The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Nate stepped out into the lobby. Veronica felt her breath catch in her throat. She hadn't expected to see him at this secluded hot spring resort, of all places.
Cook and Cullen, however, showed no trace of surprise on their faces. Their calm expressions made it clear they had been expecting his arrival all along.
Nate spotted Veronica immediately, one eyebrow arching upward in that familiar gesture she remembered too well. But instead of addressing her, he pivoted toward Cook with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Mrs. Dennis Senior, surely you're not departing already? Won't you stay for lunch with us?"
The history between the Dennis and Dante families stretched back decades, and Cook had watched Nate grow from a mischievous boy into the man he was today. Her face softened into an affectionate smile. "I'll leave you young people to enjoy yourselves. Don't let me spoil your fun."
The group moved together toward the entrance, escorting Cook to her waiting car. As the vehicle disappeared down the winding mountain road, Sabrina bounced on her toes with barely contained excitement. "Mr. Dante, what brings you all the way out here?"
Nate crouched down to Sabrina's level, gently pinching her rosy cheeks between his fingers. "Your father specifically requested my presence here. The moment I finished saying goodbye to your grandmother, I made the journey. What do you think? Am I not the most reliable friend you could ask for?"
"Dad really asked you to come?"
"Absolutely." Nate straightened up, his smile widening as he continued. "In fact, as soon as I learned your grandmother would be leaving, I contacted Marco and Niall. They're already en route and should arrive within the hour. Doesn't that news thrill you?"
As he spoke these words, Nate deliberately shifted his gaze toward Veronica, making sure she absorbed every syllable.
Veronica intercepted his pointed look, understanding perfectly that his announcement was meant for her ears specifically.
Sabrina's face lit up with genuine delight. She started to nod enthusiastically but suddenly became conscious of her mother standing nearby. Her enthusiasm faltered, and she lifted her head to study Veronica's expression uncertainly.
Veronica pretended not to notice her daughter's hesitation. She placed a gentle hand on Sabrina's head, stroking her hair softly. "Go ahead and have a wonderful time with them. I'm heading back home."
Without another word, Veronica turned and walked away, not sparing Cullen or Nate even a passing glance.
Nate watched her retreating form with growing bewilderment. Her expression had remained completely neutral when he mentioned Marco and Niall's impending arrival. She showed no signs of jealousy, anxiety, or even mild interest. Her indifference seemed genuine, as if his words carried no weight whatsoever.
With Sabrina still present, Nate couldn't voice his confusion directly. He studied Veronica's diminishing figure before leaning closer to Cullen, lowering his voice to a whisper. "What exactly is happening here?"
Cullen maintained his composure, deflecting with a question of his own. "Did you make this trip solo?"
"Are you kidding me? This is a luxury hot spring resort we're discussing. Coming alone would be completely pointless. Naturally, I brought my gorgeous companion along..."
Nate paused mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing as he turned to face Cullen fully. "Hold on just a minute. You're deliberately changing the subject."
Cullen offered no denial. "Speaking of which, here comes your gorgeous companion now."
Right on cue, a statuesque woman approached their group. Her silk bathrobe hung open, strategically revealing the skimpy bikini that hugged her curves beneath.
Once back in her suite, Veronica changed into comfortable loungewear and settled at the polished wooden desk. She opened her laptop and began reviewing detailed files from the recent technology exposition, analyzing each innovative project with careful attention.
After thirty minutes of intensive research, Veronica had compiled comprehensive notes on the most promising ventures. Suddenly struck by inspiration, she reached for her phone and dialed Dario. "Do you have time for a business discussion?"
"I'm currently at a masquerade ball, but I can talk. What's on your mind?" Dario replied, classical music and distant laughter filtering through the connection.
Veronica outlined her innovative concept, her voice growing more animated as she detailed the potential applications and market opportunities.
His tone shifted, becoming both serious and excited simultaneously. "This requires my full attention. I'm leaving the ball immediately to return to my office."
"Perfect." After ending the call, Veronica immersed herself back into her research, cross-referencing market trends with technological capabilities.
Time passed unnoticed until animated voices and laughter drifted up from the courtyard below. Veronica paused in her work, realizing that Marco and Niall must have finally arrived at the resort.
She rose from her chair and moved to close the window, muffling the sounds of their enthusiastic reunion downstairs.
Her stomach chose that moment to remind her she hadn't eaten since breakfast. Veronica picked up the room service menu and placed an order, speaking to the courteous staff member who assured her the meal would be prepared promptly.
Within twenty minutes, there was a soft knock at her door. A uniformed server stood in the hallway with an elegant tray, the aromatic steam rising from covered dishes promising a satisfying meal prepared by the resort's renowned kitchen staff.