Niall had prepared herself for a waiting game, expecting days to pass before any progress. However, fate moved swiftly when her phone lit up that very afternoon with Cullen's call.
"Mr. and Mrs. Reid will be attending an auction tomorrow evening," Cullen informed her, his voice casual yet purposeful. "Would you like to accompany me?"
A smile curved Niall's lips as she replied, "I'd be delighted to."
The following evening, the auction venue glowed with crystal chandeliers illuminating a sea of designer gowns and bespoke suits. The air hummed with wealth and influence. Shortly after their arrival, Cullen guided Niall through the crowd toward a distinguished couple engaged in conversation near the champagne table.
Hamilton and Rosie Reid stood as pillars of high society, their reputation preceding them. Though they were well-acquainted with the tumultuous history between Veronica and Niall—owing to Cullen's previous relationship with Veronica—they maintained impeccable social graces as Cullen approached with Niall.
Hamilton extended his hand to Cullen with genuine warmth, his smile reaching his eyes. Rosie, elegant in a midnight blue gown, graciously shook Niall's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, her voice melodious and practiced.
The auction hall bustled with society's elite, conversations flowing as freely as the expensive champagne. After initial pleasantries, Hamilton naturally drew Cullen into a business discussion with several other gentlemen, creating the perfect opening Niall had been waiting for.
Seizing the opportunity, Niall engaged Rosie in conversation, steering their chat through harmless topics before delicately shifting gears.
"Mrs. Reid," Niall said, her voice lowering confidentially, "I hope you don't mind my directness, but I came here tonight with a specific purpose in mind. I need your assistance with a matter."
Rosie's eyebrow arched slightly, her smile remaining fixed. "Is there something beyond Mr. Dennis's considerable capabilities? He seems like a man who can move mountains if necessary." Her tone was light but probing. "What could possibly require my intervention, Ms. Crystal?"
"This concerns Mr. Dario," Niall replied simply, watching Rosie's reaction carefully.
A flicker of surprise crossed Rosie's carefully composed features. "Dario?" she repeated, her voice betraying mild curiosity.
"Yes," Niall confirmed, preparing to elaborate.
Before she could continue, Rosie's attention shifted to her handbag as it vibrated subtly. "Excuse me," she said, retrieving her phone. "I need to take this call."
"Of course," Niall nodded, watching as Rosie stepped away for privacy.
When Rosie returned moments later, she smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her dress. "I apologize for the interruption, Ms. Crystal."
"Not at all," Niall assured her.
Rosie's gaze sharpened. "You mentioned something about Dario. What's happening?"
"Are you familiar with the partnership between Stellar and DataPulse?" Niall asked directly.
"Dario has mentioned it in passing," Rosie confirmed. "Has something gone awry with your collaboration?"
"There's been a complication," Niall admitted, choosing her words carefully. "A minor issue on our side, but hardly something that warrants terminating our agreement. I've been persistently trying to reach Mr. Dario to resolve this misunderstanding and am fully prepared to compensate for any inconvenience caused."
Niall leaned slightly closer, lowering her voice. "Unfortunately, certain individuals are exploiting this small misstep, pressuring Mr. Dario to sever ties with Stellar. He's now refusing my calls and declining all meeting requests, seemingly intent on breaking our contract."
Rosie's expression darkened perceptibly, her lips tightening. "The person you're referring to," she interrupted, "is Veronica, isn't it?"
Noting the shift in Rosie's demeanor, Niall responded promptly, "Yes, precisely."
"What possible motivation could she have?" Rosie asked, though her tone suggested she already suspected the answer.
"We have some... personal history," Niall explained diplomatically.
She continued earnestly, "Ending this contract would be detrimental for both companies. Even with compensation, Mr. Dario would still suffer losses. Stellar genuinely values our partnership with DataPulse, but despite all my attempts to demonstrate goodwill, he remains fixated on termination."
Niall's expression turned hopeful. "That's why I'm approaching you, Mrs. Reid. Your influence might help him reconsider his position."
Rosie lowered her gaze, absently tracing the rim of her champagne glass with a manicured finger. "I see," she murmured, clearly processing the implications.
Sensing Rosie's displeasure, Niall offered a grateful smile. "Thank you for considering this. I truly appreciate any assistance you can provide."
"You're being overly formal, Ms. Crystal," Rosie responded, her expression unreadable.
Their conversation continued briefly until Hamilton appeared at his wife's side, effectively bringing their discussion to a close. As they parted ways, Niall caught the subtle exchange of glances between husband and wife—a wordless communication that left her cautiously optimistic about her chances of salvaging the crucial partnership with DataPulse.