Dario froze mid-sentence, his expression shifting to one of surprise. "What a strange coincidence this is."
Cullen's response came without hesitation, his voice steady and emotionless. "Indeed it is."
Sensing the tension in the air, Dario quickly spoke up. "We have quite a group here. Mr. Dennis, perhaps you should take this elevator. We can catch the next one."
"That works for me. Until next time." Cullen's tone remained neutral.
"Yes, see you around."
The metal doors slid shut with a soft hiss, leaving Veronica standing with Dario and their colleagues in the hallway, waiting for another elevator to arrive.
As they stepped into the next available elevator, Veronica's phone began buzzing insistently. The caller ID showed Sabrina's name.
She stepped slightly away from the group before answering. "Hello, sweetheart?"
"Mom, did you finish work already? How long until you get home?"
Since Veronica's ankle injury, Sabrina had developed a habit of calling her every evening to check on her wellbeing. Yesterday, when she learned that Veronica's ankle had finally healed completely, she had immediately asked when her mother would return home.
Veronica had been swamped with work commitments yesterday and couldn't give her daughter a definitive answer. Now, hearing the same eager question, she smiled softly. "I just wrapped up everything here. I should be home within the hour."
By the time she finished the conversation, the elevator had descended to the lobby level.
Vincent, who had been listening with obvious curiosity, couldn't contain his surprise. "Ms. Murray, I had no idea you were a mother."
"I am," Veronica confirmed simply.
"That's incredible. I never would have guessed."
He had been operating under the assumption that Veronica and Dario were romantically involved. Their professional relationship appeared intimate, and Dario consistently showed her special consideration and care.
Dalton looked equally stunned by this revelation. Veronica appeared so youthful and energetic that the idea of her having a child seemed almost impossible to believe.
With casual interest, he probed further. "Does your husband work in our industry as well?"
Veronica paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Something like that, yes."
Vincent had engaged in several technical discussions with Veronica previously and recognized her exceptional expertise in their field. He naturally assumed her spouse must also be involved in similar work. The question of the man's identity was on the tip of his tongue, but he held back when he noticed Veronica's somewhat distant expression. She clearly preferred not to elaborate on the subject.
Meanwhile, Dario felt a strong urge to reveal the truth that Veronica's husband was actually Cullen, the very man who held ultimate authority over their company.
However, given that Veronica was actively pursuing divorce proceedings, and considering their future working relationship with Vincent and Dalton, exposing this information could create uncomfortable situations. Someone might even attempt to use this knowledge to curry favor with Niall at Veronica's expense.
To prevent any potential complications, Dario decided to remain silent about the matter.
After departing from Stellar's building, Veronica and Dario headed to their individual vehicles and drove off in opposite directions.
When Veronica pulled into the villa's driveway, she discovered Sabrina already stationed downstairs, clearly waiting for her arrival. The moment Sabrina spotted her mother, she sprinted forward and wrapped her arms around her in an enthusiastic embrace.
"Mom, you're finally here!"
Veronica gently ran her fingers through her daughter's hair and was about to inquire whether she was hungry when Sabrina's focus immediately shifted to examining her ankle.
"Mom, is your injury completely healed now?"
"Yes, darling, I'm perfectly fine."
"Show me exactly where you were hurt before. I need to see for myself."
"That's really not necessary. Everything has healed properly."
"No, I insist on seeing it!"
Recognizing her daughter's determined tone, Veronica surrendered to the request. She slipped off her comfortable cotton slippers and indicated the location of her previous injury.
Sabrina immediately crouched down to conduct a thorough examination. "I don't see any visible marks or scars."
"The swelling has completely disappeared, so there's nothing left to see," Veronica explained patiently.
"I understand now," Sabrina nodded with satisfaction. Then her expression became more serious. "Mom, since you just recovered from your injury, you shouldn't remain standing for extended periods. I've already arranged for dinner to be prepared. We should eat right away."
"That sounds perfect."
Sabrina's face lit up with joy as she grasped her mother's hand and guided her toward the dining room.
The dining table had been set for only two people, with Cullen's customary place setting notably absent from its usual position.
Observing Veronica's brief glance toward the empty space, Sabrina offered an explanation. "Dad mentioned he has important business to handle tonight and won't be joining us for dinner. It's just going to be you and me tonight, Mom."
Recalling the unexpected elevator encounter with Cullen and Niall earlier, Veronica couldn't help but wonder if Cullen's evening obligations involved sharing a meal with Niall instead of coming home.
She kept this speculation to herself.
Throughout their dinner, Veronica engaged in pleasant conversation with Sabrina about her day and various topics.
Perhaps because Veronica had been granting Sabrina increased independence and trust recently, her daughter seemed significantly warmer and more affectionate than she had been in previous weeks. The irritation and impatience that had occasionally surfaced in their interactions had completely vanished.
Following their meal, Sabrina made an unexpected request, asking Veronica to assist her with her evening bath routine, including washing and styling her hair afterward.