The coach didn't need to spell it out—Veronica could read between the lines of what he was implying. She already suspected that Sabrina's newfound passion for fencing stemmed from either Cullen or Niall's influence. Yet she chose not to dwell on this revelation.
Despite having relinquished custody of Sabrina and deliberately stepping back from her daughter's daily life, the undeniable truth remained: Sabrina was her flesh and blood. Even as distance grew between them with each passing day, Veronica couldn't help but hope for her daughter's success and happiness. If fencing brought Sabrina fulfillment, that was what mattered most. The source of her inspiration—whether Cullen or someone else—was ultimately inconsequential.
Throughout the training session, Veronica didn't maintain constant vigilance over Sabrina. As the session neared its conclusion, she found herself absorbed in her phone, researching something when a familiar presence materialized beside her.
She paused briefly before looking up to confirm what she already knew—Cullen stood there, his intense gaze fixed upon her. She afforded him only a fleeting glance before deliberately averting her eyes.
"What model data are you analyzing?" Cullen inquired, nodding toward her phone.
Veronica slipped her device into her purse without acknowledging his question.
Cullen appeared ready to press further, but Sabrina's training had concluded. The girl removed her fencing mask, her face flushed with exertion as she bounded toward them excitedly. "Dad!"
Cullen's expression softened instantly as he tousled her hair affectionately. "All finished?"
"Mm-hmm!" Sabrina confirmed with a nod before extending her towel to Veronica. "Mom, can you help me wipe off the sweat?"
After Veronica obliged, Sabrina looked expectantly between her parents. "I'm starving—can we go grab some lunch together?"
"Of course," Cullen agreed readily.
Sabrina turned hopeful eyes toward Veronica. "Mom, what would you like to eat?"
Having just finished drying Sabrina's perspiration, Veronica withdrew her hand and replied evenly, "I have matters requiring my attention, so I won't be joining you two for lunch."
Sabrina's expression faltered visibly, though she didn't immediately protest. This scenario had played out countless times before—whenever she and her father invited her mother to join them, Veronica invariably cited work commitments.
She'd dared to hope today might prove different. After all, her mother had spent the entire morning at her training session and didn't appear particularly rushed. Perhaps just this once, they could share a meal as a family.
Sabrina's lips formed a disappointed pout as she lowered her gaze and whispered a subdued, "Okay."
Cullen intervened unexpectedly. "Join us for lunch. If you're concerned I'll bring up topics you'd rather avoid, I promise I won't."
The primary reason for Veronica's reluctance was indeed her desire to sidestep any discussion of Stellar. Yet that wasn't her only motivation. She simply replied, "No, you two go ahead," her voice calm but resolute.
She could tolerate dining with Sabrina alone—but both father and daughter together? That seemed unnecessary and potentially uncomfortable.
Cullen studied her for a moment before offering a faint smile, choosing not to insist. "Very well, then."
Sabrina made no attempt to hide her disappointment. Her lips compressed into a tight line as tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
Veronica clenched her fist reflexively, then, after a moment's hesitation, reached out to stroke Sabrina's head gently. "When my schedule permits, we'll have a meal together, just the two of us."
Though Veronica's assurance didn't completely brighten Sabrina's mood, it seemed to soften her disappointment somewhat. She nodded slightly and repeated a quiet "Okay."
Feeling she'd said all that was necessary, Veronica collected her bag and prepared to depart.
The moment Sabrina realized her mother was leaving, anxiety flashed across her features.
She rushed forward, grabbing Veronica's hand, and gazed up imploringly. "Mom, will you come watch my competition next month?"