For years, whispers had circulated about Cullen Dennis's marital status. Some claimed he had been married for some time, while others insisted he was perpetually single. The truth remained shrouded in mystery, and few dared to inquire directly. So when Cullen casually mentioned having a daughter during dinner, many were taken aback. Still, most kept their curiosity to themselves, knowing better than to pry into the personal life of someone as powerful as Cullen Dennis.
Later that evening, Sabrina waited anxiously for Veronica's return. By nine o'clock, she had already showered but continued listening intently for any signs of her mother's arrival. Every passing car made her heart leap with anticipation. When she finally heard the distinctive sound of a vehicle pulling up around ten, she bolted downstairs, her face alight with excitement.
"Mom—" she called out eagerly, but her voice trailed off when she saw Cullen entering instead. Her shoulders visibly slumped.
"Dad," she said, the disappointment evident in her tone.
Cullen handed his coat to Carlos, the butler, and noticed the crestfallen expression on his daughter's face. "What's wrong?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
"I thought Mom was back..." Sabrina mumbled, unable to hide her disappointment.
Cullen wasn't bothered by this typical display of children favoring their mothers. He considered the situation briefly before saying, "She's not back yet?"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "She must be busy. Didn't she promise to take you to school tomorrow morning? Go to bed early, and you'll see her when you wake up."
This reassurance seemed to brighten Sabrina's mood slightly. "Okay," she agreed, some of her earlier enthusiasm returning.
After their brief exchange, Cullen retreated to his study to attend to some work matters. When he finally finished close to midnight, he had assumed Veronica would have returned while he was occupied with business affairs.
However, upon entering their bedroom, he discovered her side of the bed still empty and undisturbed. It appeared something significant was happening within the Murray family to keep her away this long.
With this thought crossing his mind, Cullen calmly made his way to the bathroom, showing no outward signs of concern.
The following morning, Veronica woke early, knowing she needed to fulfill her promise to take Sabrina to school. After a hasty breakfast at her family home, she drove to the Dennis residence.
As her car entered the familiar neighborhood, Veronica experienced a strange moment of disorientation. Although she had lived there for nearly seven years and had only been away for about twenty days, it felt as though she had been gone for an eternity.
Objectively, nothing in the neighborhood had changed—the same manicured lawns, the same stately homes, the same quiet streets. Yet, Veronica felt like a visitor to a place she once called home.
Carlos spotted her car and hurried out to greet her. "Mrs. Dennis, you're back," he said warmly.
Veronica hesitated briefly at the form of address but ultimately decided against correcting him. She simply nodded and asked, "Where's Sa?"
"She should still be asleep," Carlos informed her.
Time was running short. If Sabrina didn't come downstairs soon, she'd miss breakfast. Rather than going upstairs herself, Veronica asked Chelsea to hurry Sabrina along.
Carlos gestured toward the dining room. "Mrs. Dennis, have you had breakfast? It's ready if you'd like some."
Veronica offered a faint smile and shook her head. "No need, I've already eaten."
"I see, okay then," Carlos nodded.
At that precise moment, Cullen descended the stairs, his presence commanding attention as always.
Veronica spared him only a fleeting glance, acknowledging him with nothing more than a brief nod—the barest minimum of courtesy.
Cullen paused mid-step, clearly taken aback by her coldness. Before he could say anything, the sound of rapid footsteps filled the air as Sabrina came bounding down the stairs, immediately throwing herself into Veronica's waiting arms.
Veronica held her daughter close, gently running her fingers through Sabrina's hair. "It's getting late, you should go eat breakfast," she said softly.
"Okay!" Sabrina beamed, delighted that Cullen's prediction had proven true—she had indeed woken up to find her mother there.
Feeling content, she nestled closer to Veronica, breathing in her familiar scent. With a happy smile, she tugged her mother toward the dining room. "Mom, come eat with me."
Veronica remained rooted in place. "I've already eaten. You go ahead."
"Then at least talk to me," Sabrina pleaded with the irresistible charm that only children possess.
While mother and daughter conversed, Cullen had already seated himself at the dining table, observing their interaction with unreadable eyes.
Unable to deny Sabrina's request, Veronica reluctantly took a seat across from Cullen. Carlos promptly poured a glass of water for her, and she focused entirely on Sabrina, who enthusiastically recounted events from school the previous day. She acted as though Cullen wasn't even present.
Cullen wasn't oblivious to the change in Veronica's demeanor. She had behaved similarly during their last encounter at Dennis Estate—cold, distant, and deliberately ignoring his existence.
His brow furrowed as he paused his eating, the fork suspended halfway to his mouth. The tension between them was palpable, yet neither was willing to acknowledge it openly, especially not with Sabrina present, happily chattering away, blissfully unaware of the silent battle of wills playing out between her parents.