fixed on her computer screen as she responded with a disinterested, "Mm."
The little girl didn't notice the detachment. "Mom, I'm back from being abroad!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her bed with excitement.
Veronica hadn't even been aware of their trip. She gave another noncommittal hum, her attention still divided between the call and the document before her.
Sabrina's happiness at hearing her mother's voice was boundless. She jumped around her bedroom, her tiny feet making the mattress springs creak. "Mom, when will you be done with work? Are you coming home tonight? I want you to hold me while I sleep, and I have so many fun things to tell you!" The words tumbled out in a rush. "Also, I really want to eat your breakfast tomorrow morning. When are you coming back?"
Veronica's finger paused over her mouse. She couldn't bring herself to tell Sabrina that Dennis Estate was no longer her home. Instead, she deflected, "I'm really busy right now. Next month, I'll take you out to play."
The promise of future time together made Sabrina's heart soar. It had been ages since they'd gone anywhere together. But still... "Next month?" she repeated, unable to hide her disappointment despite her best efforts.
"When exactly next month?" she pressed, already mentally counting the days.
Even through the digital connection, Veronica could sense Sabrina's desperate longing. Something tightened in her chest as her grip on the mouse increased. After a moment, she finally spoke, "We'll see when the time comes. I'll let you know once I decide, okay?"
"Okay," Sabrina agreed, her voice smaller now.
Veronica changed the subject abruptly. "Have you taken a bath yet?"
"Then go take your bath. I still have work to do. I'll hang up now."
"We just started talking, and you're already hanging up?" Disappointment seeped through Sabrina's voice. She checked the call duration. "Mom, it's only been two minutes! Can't we talk a little longer?"
"Next time, when I have time, if you want to talk, we can talk longer," Veronica replied, already reaching for the end call button.
Sabrina surrendered, though reluctance filled her voice. "Okay. But Mom, you have to keep your promise."
"I will," Veronica assured her.
Only then did Sabrina whisper a soft, "Bye, Mom."
"Bye." Veronica ended the call immediately.
Sabrina stared at her phone in dismay. She'd forgotten to tell Veronica about the special gift she'd bought for her during their trip. She'd been so eager to , but now the call had ended before she had the chance.
Her small shoulders sagged with disappointment as she set her phone down. Sliding off her bed, she padded down the hallway toward Cullen's study.
When she pushed open the heavy door, Cullen was in the middle of a video conference. Noticing her entrance, he adjusted his camera angle and muted his microphone before turning to her.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently, taking in her dejected expression. "Couldn't get through?"