A knock sounded at the private dining room door just as the words left Silas's lips.

Nate and Marco entered, with Nate pushing the door open first. His eyes widened in surprise as he scanned the room. "Whoa, quite the gathering in here?"

This restaurant belonged to Nate's family. He and Marco had merely stopped by for a casual meal when the manager mentioned Cullen was dining there. They'd decided to say hello—never expecting to find such a large group assembled.

Even more surprising was how many familiar faces filled the room.

Seeing the lively gathering, Nate immediately felt that dining alone with Marco would pale in comparison. "Cullen, since there's already such a crowd, would you mind if Marco and I join you all?" he asked.

Cullen turned politely toward the distinguished guests. "Professor Hastings, Mr. Reid, I wonder if—"

Given that Silas had just extended an invitation to the Crystal and Mack, Cullen could hardly refuse his own friends.

"Of course, I don't mind at all," Silas responded graciously. "What about you, Mr. Reid?"

Dario offered a pleasant smile. "Mr. Valerie and Mr. Dante are old acquaintances. Their company is certainly welcome."

Initially, Dario had felt some irritation about the Crystal and Mack joining their meal.

But now? He almost wished the entire city would crowd into the private room—what difference would two more make?

Bonnie, who had been eagerly waiting to see Marco, couldn't contain herself once he appeared. She rose quickly from her seat. "Marco, come sit by me over here," she called out, her voice laced with expectation.

Marco didn't acknowledge her invitation. Instead, he and Nate had the server bring two additional chairs, positioning them next to Cullen's seat.

They had barely settled in when another knock interrupted the conversation.

This time, Maverick entered with three core engineers from his company—another firm involved in the Dennis Group's project.

Upon stepping inside, Maverick's eyebrows raised slightly at the number of people gathered.

His surprise wasn't directed at Veronica or Dario—Cullen's partnership with DataPulse was common knowledge by now.

What caught him off guard was seeing Niall alongside the Crystal and Mack.

After briefly glancing at Niall, Maverick addressed the room. "Apologies for my tardiness, everyone."

"Not at all," Cullen replied smoothly. "We've only just arrived ourselves. Please, Mr. Harris, have a seat."

Before sitting, Maverick approached Silas with a respectful nod. "You must be Professor Hastings. It's truly an honor—your reputation precedes you."

"Ah, Mr. Harris. The pleasure is mine," Silas responded warmly.

Bradley had wisely reserved a spacious private room with a generous round table that could accommodate twenty to thirty people. Even with the addition of Niall, Marco, Nate, and all the others, the space remained comfortable.

After taking his seat, Maverick inquired, "What were you discussing before we arrived?"

Silas took the lead, providing a concise summary of their earlier conversation.

"I see," Maverick nodded thoughtfully, then turned his attention to Niall. "For Professor Campbell to personally message you about this—he clearly holds you in exceptional regard."

Niall's smile was modest as she responded, "I'm deeply grateful for the professor's mentorship. I'll continue putting in my best effort, and I'll definitely study the recommended paper thoroughly. I won't disappoint his faith in me."

With both Silas and Preston showing such high recognition of her abilities, Maverick felt genuinely pleased for her. Simultaneously, his admiration—and affection—for her seemed to intensify.

His gaze lingered on her face, showing clear reluctance to look away. Eventually, mindful of Cullen's presence, he forced himself to turn his attention elsewhere.

Niall hadn't missed Maverick's growing interest in her.

She also hadn't forgotten how Marco had sent someone else to her grandmother's birthday celebration rather than attending personally. The memory still stung.

She glanced in his direction, only to find him calmly sipping his tea, neither looking her way nor acknowledging the praise being showered upon her.

A slight furrow appeared between her brows before she turned away.

Once again, Niall had become the focal point of the gathering, much to the delight of the Crystal and the Mack, who basked in the reflected glory of their connection to her.