Finn leaned back in his chair, his gaze appraising yet friendly as he addressed Veronica across the private dining table. "In my years, I've encountered many brilliant young minds, but someone of your caliber, Ver—achieving such remarkable success at your age—is truly exceptional. That's precisely why Chandler and I were so eager to meet you. I hope we haven't imposed."
Despite his eminent position, Finn's tone carried such genuine warmth and respect that Veronica couldn't help but respond with equal sincerity. "The honor is entirely mine. I'm grateful for this opportunity."
Chandler chuckled, shooting Finn a sideways glance. "Easy now, don't intimidate the kid with all your formality."
The truth was, both men saw something rare in Veronica—a raw talent coupled with determination that promised greatness. Their interest wasn't mere courtesy but genuine respect for her potential, which was why they had arranged this meeting.
With Maxwell and Doran also present, the conversation flowed naturally, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect rather than hierarchical stiffness. The dinner extended well beyond the meal itself as they continued their discussions for another hour, delving into topics that revealed the breadth of Veronica's knowledge and insight.
Only after exchanging contact information—a gesture that signified their desire for continued connection—did they finally part ways, each impressed by the encounter.
Monday marked the beginning of the new academic term for Porter's primary and middle school students. This semester would be Adrian's first experience with boarding school life. With Poppy occupied by family matters and Phillip immersed in work, the responsibility of escorting Adrian fell to Veronica on Sunday afternoon.
Upon arrival at the prestigious institution, Veronica immediately noticed the Crystal and Mack families gathered near the entrance. Behind them stood three uniformed maids, each struggling under the weight of extravagant luggage. The entire scene exuded wealth and privilege.
So Benjamin had transferred to Porter as well? Veronica mused silently. Entry into such an elite institution wasn't simply a matter of academic merit—it required connections and influence. Cullen's hand in this arrangement was unmistakable.
The entire Crystal family had assembled to see Benjamin off—a testament to their adoration for the boy. Benjamin himself embodied the quintessential beloved child: carefree, exuding happiness, his demeanor radiating the confidence of someone who had never questioned their place in the world.
Watching Sophia gaze at Benjamin with such undisguised affection, Veronica felt a sharp pang of memory. She could still recall with perfect clarity how Sophia had once clasped her hand with fierce conviction, declaring that Veronica was her only granddaughter. The bitter irony of that memory hadn't diminished with time.
At that moment, both families noticed Veronica's presence. The warmth in their expressions instantly cooled, replaced by thinly veiled disdain.
A passerby suddenly gasped, pointing indiscreetly at one of the suitcases held by a maid. "That luggage costs over 300 thousand dollars! I never thought people actually bought those. Rich people really do live differently."
The Crystal family turned at this outburst, causing the onlooker to realize their social misstep. With an embarrassed apology, they quickly retreated with their companions.
Even without this commentary, Veronica had already observed the ostentatious display. Each piece of Benjamin's luggage was crafted from the finest leather, with individual price tags reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Collectively, his school provisions alone represented a small fortune.
Dora's crossbody purse—a limited edition piece worth over a million dollars—completed the picture of casual extravagance.
Hearing the admiration from onlookers, Sophia and Bonnie turned to assess Veronica's situation. Their eyes fell on Adrian's modest luggage—a single suitcase and duffel bag that together probably cost less than a thousand dollars. Sophia's gaze lingered briefly before she dismissed the sight with indifference, while Bonnie didn't bother concealing her derisive laugh.
In their calculation, although Murray Corporation might have escaped immediate collapse, meaningful profitability remained a distant prospect. The longevity of Phillip's business ventures remained questionable at best.
As for Veronica's connection to Dario, rumors suggested his interest wasn't as significant as initially perceived. The message was clear: the Murray family no longer operated within their exclusive social sphere.