Veronica recognized the subtle mockery in Dario's expression, a deliberate provocation aimed at Maverick. She simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Niall observed the genuine care Dario showed toward Veronica, her brow creasing with concern. Something about their dynamic unsettled her.
Maverick and his colleagues had declined the dinner invitation, claiming urgent matters required their attention. Yet their business at Stellar had concluded, leaving them free to accompany Veronica and Dario toward the elevator.
Niall's phone buzzed as they waited. After a brief conversation, she announced, "Cullen will arrive shortly. I should leave with him."
The elevator descended in comfortable silence. By the time they reached the lobby, Cullen's sleek sedan waited at the curb.
He emerged from the vehicle with practiced elegance, offering cordial greetings to both Maverick and Dario. His gaze swept over Veronica but he offered no acknowledgment, as if she were invisible.
Niall moved to Cullen's side the instant he appeared, their synchronized movements speaking of intimate familiarity. They presented the image of effortless sophistication, a couple who belonged together in every conceivable way.
Maverick engaged Cullen in polite conversation about business matters and mutual acquaintances. Dario watched this exchange with barely concealed amusement before interjecting with calculated indifference.
"Mr. Dennis, we have reservations to keep. We should take our leave."
Cullen's response carried equal formality. "Enjoy your evening, Mr. Reid."
With that dismissal, Dario placed a protective hand on Veronica's lower back, guiding her away from the group. The gesture was subtle yet unmistakably possessive.
Dinner with Dalton and his associates proved pleasant but unremarkable. Veronica found herself distracted, her thoughts returning repeatedly to the afternoon's tension. When the meal concluded, she drove home through the city's evening traffic.
Her phone rang the moment she stepped through her apartment door. Marco's name appeared on the screen, causing her to hesitate before accepting the call.
"Mr. Valerie," she answered, keeping her tone neutral.
"The contract bears both signatures," Marco stated without preamble. "Contact your uncle for verification, then inform me of your availability."
The line went dead before she could respond. His efficiency was impressive, though it did nothing to ease her wariness. Marco Valerie never acted without multiple motivations, and she suspected this favor came with hidden costs.
After brief consideration, she dialed Phillip's number. Her uncle answered on the second ring, his voice carrying unusual warmth.
"Uncle Phillip, I heard the company recently secured a significant project with the Valerie family. Is this accurate?"
"Absolutely correct." Phillip's satisfaction was evident. "This partnership will provide substantial growth opportunities, though I must admit surprise at your knowledge of the arrangement. How did you learn of this development?"
"Someone mentioned it in passing," Veronica replied evasively. She steered the conversation toward safer topics, inquiring about his health and family before ending the call.
Her phone remained in her hand as she contemplated her next move. Marco had delivered on his promise with remarkable speed. She owed him acknowledgment, if nothing else.
He answered her return call immediately, as if he had been waiting.
"Saturday and Sunday work for my schedule," Veronica informed him.
"Excellent. Would you prefer to establish the timing, or shall I handle those details?"
"Very well. I will be in touch."
The conversation ended as abruptly as their previous exchange. Veronica set her phone aside and headed for the bathroom, hoping a hot shower would wash away the day's accumulated stress.
The evening stretched before her, and she found herself unable to relax completely. Instead, she settled at her computer to review the latest developments in artificial intelligence research, losing herself in technical analyses and market projections until fatigue finally claimed her.
Morning arrived with deceptive calm. Veronica prepared a simple breakfast of coffee and toast, checking her schedule while she ate. Just as she prepared to leave for the office, Marco's call interrupted her routine.
"I spoke with Cecelia yesterday evening," he began without pleasantries. "She expressed interest in skiing this weekend. Do you participate in winter sports, Ms. Murray?"
"I do ski, yes." The admission came easily. She had learned during college and maintained her skills over the years.
"Shall I arrange equipment for you, or do you have your own preferences?"
"I will provide my own gear, thank you."
"Saturday, then. I will send you the specific details."
The call ended, leaving Veronica with mixed feelings about the approaching weekend. Cecelia seemed genuinely sweet, but spending extended time with Marco required careful navigation.
Work provided welcome distraction until Sabrina called that afternoon, her voice carrying playful persuasion.
"I have been craving your cooking all week," Sabrina announced. "Please tell me you are free this evening."
Veronica found herself smiling despite her earlier tension. "I suppose I could be convinced to prepare something special."
"Perfect! Come over as soon as you can escape the office."
The evening proved exactly what Veronica needed. Cullen was absent on business travel, allowing her and Sabrina to enjoy uninterrupted time together. They cooked, laughed, and talked until late, the domestic tranquility soothing Veronica's frayed nerves.
She decided to stay overnight rather than drive home in the dark. Morning found her gathering the ski equipment she had left at the house months earlier, practical considerations overriding any emotional attachment to the items.
Sabrina appeared in the doorway as Veronica loaded her gear, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Are you planning a ski trip, Mom?"
Excitement transformed Sabrina's expression. "I want to come too! Niall took me recently, but it was not nearly enough time on the slopes."