Maverick's surprise at seeing Veronica vanished when he spotted Dario and Malcolm nearby. The connections were becoming clear.

Doran blinked with surprise at the sight of his son. "Business meeting brought you here too?"

"That's right," Maverick confirmed with a slight nod.

Finn, observing the family resemblance, chuckled. "Doran, this is your son?"

Doran's face broke into a proud smile. "Yes, he is."

"Quite impressive," Finn remarked. "He has a commanding presence and exceptional talent. You've raised a fine man."

Maverick recognized both Finn and Chandler instantly. Despite his father's close relationship with these business titans, their perpetually packed schedules meant Maverick had never personally met them before today. The opportunity wasn't lost on him as Finn extended his hand first.

"You're too generous with your praise," Maverick replied, shaking hands firmly.

His polite response was cut short when he spotted Niall and Isaac exiting their vehicle. Maverick froze mid-sentence.

The newcomers likewise halted in their tracks upon recognizing the gathering of business elites—Maverick, Malcolm, Chandler, and the others—all in one place. Beyond the initial shock, they also noticed Veronica standing with Dario.

The logical assumption formed in everyone's minds: Dario, as Malcolm's successful protégé who had impressively built DataPulse Co. into what it was today, had facilitated this meeting. It made perfect sense that Malcolm would introduce his star pupil to his high-powered connections.

Niall and Isaac shared Maverick's assumption that Veronica owed her extraordinary opportunity to meet legends like Malcolm and Chandler to her association with Dario. Regardless of how she'd managed it, being in the presence of business royalty like Chandler and Malcolm represented what must surely be the pinnacle achievement of Veronica's professional life.

Stories of Malcolm's extensive network had circulated for years, but witnessing firsthand that he moved comfortably among equally formidable figures was another matter entirely.

Niall and Isaac also recognized Maxwell and Doran as the fathers of Edric and Maverick respectively. When Niall caught Maverick looking their way, she offered a friendly nod and smile.

Doran, noticing his son's diverted attention, followed Maverick's gaze. "You know them?" he asked, referring to the strangers who had captured his son's interest.

"I do," Maverick confirmed simply.

Taking this as their cue, Niall and Isaac approached the group. Malcolm barely contained his irritation at their arrival, nearly rolling his eyes, while Veronica maintained perfect composure, her face revealing nothing.

"This is Mr. Crystal and his daughter, Niall Crystal," Maverick introduced them, his tone noticeably warmer than before.

Doran raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding his son's interest. Niall carried herself with natural elegance that distinguished her from ordinary women. Maverick's taste was evidently refined. The fact that his son had taken the initiative to make introductions spoke volumes. Doran extended his hand politely to both Niall and Isaac.

Maxwell, who recognized Niall as Cullen's girlfriend from previous encounters, glanced at Veronica's reaction. Though she maintained outward composure, he detected the immediate chill that settled over her demeanor when the newcomers approached.

As Cullen's father, Maxwell knew about his son's marriage to Veronica but remained largely in the dark regarding their relationship problems. The flash of coldness in Veronica's eyes upon seeing Niall provided him with a crucial missing piece of the puzzle.

After exchanging pleasantries with Doran, Niall turned toward Malcolm with practiced courtesy. "Hello, Mr. Blair," she offered respectfully.

Malcolm acknowledged her with nothing more than an icy nod and stony silence.

Having been warned by Cullen about Malcolm's universally cold demeanor, Niall understood that his frosty reception wasn't specifically directed at her. This knowledge provided little comfort in the increasingly tense atmosphere that had settled over the gathering.