Veronica was about to speak when Cullen's phone rang again.

It had to be Niall calling back. Cullen walked toward the door, answering with a gentle reassurance, "It's nothing serious, don't worry too much—"

By the time Cullen finished his call and returned, Sabrina had stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open, looking first at one parent, then the other. "Daddy, Mommy," she murmured sleepily.

"Yes," they answered simultaneously, their voices overlapping in the quiet hospital room.

Sabrina's eyes moved between them, but the effort seemed too much. Her forehead creased with discomfort before she surrendered back to sleep, her breathing becoming deep and even.

Neither Veronica nor Cullen spoke, instinctively respecting their daughter's need for rest. Once Sabrina had fully settled, Cullen broke the silence. "Are you staying?"

Veronica didn't answer verbally, but her continued presence in the chair beside the bed spoke volumes.

Cullen accepted her silent response without comment. He simply crossed to the opposite couch and lowered himself onto it.

The quiet vigil continued, with Veronica maintaining her post in the chair by Sabrina's bedside. Eventually, the gentle hum of hospital machinery lulled her into an unexpected doze.

When she next opened her eyes, morning light was streaming through the window blinds. Somehow, she found herself lying on the edge of Sabrina's hospital bed. Veronica blinked in confusion, certain she had fallen asleep upright in the chair. Her gaze drifted to the couch where Cullen had been.

He was still there, head propped against his hand in sleep. As if sensing her scrutiny, his eyes suddenly opened, meeting hers directly.

Veronica looked away immediately. She didn't ask if he'd carried her to the bed, and he volunteered nothing.

Cullen stretched his legs and asked casually, "Going home for breakfast or eating here?"

Veronica remained silent. She had her own intentions, though she felt no need to share them.

Recognizing her reluctance to engage, Cullen didn't push further.

Shortly after, Sabrina woke as the doctor arrived for morning rounds. Almost simultaneously, Carlos and Chelsea entered carrying breakfast containers.

Upon seeing Veronica, they greeted her in unison: "Mrs. Dennis."

The title made Veronica frown slightly, but she said nothing.

Carlos and Chelsea arranged the food on the coffee table—Cullen had apparently instructed them to bring enough for Veronica as well.

"Mrs. Dennis, please have something to eat," Carlos offered.

Veronica shook her head. Turning to Sabrina, who was already picking at her breakfast, she said, "Mommy's going home to shower. I'll be back later to see you."

"Okay," Sabrina replied weakly, still clearly not feeling well. "But Mommy, come back soon."

"I will."

Veronica collected her bag, gave Sabrina one more concerned glance, and left without acknowledging Cullen.

At home, she showered quickly and ate a light meal before heading back to the hospital. En route, she called Dario to explain the situation.

"I'm checking on her condition. I might not be back at the office until the afternoon."

Regardless of everything else, Sabrina was her daughter. It was Veronica's responsibility to be there when something like this happened.

"Alright," Dario replied simply.

When she arrived at the hospital room, she found Marco and Nate had joined Cullen at Sabrina's bedside.

Nate merely glanced at her, curling his lip slightly without speaking. Marco looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated, glancing at Cullen as if seeking permission.

Cullen acknowledged her arrival with a simple, "You're here?"

At the same moment, Sabrina called out, "Mommy."

"Yes," Veronica responded, focusing on her daughter.

Marco and Nate didn't linger long, citing work obligations. They said goodbye to Sabrina and gave Veronica brief, loaded glances before departing together.

Though Sabrina's condition wasn't severe enough to require multiple attendants, Veronica had expected Cullen would leave with his colleagues. Instead, he remained, splitting his attention between caring for Sabrina and working on his laptop.

Veronica made no comment about his continued presence.

That afternoon, shortly after Sabrina fell asleep, Veronica also dozed off briefly in her chair.

When she woke, she found Carlos had entered the room.

Cullen, still typing on his laptop, instructed him, "Mrs. Dennis is awake—bring her the soup."

Carlos responded with enthusiasm, approaching with a ceramic container. "Mrs. Dennis, Mr. Dennis had this prepared specially for you. Would you like some?"

Still foggy with sleep, Veronica took a moment to process his words. When clarity returned, she frowned slightly and looked at Cullen questioningly.

Carlos and Chelsea's use of "Mrs. Dennis" could be excused as habit. But why was Cullen encouraging it?

Before she could consider this further, Sabrina woke up, redirecting Veronica's attention.

By the next morning, Sabrina's condition had improved significantly. Her dizziness had subsided, and after the doctor's examination confirmed her recovery, Cullen made arrangements for discharge.

Though no longer in danger, Sabrina still needed several days of rest.

Holding Veronica's hand, she asked plaintively, "Mommy, are you going back to work? Can't you stay home with me a bit longer?"

"Next time," Veronica replied firmly.

With Sabrina out of danger, Veronica had fulfilled her maternal obligations. As for Cullen's villa—she had no intention of returning there.

Sabrina pouted in disappointment. "Okay then."

Cullen, standing nearby, finally spoke. "Sa, say goodbye to Mommy."

"Bye, Mommy," Sabrina waved reluctantly.

"Bye," Veronica replied, before quickly walking to her car and driving away from the hospital, leaving Cullen and their daughter behind.