Cullen flashed a charming smile. "How about lunch together? My treat."

Dario felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. The last thing he wanted was to prolong this interaction. "I appreciate your offer, but I'm quite tired today. Not really in the mood to go out. I'll just grab something quick at the cafeteria. Feel free to do as you wish."

"The cafeteria sounds perfectly convenient," Cullen replied smoothly. "If you don't mind, perhaps we could join you?"

Dario found himself cornered, unable to refuse without appearing rude. He simply nodded in resigned acceptance.

Minutes later, they were walking through DataPulse's bustling cafeteria. Their entrance caused an immediate stir—Dario being the company's respected CEO combined with Cullen's notorious good looks ensured they became the center of attention within seconds.

Across the room, Veronica was already seated, engaged in what appeared to be an animated conversation with Lester. So absorbed was she in their discussion that she remained oblivious to Dario's arrival.

It wasn't until someone nearby loudly greeted Dario that Veronica instinctively glanced up. Her expression froze momentarily when she realized not only was Dario there, but Cullen had accompanied him to the cafeteria as well.

Lester, noticing her sudden stillness, followed her gaze.

Dario, Cullen, and Frank all spotted Veronica and Lester simultaneously. Cullen's expression remained perfectly neutral at the sight of Veronica dining with another man, betraying not even the slightest reaction.

Dario caught Veronica's eye and gave her a subtle, reassuring look—a silent message to continue her meal undisturbed. He would manage the situation. Veronica understood immediately, offering a barely perceptible nod before turning her attention back to her food.

From the moment this partnership with Cullen had become inevitable, Dario had resolved to shield Veronica from unnecessary interactions. Throughout this entire collaboration, he intended to minimize any possibility of her and Cullen crossing paths.

After collecting their meals, Dario deliberately selected a table positioned as far as possible from where Veronica sat. Cullen made no comment about this choice.

Throughout lunch, Cullen didn't glance in Veronica's direction even once, as though she were invisible to him.

Frank, however, couldn't help stealing curious glances toward her. He'd heard various rumors about Veronica and Dario's relationship, though he remained uncertain about their veracity. This morning, Veronica had been noticeably cold toward Cullen, and now, even seeing him again, she displayed complete indifference.

It appeared she had genuinely moved beyond whatever they once shared.

Frank also noted that despite Veronica's apparent closeness with Lester, Cullen remained utterly unaffected. This didn't surprise him in the least. Over the years, he had witnessed firsthand Cullen's profound contempt for Veronica—and equally profound devotion to Niall. With that thought, he redirected his attention to his meal.

By the time Dario and Cullen finished eating, Veronica had already departed the cafeteria.

That afternoon, Cullen excused himself around three o'clock, citing other business matters. However, their collaboration remained unfinalized.

In the days that followed, Cullen made several additional visits to DataPulse. Yet remarkably, after that initial cafeteria encounter, he and Veronica never crossed paths again. During this period, they existed as though they shared no connection whatsoever.

If not for Dario, who knew the complicated truth of their situation, no one would have ever suspected these two individuals were legally bound in matrimony.

After Cullen's repeated visits, rumors spread rapidly throughout DataPulse—the partnership between Dennis Tech and DataPulse was now official.

Later that week, as Veronica entered a meeting room, she overheard an excited female employee saying, "I just shared an elevator with that Dennis Tech CEO, Cullen. My goodness, he's absolutely gorgeous!"

Her colleague responded enthusiastically, "Not just handsome—he's wealthy too. And apparently treats his girlfriend like royalty. Did you hear he recently gave her Stellar as a gift? Can you imagine? If I were in her shoes, I wouldn't even know how to contain my happiness!"

Veronica quietly slipped into the room, her face betraying nothing as the conversation faded behind her.