That afternoon, Veronica found herself engrossed in a chess match with Ridley at the Norman residence, coffee cups steaming beside the ornate board. The strategic game provided a welcome distraction from her thoughts.

Throughout the day, Sabrina had been dropping hints about wanting to return to the Murray residence that evening. During a quiet moment between chess moves, Veronica took out her phone and composed a message to Cullen, requesting that he arrange transportation for Sabrina later that night.

The message remained unanswered, leaving Veronica to wonder if Cullen had seen it at all. Yet her concern proved unnecessary when, following dinner, a sleek black car arrived precisely on schedule at Norman Estate. Though Cullen himself was conspicuously absent, his efficiency in sending the car spoke volumes.

After seeing Sabrina off with a warm embrace, Veronica collected her belongings and headed to her own vehicle. The drive home gave her time to contemplate the upcoming event that had been weighing on her mind – Cook's birthday celebration scheduled for the following week.

After considerable reflection, Veronica had already made up her mind not to attend. It wasn't a decision she'd taken lightly, but she felt it was the right choice given the circumstances. Mary, after some deliberation, had concurred with her granddaughter's assessment. With their shared resolve, they decided to call Cook that very evening.

When Cook answered the call, she was still at the dining table, her meal unfinished. Her leg had healed remarkably well, allowing her to move about with her usual grace. Upon seeing Cullen's watchful gaze from across the table, she excused herself and stepped into the hallway, her voice warming instantly when she heard Veronica on the line.

"Ver, have you had dinner?" Cook asked with genuine affection.

"I have," Veronica replied, having activated the speakerphone so Mary could participate in the conversation. After exchanging pleasantries and catching up briefly, Veronica took a deep breath before addressing the real purpose of their call. "Grandma, I'm sorry. On your birthday, Granny and I might not be able to come in person to celebrate with you."

Though disappointment flickered across Cook's features, it was evident she had anticipated this outcome. She released a soft chuckle, masking whatever sadness she might have felt. "Alright, that's okay. I understand. But no matter what, Ver, you mustn't become distant from me, understand? Remember to call me more often when you have time. And if anything ever comes up, if you need my help, just say the word. If I can help, I definitely will. Don't stand on ceremony with me, okay?"

"I understand. Thank you, Grandma," Veronica assured her, touched by the older woman's unwavering support. They continued chatting about lighter topics before concluding the call.

As Cook's birthday celebration drew nearer, the Murray family home had become more active. Seraphine had returned to Dennis Estate the previous day, bringing her distinctive energy to the household.

Leo was present too, observing the family dynamics with interest. Earlier that evening, Seraphine had casually inquired about the state of affairs between Cullen and Veronica. It was only then that Leo learned the divorce proceedings were still ongoing, not yet formalized.

Given this information, along with Veronica's close relationship with Cook and the significance of this particular birthday celebration – Cook's first in years – Leo had naturally assumed Veronica would attend. But watching Cook walk back toward the dining room after her phone call, doubt crept in.

"Cullen, is Veronica coming to Grandma's birthday banquet?" Leo asked, his voice casual but his eyes attentive.

Sabrina had already finished her meal and left the dining room, leaving the adults to their conversation.

Cullen continued eating methodically, his movements precise and unhurried. Without looking up from his plate, he replied, "You can ask Grandma in a bit."

Leo paused, analyzing Cullen's response. Either Cullen genuinely didn't know, or Veronica had just called Cook specifically to discuss this matter. If she had intended to attend, such a call would have been unnecessary.

The realization that Veronica had likely declined the invitation stirred a sense of disappointment in Leo. He had grown genuinely fond of Veronica during their interactions. Looking at Cullen's impassive face, Leo wanted desperately to ask if he was absolutely certain about proceeding with the divorce.

But he held his tongue, knowing it wasn't his place to interfere. Cook, Seraphine, and Watson had always maintained a strict policy of non-intervention in Cullen's personal affairs. Leo recognized he had even less right to question Cullen's decisions.

When Cook returned to the dining table, Leo couldn't help but ask, "Grandma, what did Veronica say?"

Cook glanced briefly at Cullen, noting how he continued eating with perfect composure, his expression unchanged despite Veronica's name hanging in the air. With a slight sigh, she replied, "She apologized and said she wouldn't be able to attend my birthday celebration in person."

Cullen showed no visible reaction to this confirmation. Without comment, he reached over with his chopsticks to place a choice morsel of food into Cook's bowl – a gesture of care that contradicted his apparent indifference. Cook, however, subtly moved her bowl aside, leaving Cullen's offering suspended in midair, a silent rejection that spoke volumes about her disappointment.