As Veronica turned to leave, Cullen stepped forward, his hand reaching out as if to stop her. The sudden ring of his phone halted his movement. He glanced at the caller ID, hesitated for a moment, then watched silently as Veronica walked away before answering the call.

Dario had been ready to intervene when he saw Cullen approaching Veronica, but seeing him back down on his own, he shot Cullen a contemptuous look and let out a cold snort. Without a second glance, he followed Veronica to her car and slid into the passenger seat.

Once inside, curiosity got the better of him. "What did Dennis want you to attend?" Dario asked, having only caught fragments of their conversation.

Veronica's hands gripped the steering wheel as she explained about Cook Dennis's upcoming birthday celebration. "Cullen asked me to attend, but I declined."

Dario raised his eyebrows in genuine surprise. The Reid and Dennis families weren't particularly close, though they moved in the same social circles. Cook's birthday was clearly going to be a significant event, and the Reid family would likely receive an invitation. Since he rarely visited his family estate, he hadn't heard about it yet.

"You made the right call," he said firmly, then frowned as a thought occurred to him. "Didn't he already introduce Niall to his family at the Dennis manor? He'll probably bring her to the birthday banquet too." Dario paused, his analytical mind working through the scenario. "So why would he want you there as well? That makes no logical sense."

Veronica had wondered the same thing, but since she had resolved to put Cullen and everything associated with him behind her, she hadn't dwelled on it, despite its peculiarity.

Dario narrowed his eyes, thinking aloud. "What if the Dennis family wasn't receptive to Niall when he introduced her? Perhaps he's counting on Mrs. Dennis Senior's fondness for you. If you were to give your apparent approval of their relationship, maybe the family would set aside their reservations and accept Niall." His voice grew colder with each word. "That would pave the way for their relationship quite nicely."

Veronica considered this for a long moment before responding quietly, "Maybe you're right."

"No wonder he suddenly appeared, acting all humble," Dario scoffed. "Always calculating, that one."

Veronica didn't respond, focusing instead on the road ahead, her expression carefully neutral despite the turmoil his words stirred within her.

Meanwhile, Cullen ended his brief phone conversation and slipped the device back into his pocket.

Maverick, who had been waiting nearby, hesitated before asking, "Was that Ms. Crystal?"

"Yes," Cullen replied with a faint smile. He straightened his jacket and turned to Maverick. "Mr. Harris, are you free for a meal? I'd like to continue our conversation."

Maverick paused, studying Cullen's face for a moment before nodding. "Sure."

Thirty minutes later, they were seated at an upscale restaurant, their drinks already served. Cullen took a sip of his water before casually remarking, "I heard from Mr. Crystal yesterday that you've scheduled a meeting to discuss a new project with him?"

Maverick immediately realized Cullen was referring to Isaac Crystal, Niall's father. He had heard rumors about Cullen's interest in the Crystal family's affairs, but the extent of his knowledge was surprising.

"That's correct," Maverick replied, his tone deliberately neutral.

Cullen leaned forward slightly, his expression friendly but his eyes calculating. "I must admit, I'm quite interested in this project myself. Would you mind sharing some details?"

Maverick instantly understood what was happening. Cullen wasn't interested in the project itself—he was concerned Maverick might somehow take advantage of the Crystal family. The way Cullen had mentioned Isaac first before inquiring about the project revealed his true motives. A businessman genuinely interested in a venture would have asked about the company and its plans directly.

Maverick almost laughed at the irony. Cullen was worried about him taking advantage of the Crystal? When Cullen himself was clearly using his relationship with Niall to further his own agenda? But he kept these thoughts to himself.

Instead, he met Cullen's gaze steadily and replied with practiced diplomacy, "I apologize, Mr. Dennis, but the details of that project are confidential at this stage. I'm sure you understand the importance of discretion in these matters."

The corner of Cullen's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly as Maverick politely but firmly shut down his inquiry. The tension between them was subtle but unmistakable, two powerful men engaged in a delicate dance of words and intentions.