Marco's voice cut through the silence after a moment. "I'll forward you my banking information in a few minutes."
"Of course," Veronica responded with practiced courtesy. "I apologize for the inconvenience, and I truly appreciate everything you did for me today."
"Don't mention it," Marco answered, his tone remaining detached before disconnecting the line.
Dario had been positioned close enough to catch fragments of their exchange and inquired, "Was that the person who assisted with your vehicle situation today?"
Within moments, Marco transmitted his account information accompanied by a photograph of the garage receipt.
Veronica glanced at her phone screen and launched her banking application. "That's correct."
The formal nature of Veronica's conversation with Marco revealed to Dario that their relationship lacked intimacy.
Dario was familiar with Marco professionally and understood that Veronica knew him as well. Nevertheless, as far as he could determine, virtually no relationship existed between them. Even when he overheard Veronica using the formal address "Mr. Valerie" during their phone conversation, he hadn't immediately connected it to Marco.
Veronica processed the payment for the precise repair amount and returned it to Marco. Following a courteous message expressing her gratitude, she redirected her focus toward the task Malcolm had assigned their team that morning.
She and Dario collaborated on distilling the essential technological components of the exhibition pieces into a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. Despite their efforts to maintain brevity, the extensive number of exhibits required their attention well past 2:00 AM before they completed and submitted their work to Malcolm.
Exhaustion had overtaken Dario by that point, but his lack of overnight essentials prevented Veronica from suggesting he remain at her apartment.
Following Dario's departure, Veronica carefully made her way to the bathroom, favoring her injured ankle, before completing her evening routine and retiring to bed.
While her injury remained relatively minor, Dario had strongly recommended she work from home for several days before resuming office duties.
The following morning found Veronica established at her home workspace, managing her responsibilities remotely.
Shortly after beginning her day, Sabrina's call interrupted her morning routine.
"Mom, how's your ankle progressing? Are you experiencing any improvement?" Sabrina's voice carried concern.
Veronica maneuvered around her kitchen on one foot while assembling her breakfast. "There's been some improvement."
"I'm relieved to hear that," Sabrina replied. She appeared to be managing her own morning meal but seemed uncertain about continuing their conversation.
Veronica detected the hesitation in her daughter's voice. Their interactions hadn't always carried this underlying tension.
Previously, Sabrina would overflow with topics to discuss with her mother.
Recent years had witnessed a gradual decline in their communication frequency. When Sabrina encountered challenges or needed guidance, she instinctively turned to Niall first. This pattern had slowly eroded their mother-daughter connection, creating awkward silences where animated conversations once flourished.
Today's call suggested genuine worry about Veronica's condition, at least on the surface.
The concern existed, but it felt superficial. Present, yet insufficient to convey genuine emotional investment.
This stark contrast to their past relationship troubled Veronica deeply. Years ago, even minor ailments would reduce Sabrina to tears. She would attach herself to Veronica's side, refusing separation. Her comfort attempts would be constant, and she would demand to maintain vigilant watch over her mother's recovery.
During those precious years, Sabrina had embodied the perfect loving daughter.
Now, without Veronica pinpointing the exact moment of transition, Sabrina's devotion and tenderness had been redirected entirely toward Niall.
The evidence was unmistakable. During Niall's recent illness, Cullen had abandoned his breakfast mid-bite to rush to her assistance. Sabrina had discreetly messaged Niall throughout the school day and immediately arranged for her driver to transport her to Niall's residence upon dismissal.
If Sabrina harbored similar concern for Veronica, she could have insisted on obtaining her mother's address the previous evening and coordinated a visit through her driver.
However, she had chosen not to pursue that option.
Finding herself without additional conversation topics, Sabrina shifted her attention to Cullen, who occupied the chair opposite her at their breakfast table. "Dad, would you like to speak with Mom?"