As they moved away from the crowd, Callum's curiosity got the better of him. "What exactly is the situation between you and the Crystal?"
Dario and Veronica shared a meaningful look before Veronica responded carefully, "There's nothing between us."
She wasn't lying, technically speaking. What existed wasn't a simple conflict but something far more complicated.
Callum, however, interpreted her words at face value, assuming she meant there were no issues whatsoever with the Crystal family.
"That's good to hear."
Callum had high hopes for DataPulse's future success. His tone carried genuine concern as he continued, "Given how much Cullen values Ms. Crystal, the Crystal family is positioned to rise significantly in social standing. The Dennis, particularly Cullen, aren't people you want as enemies. Even if you're not interested in building a relationship with the Crystal, I'd strongly advise against antagonizing them."
Veronica's smile held a bitter edge as she absorbed the irony of Callum's advice.
What other woman in her position would receive counsel to maintain cordial relations with her husband's lover, simply because her husband was too infatuated to think clearly?
Dario found himself unable to tolerate Callum's words any longer.
"We don't fear Cullen Dennis in the slightest," he declared firmly.
Their company had enjoyed government protection for years due to their involvement with Echo.
Cullen's previous attempts to interfere with DataPulse had failed miserably. With their current project gaining momentum, Dario was confident they would secure even stronger government support in the near future.
Their company was poised for massive expansion within the next twelve months.
Once that happened, DataPulse would be completely beyond Cullen's reach or influence.
Dario wasn't speaking from wounded pride or empty bravado.
His confidence stemmed directly from the strength Veronica had brought to their organization.
Mary's birthday celebration was scheduled for Saturday.
Veronica had reached a point where Cullen's attendance or absence at Mary's party no longer mattered to her.
Sabrina's presence, however, was non-negotiable.
To ensure Sabrina wouldn't disappear to spend time with Niall that day, potentially making herself unreachable, Veronica placed a call to her daughter Thursday morning.
This marked the first time she had initiated contact with Sabrina since returning from her own birthday trip to Bella.
Sabrina was in the middle of breakfast when her phone rang. Cullen sat across from her at the table.
Even now, seeing Veronica's name on her phone screen brought Sabrina genuine happiness.
She immediately set down her utensils and answered eagerly. "Mom!"
"Good morning." Veronica could detect that Sabrina was speaking around a mouthful of food. "Are you eating breakfast?"
"Yes! Have you eaten yet, Mom?"
"I have." Veronica moved directly to her purpose. "I'm calling to inform you that your grandmother's birthday is this Saturday. Don't schedule anything else that day—you'll be accompanying me to her house for the celebration."
Sabrina hadn't anticipated that Veronica was calling solely about this matter.
She had missed her opportunity to see Niall the previous weekend and had been hoping to make up for lost time this Saturday.
The request left her feeling somewhat disappointed.
Nevertheless, she couldn't bring herself to refuse Veronica's direct instruction.
Veronica clearly sensed Sabrina's hesitation and understood exactly what was causing it.
Her grip tightened around her phone as she asked, "Is your father there with you?"
"Dad? Yes," Sabrina confirmed, glancing at Cullen seated across the table. "Do you need to speak with him, Mom?"
"Please hand him the phone. I have something to discuss with him."
Sabrina extended the phone toward Cullen, who was still focused on his meal. "Dad, Mom wants to talk to you."
Cullen set aside his utensils and accepted the phone. "What do you need?"
"My grandmother is celebrating her birthday the day after tomorrow. Please ensure Sa accompanies me to the Murray residence that day, and make certain she doesn't attempt to slip away."
Cullen responded without hesitation, "Understood. Is there anything else?"
"I'll be collecting her Friday evening to bring her to the Murray house."
Veronica felt a wave of relief wash over her at Cullen's cooperative response. After a moment's pause, she added, "I appreciate it."
Cullen acknowledged her thanks with a noncommittal grunt.
Veronica hadn't bothered to ask whether Cullen would be available to attend Saturday's celebration when she had initially mentioned it.
This time proved no different.
Furthermore, since he had arranged for the auction item he'd purchased to be delivered to her, his intention was obviously for her to present the gift to Mary on his behalf.
The unspoken understanding between them had crystallized into something cold and purely transactional, stripped of any pretense of genuine connection or care.