Niall didn't waste any time signing the termination agreement with DataPulse. She committed to paying the compensation within the timeframe specified in the document.

When Dario received word about her swift action, he let out a contemptuous snort. "She certainly moves fast when it suits her," he remarked dryly.

The legal teams handled the rest of the process. Once Niall had put her signature on the agreement, both Veronica and Dario mentally filed the matter away, attempting to move forward from the business disappointment.

Three days passed. Malcolm finally had some free time in his schedule, and since the three of them hadn't gathered in a while, they arranged to meet for lunch.

At midday, Veronica and Dario left their office together. As they approached the entrance of the upscale restaurant, they unexpectedly encountered Niall and Cullen standing with Gavin Palmer, the CEO of DataWing Inc., another prominent local AI company.

Gavin and Dario maintained cordial professional relations and would often engage in friendly conversation when their paths crossed at industry events.

Spotting Dario now, Gavin took the initiative to greet him with a respectful nod. "Mr. Reid."

Dario deliberately avoided acknowledging Cullen and Niall, focusing solely on Gavin with a measured smile. "Mr. Palmer."

Gavin was well-aware that Stellar had approached his company only after severing ties with DataPulse. Observing Dario's cold demeanor toward the other two, he naturally assumed there had been an unpleasant falling out over the contract termination.

In previous encounters, even when Dario had been reserved, Cullen and Niall would always make the effort to acknowledge him politely. Today, however, neither made any attempt to initiate conversation.

The look Niall directed at Dario carried a noticeable chill, colder than ever before. As for Veronica, Niall didn't even bother glancing in her direction.

Not wanting to prolong the awkward moment, Dario and Veronica exchanged brief pleasantries with Gavin before proceeding into the restaurant.

Once they were in the privacy of the elevator heading to their reserved room, Dario finally broke his silence with a sardonic smile. "They barely terminated our contract, and they're already cozying up to DataWing. Cullen certainly doesn't waste time making his moves."

Gavin's company, DataWing Inc., ranked among the country's foremost AI enterprises. Collaborating with them would undoubtedly command significantly higher fees than DataPulse had charged.

Veronica took her seat, poured herself a glass of water, and responded matter-of-factly, "Their language system was unmatched in the country last year. Nobody else comes close to their capabilities. It's hardly surprising they would approach Gavin."

She took a sip before continuing, "After terminating with us, this is their most logical step to recover lost ground. From a business perspective, they have every reason to choose DataWing."

Dario understood her reasoning perfectly, but understanding didn't ease his frustration. If anything, it intensified it.

With growing irritation, he said, "So I'm guessing Cullen covered the termination fees for Stellar, right?"

Veronica remained silent, offering no response.

Just then, Malcolm arrived, his presence immediately changing the atmosphere. Neither Veronica nor Dario brought up the unpleasant topic again, unwilling to burden their friend with their business troubles.

Their conversations with Malcolm typically centered around innovations and developments in artificial intelligence. Given their infrequent gatherings, this lunch extended well beyond the usual duration.

Nearly two hours passed before they finally concluded their meal. As they exited their private dining room and approached the elevator, the door to the adjacent room opened simultaneously.

Cullen, Niall, and Gavin appeared before them in the hallway.

Before anyone could speak, Gavin spotted Malcolm and immediately greeted him with deference. "Mr. Blair."

Being well-respected in the AI community, Gavin recognized Malcolm's significant contributions to the field.

Malcolm acknowledged him with a slight nod.

Cullen also greeted Malcolm, with Niall following suit, "Mr. Blair."

Malcolm's expression remained impassive, and he offered no verbal response.

At that moment, another group rounded the corner from the opposite end of the hallway. They momentarily froze upon seeing the gathered individuals, particularly when they noticed Malcolm among them.

Veronica quickly averted her gaze when she realized Maverick was present.

Maverick recovered his composure and, after casting a brief glance at Niall, was the first to address Malcolm. "Mr. Blair."

Malcolm responded with another subtle nod, still maintaining his silence.

Maverick then surveyed the assembled group—Niall, Cullen, and Veronica—before inquiring, "Are you all here together?"

He had already heard about the termination between DataPulse and Stellar. Rumors suggested Niall felt Dario lacked genuine commitment to their partnership. The implication was that even if DataPulse hadn't terminated the agreement, Dario's attitude would likely have caused complications down the line.

This explanation painted Niall's acceptance of the termination as a strategic long-term decision.

However, seeing them all dining at the same venue after a supposedly contentious business separation struck Maverick as peculiar.

Niall, perceiving his confusion, quickly clarified, "No, we just happened to run into each other."

Maverick smiled thinly. "I see." He had suspected as much.

Neither Veronica nor Dario had any interest in prolonging the conversation with Maverick, Cullen, or Niall.

Veronica was about to speak when Dario pre-empted her, addressing Malcolm directly, "Prof, shall we go?"

Malcolm nodded and was turning to leave when Maverick, noting their dismissive attitude toward him and the others, stepped forward with a suddenly cold expression.

"Mr. Blair," he interjected, "my father is Doran Harris. We met not long ago. I'm not sure if you remember me?"

Malcolm regarded him briefly. "I do," he confirmed with minimal warmth. "So?"