Veronica acknowledged the feedback with a simple nod. When lunchtime arrived, Dario departed for a business meeting while she made her way to the company cafeteria. Her new colleagues maintained professional courtesy, though she sensed their reserved attitudes. The distance didn't bother her in the slightest.

She returned to her desk after the meal, diving back into the complex project. The afternoon hours slipped by as she worked with focused intensity. Around five o'clock, she approached Jordan's workstation with her completed analysis.

"Could you review this when you have a moment? I believe it's ready for your assessment," she said, sending him the digital files.

Jordan looked up from his own work, confusion flickering across his features. "Review what exactly?"

He opened the documents she had sent, expecting to see preliminary notes or rough drafts. His initial bewilderment quickly transformed into shock as he scrolled through page after page of detailed, comprehensive work. The analysis that had stumped Mitchell for over two weeks was not only complete but executed with remarkable precision.

"This can't be right," he muttered, then looked up at her with wide eyes. "You finished everything?"

"That's correct," Veronica replied matter-of-factly.

Jordan sat in stunned silence, processing what he was seeing. The work wasn't just completed—it was exceptional. She had identified solutions he hadn't considered and presented innovative approaches that could enhance his own remaining tasks. The quality surpassed anything he had expected from someone on their first day.

Word spread quickly through the office. One by one, her colleagues gathered around Jordan's desk, drawn by his audible expressions of amazement. As they reviewed her work, their initial skepticism gave way to genuine astonishment.

"I have to ask," Jordan said once he found his voice again, "are you currently pursuing doctoral studies?"

Veronica hesitated for a moment before answering honestly. "No, I haven't applied for a PhD program."

The revelation hit the room like a thunderbolt. Here was a group of accomplished graduate students and doctoral candidates from prestigious institutions, and they had just witnessed an undergraduate student outperform work that had challenged their most experienced colleague.

"But why not pursue advanced studies? Is it a matter of funding?" another colleague asked.

Looking at Veronica, it was clear that financial constraints weren't the issue. Her professional capabilities alone suggested that securing funding or employment to support further education would be straightforward.

Veronica lowered her gaze slightly. "It's more complicated than that. There are personal circumstances that make it difficult right now."

She offered a gentle smile. "Perhaps in the future, when the timing is right, I'll reconsider continuing my education."

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in animated discussions with her colleagues. Several approached her with their own project challenges, and she found herself naturally falling into a consulting role, offering insights and alternative approaches. By the time she gathered her belongings to leave, the atmosphere around her had shifted completely.

She emerged from the building just before seven o'clock to find Dario waiting by the entrance. His expression held a mixture of pride and knowing satisfaction.

"One day," he said as she approached. "It took you exactly one day to completely change their perception and earn their respect. Though I can't say I'm particularly surprised."

Veronica felt a warm flush of accomplishment. "How about I treat you to dinner as a thank you?"

"Isn't that exactly why I'm standing here waiting?" Dario replied with a grin.

They walked together toward his car, the evening air crisp around them. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at an upscale restaurant in the city center. As they made their way toward the entrance, Veronica began climbing the stairs to the main dining level.

A young child, chasing after something that had rolled away, suddenly darted across the stairway directly in front of her. Veronica stepped backward instinctively to avoid the collision, but her heel caught on the edge of the step. She felt herself beginning to fall backward down the stairs.

Dario reacted instantly, his arm sweeping around her waist and pulling her against his chest. The motion was smooth and protective, steadying her completely before she could lose her balance.

"Thank you," she began, breathing heavily from the close call. But as she looked up to express her gratitude, her words died in her throat.

Across the restaurant's lower level, she spotted two familiar figures. Cullen stood motionless, his eyes fixed directly on her, while Nate beside him wore an expression of curious interest. The moment stretched uncomfortably as their gazes met.

Veronica quickly looked away and gently extricated herself from Dario's protective embrace. He hadn't noticed the other men and remained focused entirely on her wellbeing.

"Are you hurt? Did you twist your ankle when you stepped back?" His concern was evident in his voice.

"No, I'm fine," she assured him, though her voice sounded slightly strained.

"Good. We should head upstairs then."

"Yes, let's go." Veronica deliberately avoided looking in Cullen's direction again as she and Dario continued up the stairs.

Nate watched their departure with fascination before turning to his companion. "That was your wife, wasn't it?"

Cullen remained silent, his jaw tightened as he watched Veronica disappear from view.

"She's making quite a show of ignoring your presence while being so intimate with Dario," Nate continued, his tone speculative. "Do you think this might be some new strategy of hers? Trying to make you jealous to win you back?"

Cullen's response came in the form of a cold, humorless laugh. "If that's her plan, she's seriously miscalculated."

Without another word, he turned away from the staircase. "Let's get our table."