Maverick's intentions wavered as he approached the group. He had planned to confront Malcolm about Dario's increasingly problematic behavior and the terminated contract between DataPulse and Stellar. But seeing Cullen standing beside Niall, the words died in his throat.
These were Niall's matters, and with both her and Cullen present, Maverick realized he had no right to interfere. Speaking out now would only expose his thoughts about Niall to everyone present, potentially causing her unnecessary complications.
Maverick's gaze shifted to Gavin standing nearby. The pieces clicked into place in his mind. Stellar and DataPulse had signed a termination agreement, and now Niall and Cullen were dining with Gavin. The implication was clear: DataWing was becoming Stellar's new partner.
Cullen's attentiveness to Niall was obvious. Since she had already secured a new business partnership and Dario was spiraling further into questionable behavior, perhaps it was better for Niall to distance herself from the situation entirely.
With this realization, Maverick saw no reason to trouble Malcolm with his concerns. "It's nothing, sorry to interrupt," he said, his voice measured and calm.
Dario, however, understood what Maverick had intended to say. A smirk played across his lips as he remarked, "I thought you were angry and were going to complain to my mentor."
The sarcastic edge in Dario's tone revealed his smugness and lack of remorse, confirming to Maverick that the situation was worse than he'd imagined. Once, he had felt a twinge of pity for Dario. Now, watching him eagerly descend into decadence with Veronica by his side, Maverick wondered why he should even try to stop him.
"Mr. Reid, you're exaggerating," Maverick replied dismissively, no longer interested in engaging further.
Dario, equally disinterested in Maverick, turned to Veronica and Malcolm. "Prof, let's go," he said.
Veronica nodded in agreement. "Prof, this way," she said to Malcolm.
Maverick and Niall exchanged glances when they heard Veronica address Malcolm as "Prof." They assumed she was shamelessly mimicking Dario, though they couldn't help feeling that her use of the title somehow tarnished Malcolm's reputation.
As Dario and Veronica headed back toward the office after Malcolm departed in his car, Dario vented his frustrations. "Maverick is such an idiot. I regret ever cooperating with him just because I wanted to show Doran respect. The thought of continuing to work with him makes my head hurt."
Veronica massaged her temples with her fingertips. "Should we have Mr. Bauer handle him in the future?" she suggested.
"Yes, please!" Dario replied, relief evident in his voice.
Veronica smiled as they continued their journey back to the office. When they stepped out of the elevator and approached the company entrance, her phone vibrated with an incoming call. Cullen's name flashed on the screen.
Dario noticed her expression shift and immediately guessed the caller's identity. Just as the vibration stopped, a message notification appeared. Again, it was from Cullen.
"I'm going on a business trip tomorrow. Sa wants to stay with you. Can you take care of her during the June Lewis holiday?"
Dario read the message over her shoulder and scoffed. "Just like during the Bloom Celebration, he can't go on a business trip without bringing Niall along. But he wants you to look after Sabrina so he can spend time alone with Niall?"
His words hung in the air, weighted with implications about Cullen's priorities and the evolving dynamics between all parties involved. Veronica stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the screen as she contemplated her response to this familiar request.