"He's never shown up at any company event?" Lester asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.

"Not once," his colleague confirmed, stirring her coffee absently. "That's why many of us think Ms. Murray has probably finalized her divorce already. It's been over six months since she started here, and she hasn't mentioned a husband even in passing."

"Exactly," another chimed in. "The subject seems completely off-limits."

Lester sat back, processing this information. The theory made perfect sense. If Veronica were still married, would Edric be so openly pursuing her? The man wasn't exactly subtle about his intentions toward their boss.

Still, an unsettling feeling lingered in Lester's chest. How had he never considered that Veronica might have been married before? The thought of her having that entire chapter of her life—possibly still ongoing—made him feel oddly disconnected from the woman he thought he knew.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Veronica approaching until she was standing right beside his desk.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, her expression curious but professional.

The question burned on his tongue: "Is it true you're married?" But workplace boundaries stopped him cold. Asking such a personal question to his supervisor would be crossing a line—especially in the middle of the office.

He straightened in his chair. "Nothing important."

Later that afternoon, Veronica's phone rang. After a brief conversation, her expression shifted subtly. Before the workday ended, she approached Dario at his desk.

"I might only make it in tomorrow afternoon," she said, her voice steady but with an underlying tension. "Could you handle the morning meeting in my place?"

"Of course," Dario nodded, then added with concern, "Did something come up?"

"My mother needs to go to the hospital for some health checks. I want to accompany her."

Dario, unaware of Rose's deteriorating condition, assumed it was routine. "No problem. Take care of what you need to. I'll manage things here."

Veronica thanked him with a slight nod and left the office, her shoulders carrying an invisible weight.

The following morning found Veronica, Mary, and Poppy arriving early at the hospital. They kept a strategic distance, avoiding any place where Rose might spot them.

During the examinations, Rose became unexpectedly agitated. Her sudden outbursts required multiple medical staff to restrain her, her body thrashing as if fighting invisible demons while they completed each procedure.

After completing the extensive battery of tests, Rose departed with the nursing home attendants. Mary, fatigued from the morning's stress and her own health limitations, also left. Veronica remained behind with the nursing home doctor, awaiting results.

Most reports wouldn't be processed until afternoon, some not even until the next day. But the few preliminary results already available painted a grim picture. As the doctor explained the findings, Veronica felt a cold dread spreading through her chest.

She thanked the physician mechanically and turned to leave, her mind already calculating what these results might mean for her mother's future care. Just as she reached the main lobby, a young, clear voice cut through her thoughts.

"Mom!"

Veronica froze mid-step, her fingers instinctively tightening around her bag strap. She didn't turn, planning to pretend she hadn't heard and continue walking. Before she could escape, Sabrina had raced across the lobby and wrapped her arms around Veronica's waist.

Reluctantly, Veronica turned slightly. She was about to speak when she spotted Cullen standing at a distance, watching their interaction from among the crowd of hospital visitors.

She quickly averted her gaze and looked down at Sabrina instead, noticing the girl's slight cough. "Are you sick?" she asked softly.

"Mm-hmm!" Sabrina nodded, punctuating her answer with several more coughs before looking up with bright eyes. "Mom, why are you at the hospital too? Are you not feeling well?"

"No, I'm not sick," Veronica assured her, gently touching the child's forehead. "Do you have a fever?"

"I did last night, but it's gone now." Without pausing, Sabrina hugged Veronica tighter and glanced toward Cullen, who was now approaching them. Her lower lip jutted out in a practiced pout. "Last night I wanted to call and ask you to stay with me, but Dad said you were busy with work."

Veronica deliberately avoided looking at Cullen as he drew nearer.

"I have been busy," she acknowledged, her tone careful. "But I'm glad to see your fever's gone down." After a brief pause, she asked, "Why come all the way to the hospital though? What about seeing the family doctor?"

For minor childhood illnesses, a hospital visit seemed excessive, especially for a family with their resources.

Cullen's voice suddenly came from beside them, deep and measured. "We came for a comprehensive health check-up."

Veronica heard his explanation but didn't inquire further, unwilling to engage.

Sabrina, still clinging to her waist, looked up with excitement brightening her face. "Mom, I don't have school today. Can I go with you to visit Granny?"