Marco snapped back to reality, offering Veronica a casual smile and shaking his head. "It's nothing."
Later that afternoon, after concluding the business discussion with Marco, Veronica's phone buzzed with Dario's call.
"Just heard from our legal team," Dario said, his voice tinged with frustration. "Niall is still refusing to terminate the contract. She's offered a significant sum as compensation for the damage to our reputation, but I declined."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Since negotiations have hit a dead end, I've instructed our lawyer to proceed with legal action."
"Understood," Veronica replied simply, processing the information.
Before hanging up, Dario added, "Cullen will be at the company tomorrow for some business matters. Dmitri can handle most of the meeting, but there's one document that requires your personal verification and signature, so—"
The implication was clear – she would have to face Cullen tomorrow.
"Got it," she responded, keeping her voice professionally detached despite the complicated emotions stirring within her.
The following afternoon, Cullen arrived at DataPulse accompanied by Frank. As planned, Dmitri greeted them initially and conducted the first portion of the meeting. Midway through, Veronica's phone lit up with a message from Dmitri – her cue to join them.
Dmitri had evidently explained her role in signing on Dario's behalf, as neither Cullen nor Frank showed any surprise when she entered the conference room.
Veronica stepped in with practiced composure, nodding professionally. "Hello, Mr. Dennis."
Cullen extended his hand for a brief handshake, then sat down without further pleasantries. The tension in the room was subtle but palpable.
She methodically reviewed the documents, confirming various contract terms with Cullen. Everything appeared in order, so she signed her name with swift efficiency and closed the folder.
"Looking forward to our collaboration," she said, maintaining the strictly professional tone.
"Likewise," Cullen responded, equally formal.
With her responsibilities fulfilled, Veronica prepared to make her exit. She turned to Dmitri, "I have other matters requiring attention. Mr. Bauer, would you mind handling the remaining details with Mr. Dennis?"
Just as she rose from her chair, Cullen glanced at his wristwatch and looked up. "Join me for dinner tonight?"
Before Veronica could formulate a response, he added, "I'll have someone bring Sa over too."
Dmitri initially assumed Cullen was merely extending a polite dinner invitation following their successful business arrangement. But that second sentence gave him pause.
Suddenly, he noticed something unusual – Cullen's tone with Veronica carried a familiarity that didn't align with their supposed business relationship. His casual demeanor suggested a long-standing acquaintance rather than a recent professional connection.
And who was Sa? The name hung in the air like an unspoken secret.
Veronica suspected Cullen wanted to discuss the Niall situation privately. Was he using Sa as bait, knowing she might otherwise decline?
Once, such a tactic might have stirred bitterness within her. Now, her expression remained impassive as she replied coolly, "Sorry, I don't have time."
Without another word or backward glance, she exited the conference room, her demeanor noticeably distant.
Dmitri watched the interaction with growing curiosity. Something felt distinctly off about the exchange.
He glanced at Cullen, ready to speak, only to find him lowering his head with a slight smile – seemingly unbothered by Veronica's somewhat discourteous departure.
Frank, already informed about the Stellar situation, believed Veronica was deliberately escalating matters to exact revenge against Niall because of Cullen. Having never held a high opinion of Veronica, her apparent inability to separate personal feelings from professional obligations only lowered his estimation of her further.
After several interactions throughout the meeting, Dmitri couldn't shake the feeling that something unusual colored both Veronica and Dario's treatment of Cullen. Their manner was strangely familiar for what should have been a strictly professional relationship.
Yet Cullen appeared entirely unconcerned by this dynamic.
Unable to make sense of the undercurrents, but noting Cullen's preparations to leave, Dmitri moved to escort him downstairs, his mind still puzzling over the peculiar interaction he had just witnessed.