Veronica's response came without hesitation. "That won't be necessary. I can handle picking it up myself."
Her immediate rejection created an awkward pause on the phone line.
"Mr. Valerie?" she said, breaking the silence.
"Very well. I'll text you the repair shop's details."
"I'm grateful for your help." Marco offered no further comment before disconnecting.
Given her throbbing ankle, retrieving the vehicle herself was clearly impossible. After weighing her options, Veronica reached out to Dario for assistance.
Dario readily accepted her request. He assured her he would collect the car after completing his current commitments.
When evening arrived, Veronica placed an order for delivery food. She had barely finished her meal when her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Sabrina.
"Are you planning to come home tonight?" Sabrina inquired.
Veronica answered honestly, "I twisted my ankle and moving around is difficult right now. I'm staying at a different location while I heal, so I won't be returning home. Make sure you get to bed at a reasonable hour."
Sabrina's voice filled with alarm. "What happened? Mom, you injured your ankle? How bad is the damage? Are you in significant pain?"
"There's some discomfort, but nothing too severe. I should be back to normal within a few days."
"That's somewhat reassuring," Sabrina replied, though worry still colored her tone. "Where exactly are you staying, Mom? Dad will be home later tonight. We could visit you tomorrow."
Veronica quickly dismissed the idea. "There's no need for that. I'm perfectly capable of managing on my own. Keep your attention on your studies."
"Understood." Their conversation continued for several more minutes before they said their goodbyes.
When Cullen eventually returned home, Sabrina spotted him immediately and rushed over with her news. "Dad, something happened to Mom! She hurt her ankle and she's staying somewhere else while she recovers!"
Cullen responded with a simple, "I see," as he slipped off his perfectly fitted suit jacket and passed it to Carlos, their household manager. "I'm already aware of the situation."
"You are?" Sabrina's eyes widened with surprise. "How did you find out? Did Mom contact you about it?"
Cullen settled into his chair and accepted the glass of water that Chelsea offered him. "No. I witnessed the incident personally."
"You witnessed it?" Sabrina stared at him with bewilderment. "You were present when Mom got injured?"
Cullen confirmed with another brief nod.
Sabrina's face lit up with understanding. "Of course! Mom is employed at your company, so naturally you would have been there when the accident occurred!"
"Actually, no," Cullen corrected her calmly. "Your mother is no longer part of my company's staff."
"She isn't?" Sabrina's confusion deepened. "Then what is her current job?"
"She's pursuing work that brings her satisfaction," Cullen explained simply.
After draining his glass, Cullen set it aside and rose from his seat. As he prepared to head upstairs, he gently tousled Sabrina's hair. "Don't stay up too late."
"I won't!" Sabrina promised with enthusiasm.
At approximately eight o'clock that evening, Dario arrived with Veronica's repaired vehicle.
Veronica accepted the keys from him and immediately asked, "What was the total cost for the repairs? I need to reimburse you."
Dario dropped onto the couch and gave her a casual shrug. "I have absolutely no idea what the bill was."
"Excuse me?" Veronica's brow furrowed with confusion. "How were you able to retrieve the car without handling payment?"
"Nobody brought up money at all. The moment they heard the car belonged to you, they simply handed over the keys."
Veronica felt her breath catch.
Had Marco actually covered the entire repair bill?
This development was completely unexpected.
"Is something bothering you?" Dario noticed the shift in her expression and asked with concern.
"It's nothing important," Veronica replied, giving a dismissive shake of her head.
"Perfect, then we can dive into our assignment. I'm eager to complete this project and get some proper rest. I've been constantly on the move today, and I'm completely drained!"
He was referencing the exhibition analysis that Malcolm had delegated to them during the morning meeting.
"Absolutely," Veronica agreed.
Before they could begin their work, her thoughts returned to the unpaid repair bill. "I should make one quick phone call first."
Veronica immediately contacted Marco's number. He answered on the first ring. "Yes?"
"Mr. Valerie, this is Veronica calling."
"I recognized your voice. What can I do for you?"
"I'm calling about my car situation. I successfully retrieved it, but I need to clarify something. Did you take care of the repair expenses? If you did, I need to know the exact amount so I can transfer the funds to you immediately."
There was a moment of silence before Marco responded. "That's not necessary."
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand. What do you mean it's not necessary?"
"The repair costs have been handled. You don't need to concern yourself with reimbursement."
Veronica felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. "Mr. Valerie, I can't accept this kind of generosity. The damage to my vehicle was my responsibility, and I should bear the financial consequences. Please tell me the amount."
"The matter is settled, Veronica. There's nothing more to discuss."
His tone carried a finality that left little room for argument, yet Veronica couldn't simply let this slide. The gesture felt too personal, too intimate for their professional relationship.
"I insist on paying you back. This creates an uncomfortable obligation that I'd prefer to avoid."
Marco's voice softened slightly. "Consider it compensation for the inconvenience you experienced today. The situation was partially my fault for not ensuring the parking area was properly maintained."
"That's completely unreasonable logic, and you know it."
"Perhaps. But my decision stands."
Veronica realized she was fighting a losing battle. Marco's stubborn determination matched her own, and neither seemed willing to concede ground.
"This conversation isn't over," she warned him.
"If you say so." There was something almost amused in his tone now. "Is there anything else you need to discuss?"
"Then I'll let you return to your evening. Take care of that ankle."
The line went dead before Veronica could respond.
She stared at her phone for several seconds, processing the entire exchange. Marco's unexpected kindness left her feeling unsettled and confused about his motivations.
"Everything sorted out?" Dario asked from the couch, where he had been patiently waiting.
"Not exactly, but it will have to do for now," Veronica replied, setting her phone aside. "Let's focus on our work."
As they began reviewing their exhibition notes, Veronica found her concentration wavering. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Marco's gesture and what it might signify about the shifting dynamics between them.