After dinner, Sabrina accompanied Veronica back to the Murray residence.

Later that evening, Veronica received a call from Chandler. He extended an invitation for her and Dario to join him for golf the following morning.

Veronica accepted without hesitation. However, when Chandler sent the address, she paused momentarily. The golf course was a property owned by the Dennis family—a place she had visited before.

Despite her initial reservations, she decided to honor her commitment. Backing out now would be impolite.

As Saturday morning arrived, Veronica drove to the destination as planned, with Dario by her side. When they pulled into the parking lot of the elegant golf club, they spotted Chandler, Doran, and Maxwell already waiting near the entrance.

"You made it," Chandler greeted them with a warm smile as they approached.

Veronica nodded politely in response.

"Do you know how to play golf?" Chandler inquired, gesturing toward the sprawling green course that stretched out before them.

"I've learned a bit," Veronica confirmed with another nod, her expression composed and confident.

After exchanging pleasantries, they proceeded to the first hole. The morning air was crisp, and the conversation flowed naturally as they took turns swinging their clubs. The gentle rhythm of the game created a relaxed atmosphere among them.

Veronica had just finished putting away her club after a decent shot when movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention. Two familiar figures were walking toward their group from across the manicured lawn.

Cullen and Niall.

It was unusual to see just the two of them. Typically, when Cullen and Niall engaged in leisure activities, Marco and Nate would join them. Today seemed to be an exception.

Niall and Cullen had been informed by the club staff about Chandler's presence and decided to stop by and say hello. Niall's expression betrayed her surprise at finding Veronica and Dario among the group.

Cullen, barely acknowledging the others, directed his greeting to Chandler. "Mr. Percival," he said with practiced cordiality.

Chandler and Watson had maintained a good professional relationship over the years. Although Watson had been based elsewhere for some time and their communication was infrequent, business connections had kept Chandler and Cullen reasonably acquainted.

"Oh, Cullen," Chandler replied with a smile. "Out so early for a round of golf?"

"Yes, just getting some exercise," Cullen responded smoothly.

Both Doran and Maxwell were well aware that this golf course belonged to the Dennis family. They occasionally played here themselves but rarely encountered Cullen during their visits.

It struck them as peculiar that today, of all days—with Veronica present—they would happen to run into him. Knowing the complicated history between Veronica and Cullen, they watched Veronica's reaction carefully. Seeing that she remained composed, they relaxed their guard.

Dario, however, made no effort to hide his displeasure. His jaw tightened visibly as Cullen approached.

While Cullen engaged in conversation with Chandler and the others, Veronica and Dario remained noticeably quiet.

Eventually, Cullen turned his attention to Dario, offering a greeting.

Dario responded with obvious reluctance, his tone clipped and cold.

Noticing the tension, Chandler chuckled lightly and asked, "How's the collaboration between DataPulse and Dennis Tech progressing?"

Dario's lips curled slightly. "It's still in the early stages. There are numerous adjustments that need to be made."

Cullen smiled at this assessment. "I was under the impression things were proceeding smoothly. If there are areas where Dennis Tech is falling short, please don't hesitate to point them out."

Dario fell silent momentarily before responding in a measured tone. "There's no significant issue with most people at Dennis Tech. It's just that you tend to blur the line between personal and professional matters a bit too much, which has indeed created some complications for our partnership."

He fixed Cullen with a pointed look. "I think you know what I mean, right?"

Cullen understood perfectly. So did Niall.

It was clear that Dario didn't want to air their personal grievances in front of Chandler, so he added, "I don't want to discuss business right now. If there's anything that needs addressing, let's find time tomorrow."

"Of course," Cullen agreed smoothly.

Sensing the underlying tension between them, but appreciating their restraint in avoiding a public confrontation, Chandler quickly steered the conversation in a different direction.