Cullen didn't have time for Sabrina, but he could make time for Niall? The realization stung Veronica as she tried to process this information.

Before she could formulate a response, Sabrina's excited voice came through the phone. "Mom, I wish you had called earlier! I could have shown you a video from the helicopter ride."

The unmistakable joy in her daughter's voice made it clear that Cullen had really gone all out with the arrangements this time. Veronica felt a complex mix of emotions washing over her – relief that Sabrina was happy, but also a growing knot of frustration that tightened in her chest with each passing second.

Sabrina chatted animatedly about her plans for the following day, mentioning that she'd be returning to the country that evening. Veronica listened, only half-present, her thoughts a tumultuous storm.

"Mom, do you have time tomorrow?" Sabrina suddenly asked, her voice eager and hopeful. "I want to call you again."

The question pulled Veronica back to the present. After a brief pause, she replied, "I have time tomorrow."

"Yay!" Sabrina's excitement was palpable.

Learning that Sabrina was already heading back to the hotel eased some of Veronica's concern. They chatted for a few more minutes before ending the video call.

It was time to meet Adrian and the others for their rafting excursion. Veronica tucked her phone away, feeling emotionally drained. The holiday outing she'd been looking forward to now felt like a burden, but she didn't want to spoil everyone else's fun, so she put on a brave face and joined the group.

Standing in line at the rafting center, Veronica felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to find Lester standing there, his smile bright against his tanned skin.

Earlier, when Lester had asked about her holiday plans and she mentioned rafting, he'd shown immediate interest. His appearance now wasn't entirely unexpected.

"When did you get here?" she asked, maintaining a casual tone.

"This morning," he replied, his eyes lingering on her face a moment longer than necessary.

Since joining DataPulse, Lester had made several subtle attempts to ask her out, but circumstances had never aligned. Their interactions had been strictly limited to the professional environment of the office, with the exception of that one company banquet.

Today was different. Veronica wasn't wearing her usual corporate armor – no makeup, no formal attire. Instead, she wore a simple sleeveless top, casual pants, and flip-flops. The summer sun cast a golden glow on her skin, highlighting her natural beauty in a way that her workplace appearance never did.

All around them, people couldn't help but glance in her direction. Her effortless beauty drew attention without trying. Lester himself seemed unable to look away.

He too looked different outside the office – younger somehow, dressed in a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. Without his business attire, he resembled a college student, fresh-faced and carefree.

Poppy, Veronica's aunt, noticed Lester and leaned in to whisper, "Ver, who is this handsome guy?"

"He's a colleague at DataPulse," Veronica replied simply.

Poppy smiled knowingly. She couldn't miss the way Lester looked at her niece – with undisguised admiration. But she kept her thoughts to herself. After all, Veronica wasn't officially divorced yet, and any romantic entanglement would only complicate matters. Besides, judging by Veronica's neutral demeanor, she didn't seem particularly interested.

When their turn for rafting came, Veronica started to move forward, offering Lester a polite wave goodbye.

"If you have time, let's hang out later?" he suggested, a hopeful note in his voice.

Veronica nodded. "Okay," she replied, her tone noncommittal but not dismissive.

After she walked away, Lester's friend sidled up beside him. "I have to say, this Ms. Murray is really beautiful. She looks even more stunning than she did at the banquet."

Lester's expression darkened instantly. "Shut up," he muttered, not appreciating his friend's obvious appreciation of Veronica.

Recognizing the seriousness of Lester's interest, his friend made an "OK" gesture and mimicked zipping his lips closed. The message was clear – Veronica was off-limits for discussion.