The moment word spread through the exhibition hall, a surge of attendees began pushing toward the front section.
Bodies pressed against bodies as people from the back rows fought to move forward, desperate for even a glimpse of the legendary figure. But their efforts proved futile. By the time the stragglers managed to elbow their way through the crowd, Malcolm Blair had already become the center of a tight circle formed by the most powerful individuals who had claimed the premium front-row seats.
Niall remained seated in her front-row position, making no move to join the chaos surrounding Malcolm.
Her restraint only fueled Huxley's growing agitation. The older woman frantically gestured for her niece to approach, her movements becoming increasingly urgent.
Recognizing the summons, Niall rose gracefully and made her way over. "Aunt Huxley."
Before Huxley could voice her concerns, Niall preemptively addressed what she knew was coming. "Mr. Blair is completely overwhelmed by those industry titans right now. Even if I managed to push my way into that crowd, I'd be lucky to exchange more than a few words with him. Cullen suggested we wait for a more private moment to make a proper introduction."
Huxley's shoulders relaxed slightly as reason overcame her initial panic. "You're absolutely right."
The cluster of men surrounding Cullen represented the pinnacle of the business world, individuals whose companies appeared on the covers of Forbes and Wall Street Journal. These were people who normally existed in completely different stratospheres from their social circle. Recognizing an opportunity for Niall to expand her professional network, Huxley gave her a gentle but insistent nudge back toward the group.
Niall's expression remained serene as she responded, "I've already been introduced to each of them."
Thanks to Cullen's influence and connections, every single one of those business moguls had treated her with genuine respect and consideration during their earlier interactions.
Understanding just how deeply Cullen cared for Niall, Huxley felt her anxiety melt away entirely. A satisfied smile spread across her face. "That's wonderful to hear."
Despite their brief conversation providing some reassurance, Niall excused herself and began making her way back to Cullen's position.
The area had become even more densely packed during her absence. An average person would have found themselves trapped in the sea of bodies, unable to navigate through the maze of conversations and networking attempts. However, everyone present now understood exactly who Niall was and what she meant to Cullen. The moment they spotted her approaching, people instinctively shifted aside, creating a clear pathway for her passage.
Several of the business executives had concluded their brief conversations with Malcolm and realized that continuing to vie for his attention would be pointless. Instead, they had turned their focus to more practical matters, engaging in serious discussions about potential partnerships and upcoming ventures among themselves.
When Niall rejoined Cullen, one of the executives paused his conversation and turned toward them with a warm, approving smile. "Ms. Crystal possesses both remarkable intelligence and stunning beauty. Cullen, you clearly have exceptional taste and should consider yourself incredibly fortunate."
These influential men hadn't reached their positions by making superficial judgments based solely on family pedigree or inherited wealth.
Niall's qualifications spoke for themselves in every possible way. Her physical beauty was undeniable, but it was her composure and natural elegance that truly impressed them. She carried herself with a quiet confidence that never veered into arrogance, and her responses to their questions had been thoughtful and measured rather than impulsive or attention-seeking.
In every observable aspect, she represented the epitome of an exceptional young woman.
Their praise came from a place of genuine admiration rather than empty flattery or social obligation.
Cullen acknowledged the compliment with a subtle smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, while Niall responded with practiced grace. "You're far too kind, Mr. Declan."
The atmosphere remained pleasant and cordial, but everyone understood that Malcolm's schedule operated on a completely different level from their own. After what felt like an appropriate amount of time, he politely informed the assembled group that pressing matters required his immediate attention and he would need to take his leave.
Not a single person dared to voice any objection or request additional time.
Malcolm's connections extended deep into government circles and regulatory bodies. No one present would dare question the importance or urgency of whatever business demanded his attention.
With that simple announcement, he departed, leaving behind a room full of people who felt simultaneously honored by his brief presence and disappointed by its conclusion.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the exhibition hall, Veronica found herself completely absorbed in intensive technical discussions with development teams from various competing companies.
Neither she nor Dario had made any attempt to push through the crowd and compete for Malcolm's attention like so many others. The desperate networking display simply wasn't necessary for them.
If circumstances required a meeting with Malcolm Blair, they possessed alternative channels that made such public scrambling unnecessary. While arranging such a meeting might require some effort and careful timing, it certainly wasn't beyond their capabilities.
Their patience proved justified when, shortly after Malcolm's departure from the main hall, Dario felt his phone vibrate with an incoming message.
He glanced at the screen, and his expression immediately shifted. Without hesitation, he reached for Veronica's arm and guided her away from her ongoing technical conversation. They moved swiftly through the hall and out toward the building's parking area, where an entirely different kind of meeting awaited them.
Malcolm stood beside a sleek black vehicle, his attention focused on his phone as he composed what appeared to be an important response. When he sensed their approach, he lifted his gaze to acknowledge their presence.
Veronica felt her steps slow involuntarily as the reality of the moment hit her. "Mr. Blair."
Malcolm offered the briefest of nods in return. "Mm."
His voice carried its characteristic coldness as he continued, "I had the opportunity to review your exhibition display. The work was adequate." His eyes swept over both of them with calculating indifference.
"However, after three full years of development and resources, is this truly the extent of your progress?"