Veronica's phone rang as she made her way to Stellar. Cook's name flashed across the screen.
"Hi, Grandma," she answered, sliding into the back seat of her car.
"Hello, dear." Cook's voice carried that familiar warmth that always reminded Veronica of childhood comforts. "Sa mentioned you've been working yourself to the bone lately—even staying up through all hours of the night."
Veronica smiled slightly. Trust Sa to notice and report back to her great-grandmother.
"I've sent someone with some supplements for you," Cook continued. "They should help with your energy levels. Make sure you take them regularly."
Knowing her grandmother's persistence, Veronica didn't bother protesting. "I will. Thanks, Grandma."
Cook's soft chuckle came through the phone before her tone shifted slightly. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention—I had a talk with Cullen about the two of you getting along better."
Veronica's grip on her phone tightened imperceptibly.
"He promised he'd make an effort," Cook added. "You're both Sa's parents, and constant tension between you will only harm her development. Children are sensitive to these things."
So that explained Cullen's uncharacteristic concern at the forum. It wasn't genuine interest in her wellbeing—just another performance for Cook's benefit.
"Okay. I get it," Veronica replied evenly, keeping any trace of disappointment from her voice.
After chatting about a few more mundane topics, Veronica ended the call as her car pulled up to Stellar's gleaming entrance. She scanned the lobby but saw no sign of Niall.
Vincent approached her with his usual friendly smile. "Happy Valentine's Lewis, Ms. Murray. Any flowers come your way today?"
Before Veronica could respond, a colleague passing by jumped in. "Did she get flowers? You should have seen the massive bouquet of roses that arrived for her! We're all green with envy."
Vincent laughed appreciatively, but his response was cut short by Bonnie's sudden appearance.
"Flowers?" Bonnie interjected with a dismissive snort. "Is that all? Nothing else?"
The colleague blinked. "Um..."
"Just roses? How pathetically ordinary," Bonnie continued with a smug smile. "Niall's office is practically a florist's shop with all her Valentine's deliveries, but she's not showing off about it. And flowers weren't even her biggest gift—her future husband transferred actual Stellar shares to her. Now that's a Valentine's present."
Vincent fell awkwardly silent. Noticing Veronica's neutral expression, he leaned closer and lowered his voice.
"Ms. Crystal is quite the catch in elite circles," he explained. "Every eligible bachelor from a wealthy family seems to have his eye on her. Mr. Dennis has quite the competition, though most don't dare challenge him directly."
He glanced around before continuing, "Valentine's Lewis broke down some barriers, though. Several admirers sent anonymous gifts—her office is practically buried in flowers and presents."
Veronica maintained her professional demeanor as Vincent went on.
"But Mr. Dennis certainly knows how to secure his position. The rumor mill says he gifted her a portion of Stellar shares today. Everyone in the building is talking about it. I've never seen someone spoil their girlfriend quite —it's set a new standard for Valentine's extravagance around here."
Veronica wasn't surprised. Niall had always had access to Stellar's most confidential information, with Benjamin and Penny coming and going as they pleased. She'd long suspected the company might as well have been called "Crystal Corporation" already.
The timing of Cullen's share transfer was calculated for maximum impact—Valentine's Lewis wasn't chosen by accident. It wasn't simply a gift but a public declaration, a ceremonial gesture designed to elevate Niall's status. The thought and consideration he'd put into pleasing Niall was evident to everyone.
"What are you two discussing?" Niall's voice suddenly cut through their conversation.
Vincent straightened up immediately. "Ms. Crystal! Is the management meeting finished already?"
"Yes, just wrapped up," she replied with a slight smile.
Veronica checked her watch. The critical meeting involving all of Stellar's top executives had ended earlier than expected. She wondered what decisions had been made behind those closed doors—decisions she would likely be the last to know about.