Maverick wasted no time relaying his observations to Edric regarding what he'd witnessed today.

Edric's text response was prompt: "Veronica and her grandmother seem to have made quite an impression on my father and grandfather. That might explain it."

From Maverick's perspective, Maxwell's attentiveness toward Veronica appeared unusually special. Regardless of whatever impression she'd made, they'd only encountered each other once. The connection seemed tenuous at best.

Nevertheless, Maverick decided not to dwell on it after hearing Edric's explanation.

Weather reports had predicted afternoon precipitation, possibly including snow. Veronica noticed the rain pouring down outside before she even finished her meal.

Following lunch, Maxwell and his political colleagues needed to engage in more substantive discussions with Veronica and other company representatives about the previous year's operations and their plans for future development.

Later, Maxwell and the politicians formally thanked the various companies for their contributions to the city's economic growth, officially concluding the business-government forum.

As the event wrapped up, Cullen and Veronica prepared to depart after the customary handshakes with Maxwell and the other political figures.

While shaking Maxwell's hand, he cautioned her, "It's exceptionally cold today. I'm hearing reports that the roads are developing a thin layer of ice. Please drive with extreme caution."

"I will. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Patterson," Veronica replied politely.

She left alongside Cullen and the other corporate representatives, heading toward the parking area outside.

Walking beside her, Cullen commented, "Those high heels you're wearing must be treacherous in these conditions. Please be careful."

Cullen had addressed Veronica openly, in front of numerous colleagues. Ignoring him would have been inappropriate, so she reluctantly responded, "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Dennis. I'll be careful."

This interaction reminded her of last year's technology exposition incident. During that gathering at a restaurant, she had slipped and fallen. Back then, Cullen had been so concerned about potential misinterpretations that he'd refused even to help her up.

Today, his behavior was markedly different. He spoke at normal volume, not bothering to lower his voice, and had even interrupted his conversation with other businessmen specifically to address her.

Cullen's tone carried a certain intimacy. Furthermore, he had initiated the conversation with Veronica. Every company representative within earshot, including Maverick, had witnessed this exchange.

Besides Maverick, several company representatives had shared meals with Cullen and Veronica during last year's technology exposition.

DataPulse Co.'s sudden rise to prominence had catapulted Veronica to fame within business circles. By now, many believed they understood the nature of her relationship with Dario.

Naturally, more people remembered the technology exposition incident from the previous year. The prevailing belief was that Cullen had ignored Veronica when she had "deliberately slipped and fallen" in an attempt to seduce him during dinner.

Now, however, that interpretation seemed questionable.

Some speculated that Cullen was merely being polite, expressing concern for Veronica because Stellar and DataPulse Co. had collaborative projects. However, his use of her first name complicated matters.

The familiarity in his tone sounded suggestive, regardless of interpretation. The question lingered: Had Cullen finally succumbed to Veronica's charms?

Maverick hadn't attended last year's technology exposition. He remained unaware of Veronica's alleged attempt to "deliberately seduce" Cullen.

All he knew was that Cullen had initiated conversation with her earlier. While he couldn't hear their exchange then and suspected he might be misreading the situation, what he witnessed now seemed to confirm his suspicions.

Maverick concluded that Cullen had indeed become captivated by Veronica and harbored intentions of pursuing an affair with her. This realization turned his expression glacial as he observed them.

Anticipating rain, Veronica had brought an umbrella. However, the bitter wind was sharp enough to cut across one's face.

Although she'd known about the possibility of rain and snow, she'd assumed conditions in Porter wouldn't be severe since it was already February. Normally, snow would melt upon contact with the ground, preventing significant ice accumulation.

However, the icy conditions proved much worse than anticipated. Exiting the venue, she immediately noticed the slippery surface when ascending the steps. She proceeded with extra caution to avoid falling.

People less acquainted with Cullen walked past Veronica, while he remained steadfastly beside her, showing no indication of leaving. Meanwhile, businessmen familiar with Cullen exchanged knowing glances.

Maverick paused, about to say something when Veronica suddenly lost her footing and pitched forward. Just as she was about to hit the ground, Cullen swiftly reached out, catching her by the waist and preventing her fall.

Before she could process what had happened, he pulled her protectively into his arms.