The atmosphere in the corridor turned arctic as Dario and Veronica felt ice water flooding their veins.
Dario scrambled to respond, "We've already begun development on the next generation product. The prototype should be completed within twelve months."
Malcolm's acknowledgment came as a barely audible hum, followed by his razor-sharp directive. "Don't waste my time with meetings until you have results to show."
Both nodded frantically. "Absolutely understood."
"I want a comprehensive analysis on my desk tonight."
The blood drained from their faces as they realized Malcolm expected a complete technical breakdown of every innovation showcased at today's exposition.
"Of course," they managed to stammer.
Dario cleared his throat nervously, then ventured, "Sir, completing such an extensive review in a single evening presents certain logistical challenges."
The word "challenges" felt inadequate. What Malcolm demanded bordered on superhuman. Dario continued with growing desperation, "Perhaps we could deliver it within thirty days?"
The sheer scope overwhelmed him. Analyzing every breakthrough technology and revolutionary concept they had witnessed would require documenting tens of thousands of words, possibly exceeding one hundred thousand. Completing such a monumental task overnight defied all reasonable expectations.
Malcolm offered no verbal response. Instead, his penetrating stare bore into them with laser focus.
Despite his polished exterior and scholarly demeanor, the intensity radiating from his eyes could crack even the strongest resolve.
Dario felt his spine snap to attention as cold sweat beaded on his forehead. "Completely understood! We'll have it finished!"
Veronica watched this exchange in stunned silence, recognizing their conversation had reached its brutal conclusion.
Malcolm's attention shifted to her with predatory precision.
Her posture immediately corrected itself under his scrutiny. "Mr. Blair..."
"Examine the quality of your life choices!"
The words sliced through the air like a blade before Malcolm pivoted and strode away, leaving devastation in his wake.
Confusion clouded Veronica's features.
Dario supplied the translation she needed. "He's referring to your husband."
The implication hit her like a physical blow. Malcolm's message couldn't have been clearer—he questioned her judgment in selecting Cullen as a life partner.
Understanding dawned, but questions remained. "What transpired between them?"
During the main presentation, she and Dario had occupied seats toward the rear of the auditorium. They had observed Cullen and Niall approaching their mentor after his speech concluded, but the distance prevented them from overhearing the actual exchange.
Dario shrugged helplessly. "I have no information about their conversation."
While they stood processing the aftermath of Malcolm's verbal assault, Niall and Huxley emerged from the building and noticed them concluding their discussion.
Huxley observed Malcolm's retreating figure before addressing Niall with calculated confidence. "His opinion holds no significance. Your technical expertise far surpasses hers. Even with her connection to Malcolm, what advantage does it provide? She lacks the qualifications to earn his mentorship regardless."
Niall accepted this assessment with a nod. "You're absolutely correct." She gestured toward the entrance. "We should return inside."
Veronica and Dario had no intention of departing. This gathering represented a rare opportunity to establish professional relationships with industry leaders. Leaving prematurely would squander invaluable networking potential.
After Malcolm disappeared from view, they reentered the exhibition space.
During their continued exploration of the venue, they encountered Cullen multiple times. However, Veronica maintained her distance, and he showed no inclination to acknowledge her presence. To any observer, they appeared as complete strangers sharing nothing more than coincidental proximity.
Niall's group had also remained at the event.
The situation struck Veronica as particularly ironic when she considered Isaac's behavior. During their previous encounter at the jewelry boutique, he had made deliberate efforts to engage her, expressing ongoing concern for her wellbeing.
Today, despite numerous opportunities for interaction, he had avoided her completely. Gone was any pretense of caring or interest in her circumstances.
The contrast amused Veronica in a bitter way, though she understood the underlying motivation perfectly.
Niall's presence changed everything. Now that everyone recognized him as Niall's father, approaching Veronica posed unacceptable risks to his reputation. If he acknowledged her publicly, and others discovered her marriage to Cullen, his carefully constructed image would crumble.
The mathematics of social standing had rendered her invisible to him.