Before Dario could formulate a response, Sabrina gazed at him with curious eyes and remarked, "Mr. Dario, there's something about your voice that feels strangely familiar."
During the Bloom Celebration months ago, Veronica had conducted hours of business negotiations with Dario over speakerphone while Sabrina was present. The distinctive timbre of his voice had evidently lingered in her memory.
Dario chose not to elaborate on their indirect connection. Instead, he offered a polite smile and asked, "Is that so?"
Sabrina nodded with childlike certainty. "Mhm."
"Perhaps I just have one of those voices," Dario replied casually, deflecting further inquiry.
Cullen, observing this exchange, rubbed his sharp nose bridge and released a subtle chuckle.
Dario caught the laugh and thought irritably, "What exactly does he find so amusing about this situation?"
As the ballroom began filling with more distinguished guests, the Dennis were obligated to greet their other visitors, naturally bringing the conversation with Dario's group to a close.
For months, rumors had circulated that Cullen Dennis was already married with a child, though concrete evidence had remained elusive. Now, as the evening progressed, attendees watched in astonishment as a young girl bearing Cullen's unmistakable features clutched his hand and addressed him as "Dad."
The speculation was finally confirmed—Cullen indeed had a daughter. Whether he was currently married or perhaps divorced remained unanswered, and since the Dennis family offered no clarification on the matter, social etiquette prevented direct questioning.
Maverick had previously encountered Sabrina but had shared this information with no one. Consequently, when his childhood companion Kolton spotted Sabrina, his expression transformed into one of complete disbelief.
"Holy shit! So Cullen actually did get married? And his kid is already this big? That means if Niall marries him, she's stepping into a stepmom role? Niall becoming someone's stepmother... That's just—"
Kolton nearly commented on Niall's disadvantageous position but abruptly remembered the vast status disparity between the Crystal family and the prestigious Dennis.
Considering Cullen's exceptional standing in society, Kolton quickly reassessed his perspective. If Niall were marrying an ordinary man with existing children, perhaps it would represent a less favorable arrangement. However, given Cullen's wealth and influence, even with a prior marriage and child, the alliance would still elevate Niall considerably.
Furthermore, Cullen's child was a daughter, not a son, which traditionally meant fewer inheritance complications. If Niall were to bear him a male heir, her position would be secure.
In this light, Cullen's previous relationships seemed inconsequential to Niall's prospects.
Across the banquet hall, another scenario unfolded as a guest lavished praise on Rosie. "Dario is still relatively young, yet DataPulse has achieved remarkable success. Rosie, your son is truly exceptional."
Rosie's face brightened with maternal pride, though she maintained appropriate modesty. "You're too generous with your praise. He's been fortunate, that's all."
The conversation inevitably shifted to Veronica.
"Dario isn't exactly young anymore, is he?" inquired a guest. "I've noticed he and that Murray woman from his company seem quite compatible. Any wedding bells on the horizon?"
Though Dario and Veronica's relationship was strictly professional, Rosie chose not to correct this misperception. She simply offered a cryptic smile and responded, "I leave such matters entirely to the young people to decide."
To outside observers, her statement suggested that she stood ready to arrange a wedding the moment Dario and Veronica made their intentions known.
Not far from Rosie's table sat Marco and Nate, who couldn't help but overhear the mention of Veronica's name.
Over the past six months, Veronica and Dario had indeed spent considerable time together, but Nate had never seriously entertained the notion that Veronica might join the Reid family through marriage.
After all, DataPulse was now flourishing, and Dario—wealthy, capable, and from distinguished lineage—could surely attract any woman he desired.
Why would he choose Veronica, a divorced mother with an unremarkable background and no exceptional talents?
Yet Rosie's tone suggested she might actually approve of Veronica as a potential daughter-in-law.
Nate turned to Marco, his expression betraying his shock. "Has the entire Reid family lost their minds?"