The conversation was interrupted by a guest approaching their small circle. The newcomer, familiar with both Veronica and Dario, sparked an animated discussion between the four of them.

Bonnie stood awkwardly to the side, completely forgotten in the exchange. Her face gradually transformed from expectant to embarrassed as she realized she'd been effectively shut out. After several painful minutes of being ignored, she slipped away, her cheeks burning with humiliation.

From across the room, Nate observed the interaction and commented to Niall, "Marco seems to be getting quite comfortable with those two." His reference to "those two" clearly meant Veronica and Dario.

Niall nodded in agreement. At an event of this caliber, business acquaintances typically exchanged brief pleasantries before moving on to mingle with other guests. Yet Marco remained engaged in deep conversation with Dario and Veronica, suggesting a relationship evolving beyond mere business.

In Niall's assessment, Dario was certainly worthy of Marco's friendship—a connection that could benefit both powerful men. Veronica, in her opinion, was simply benefiting from her association with Dario, nothing more.

Cullen glanced briefly toward the group when Nate mentioned them but showed no particular interest.

Niall was about to add something when her attention was drawn to the entrance where Lester had just stepped into the banquet hall. Cullen followed her gaze.

Lester cut an impressive figure in his tailored suit, which accentuated his natural poise and distant demeanor. He appeared even more striking than usual, drawing several appreciative glances from other guests.

When Lester's eyes swept the room, they momentarily connected with Niall's. She smiled warmly and began to move in his direction, but Lester deliberately averted his gaze and walked with his companions toward the opposite side of the hall.

Niall halted mid-step and let out a resigned chuckle before turning back to Cullen.

"He's clearly still upset about me telling his family where he was staying," she said. "He's been ignoring my calls, and now he's pretending not to see me."

Cullen shrugged slightly. "He's still young. These emotional outbursts are to be expected at his age."

Niall murmured her agreement.

Lester, meanwhile, remained completely unaware of their conversation about him. He was preoccupied with greeting the host when his peripheral vision caught Veronica and Dario standing across the room. His grip tightened instinctively around his wine glass. Their presence at the banquet was unexpected.

Veronica wore a light blue gown with intricate embroidery that enhanced her slender figure. The elegant dress perfectly complemented her composed demeanor, making her appear ethereal and flawless. Lester found himself staring—this was the first time he'd ever seen her dressed so formally.

His friend noticed his distraction and traced his line of sight. Upon seeing Veronica, he let out a low, appreciative whistle.

"Damn. She's absolutely stunning. Who is she?" he asked.

Lester snapped back to reality. "Veronica Murray."

"Wait, that's Veronica? Christ, I had no idea she was this beautiful."

Lester didn't respond. Instead, he placed his glass on a passing server's tray and strode purposefully toward Veronica and Dario.

"Mr. Reid. Ms. Murray," he greeted them formally.

The pair turned, mild surprise registering on their faces at seeing Lester at the event. They acknowledged him with polite nods.

Marco, noticing the newcomer, turned to Dario with a questioning look. "This is...?"

"This is Lester Martin," Dario explained, briefly outlining Lester's background before completing the introduction. "And this is Marco Valerie."

Recognition flickered in Marco's eyes—he recalled the once-prominent Martin family name from Porter. He extended a courteous greeting. "Mr. Martin."

Lester returned the pleasantry, and the group fell into conversation. Throughout the exchange, Lester's eyes repeatedly drifted toward Veronica, his expression betraying more than casual interest.

Marco noticed these glances, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around his wine glass. His lips pressed into a thin line as he shifted his attention to Lester.

Sensing the scrutiny, Lester met Marco's stare directly.

In that brief, charged moment, each man recognized something in the other—a shared interest in Veronica that neither had voiced aloud.

The realization caused a sudden, palpable tension between them as their gazes remained locked, each measuring the other as more than just a casual acquaintance, but as potential competition.