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    As she prepared to open the folder, a gentle knock interrupted them. One of Dario’s secretaries slipped inside, leaning close to Veronica’s car. “Ms. Murray, there are two individuals in the lobby requesting to see you. They identified themselves as Isaac and Niall Crystal. Should I escort them to your office-”


    Marco’s hand stilled momentarily. “That’s right.” His curiosity piqued, and he countered, “What about you? nning to throw your hat in the ring?”


    Cullen’s shoulders lifted in a nomittal shrug. “Still weighing my options. No need to rush into anything just yet.”


    Despite his reservations about her technicalpetency, Maverick chose diplomacy over confrontation. Creating friction would serve no purpose.


    After more than thirty minutes of careful review, Veronica closed the document and met his gaze. “Mr. Harris, this proposal demonstrates exceptional alignment with our current objectives. Your team has clearly invested considerable effort in


    understanding our requirements. We’ll give this serious consideration during our decision–making process.”


    Their conversation halted abruptly when both children nced their way, their innocent faces reminding the men to keep adult matters private.


    Maverick’s mind raced. Overseeing operations? What authority did she actually hold? Was she speaking as Dario’s romantic partner, attempting to leverage their personal rtionship into professional influence?


    Her concentration appeared genuine, her eyes moving methodically across each page as if she truly grasped every technical detail and strategic implication.


    Unfortunately, Dario had departed on business the previous day, leaving the office without its primary decision–maker.


    Maverick made his appearance on Thursday afternoon.


    When Veronica received word of Maverick’s arrival, she immediately set aside her current project and made her way to the reception area.


    Cullen’s voice carried a casual undertone when he shifted topics. “Word is you’ve been


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    having discussions with DataPulsetely.”


    The weekend had been exactly what she needed–peaceful, productive, and blissfully. free from distractions.


    Maverick had no intention of engaging in substantive discussions with Veronica. His real conversation would happen when Dario returned and they could speak directly, leader to leader.


    More concerning was her decision to handle this meeting solo, without bringing along any technical advisors or engineers who might better understand the nuances of their pitch.


    Settling back into his seat, he retrieved a thick folder from his briefcase. “Here’s ourprehensive proposal. I’d be grateful if you could review it.”


    Meanwhile, Veronica remained buried in her thesis work, the pages scattered across her desk like fallen leaves. After dedicating a full day and a half to the project, she finally allowed herself a break on Sunday evening, meeting Whitney for dinner. They strolled through the city streets for over two hours, window shopping and catching up before Veronica finally returned to her apartment.


    “Absolutely not,” Veronica cut her off quietly but firmly. “Please inform them they need to leave immediately.”


    The door swung open to reveal Maverick rising from his chair. His expression shifted subtly when he realized Veronica was alone.


    “Understood, Ms. Murray.”


    Still, Dario’s apparent trust in her was undeniable.


    After the secretary departed, Veronica offered Maverick an apologetic smile before diving into his proposal.


    Even if her im held validity, their proposal contained intricate technical


    specifications and industry jargon. Could she possiblyprehend theplexity of what they were presenting?/


    Monday morning brought her back to DataPulse’s familiar corridors. Thepany buzzed with renewed energy as potential partners who had previously limited themselves to phone calls with Dario began scheduling face–to–face meetings, arriving


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    with detailed proposals tucked under their arms.


    Cullen lifted his teacup, steam curling between them as he spoke. “The custody arrangement gives me primary guardianship, but the terms are crystal clear–she has unlimited visitation rights with Sabrina.”


    The revtion caught Marco off guard. He had assumed the custody battle would be more restrictive.


    Maverick observed her performance with measured patience. If she wanted to


    maintain this facade of expertise, he wouldn’t challenge her directly. He had nowhere urgent to be.


    Marco acknowledged with a quiet sound of understanding.


    Veronica approached with professional confidence, her hand extended. “Mr. Harris, I’m Veronica Murray. Dario left for a business trip yesterday and won’t be returning for several days. I’m overseeing allpany operations in his absence. Whatever you need to discuss, you can address with me directly.”


    As she read, her appreciation for Maverick’s approach grew. Despite arrivingter than hispetitors, he had clearly used that time to his advantage. His proposal was meticulously crafted, addressing nearly every requirement she had outlined.


    He epted her handshake briefly. “I appreciate your time, Ms. Murray.”


    However, maintaining professional courtesy remained essential. “I’m grateful for your positive assessment. The possibility of partnering with DataPulse is genuinely exciting for our organization.”


    Veronica epted the document with steady hands. “Of course. Let me examine this thoroughly.”


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