191 Chapter 191 – Family Reunion


    The children obediently walked away, their voices fading as they disappeared through the school entrance.


    Audrey tilted her head, looking puzzled. “Really? That’s weird. Then howe nobody came to the door when I knocked? Maybe she was sleeping or something?”


    Dario didn’t waste any time deliberating. He immediately told his staff to escort the visitors out of the building without ceremony.


    Veronica felt her jaw clench. Their previous encounter with Niall had been purely coincidental, nothing more than an awkward run–in. Neither she nor Dario had any intention of entering into business dealings with the Crystal family, regardless of what they might be offering.


    Catherine shifted ufortably, her suspicions about the family’s dynamics bing clearer. She had already sensed something was off between mother and daughter, but she wanted to hear Veronica’s perspective directly.


    Outside Sabrina’s school, Veronica heard a cheerful voice calling her name. “Ms.


    Murray.”


    The information came as aplete shock. Sabrina hadn’t bothered to mention any uing school events, leaving Veronicapletely in the dark about her daughter’s


    activities.


    “Ms. Murray, could I have a word with you?” Catherine called out.


    Veronica raised her eyes from herputer screen. “Cullen?”


    Cullen’s voice came through clearly. “Mr. Reid, I was wondering if you might be avable to join me for dinner this evening?”


    Cullen’s response was immediate and resigned. “Perfectly clear.”


    Veronica blinked in surprise. “No, I haven’t heard anything about it.”


    Her detached tone confirmed what Catherine had been observing. The teacher let out a quiet sigh, recognizing that pushing the issue wouldn’t help anyone. “Alright, I understand your position.”


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    191 Chapter 191- Family Reunion


    She could already predict exactly why Cullen Dennis would be calling at this particr moment. Rather than engage with the situation, Veronica deliberately ignored the interruption and focused her attention back on her work.


    When she returned to the DataPulse office, her assistant immediately approached her with news. “Ms. Murray, Niall and Isaac are here again. They’re requesting another meeting.”


    Catherine motioned for both girls to head toward the school building. “Sabrina, Audrey, why don’t you two go inside and get ready for ss? I need to chat with Ms. Murray about something important.”


    Veronica nodded. “Of course, Ms. Hudson.”


    He paused, letting his words sink inpletely. “If you cannot provide that assurance, then we have nothing further to discuss. Mr. Dennis, have Imunicated my, position clearly enough?”


    The business world was full of alternatives, and Dario had built hispany by being adaptable and forward–thinking.


    Friday evening arrived with a sense of anticipation. Malcolm was finally returning home after his extended absence, bringing with him the promise of family time and a temporary respite from the ongoing professionalplications that had been consuming so much of their energytely.


    Dario let out a dryugh and spoke with absolute rity. “Mr. Dennis, let me save us both some time. DataPulse will never, under any circumstances, coborate with the Crystal family. I trust I don’t need to borate on the reasons behind this decision.”


    Over the next several days, Dennis Group maintainedplete radio silence. It became increasingly apparent that Cullen was prepared to sacrifice a potentially lucrative business opportunity to maintain his loyalty to Niall and her family’s


    interests.


    Within a week, industry gossip reached Dario’s ears. Dennis Group had announced the formation of a new project development team, and both the Crystal and Mack families


    had been brought on as key partners in the venture.


    the “the


    Cullen made no attempt to call back, which told them everything they needed to know about his priorities.


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    The situation was exactly as predictable as it was disappointing.


    Veronica felt her stomach tighten. She opened her mouth to exin the situation, but- Sabrina’s teacher approached them at that exact moment.


    Once they were alone, Catherine’s expression grew more serious. “Ms. Murray, I wanted to ask if you’re aware of the parent–child activity we have scheduled for next


    week?”


    Dario wasn’t interested in dancing around the real topic. “Mr. Dennis, you’re calling on behalf of the Crystal family, aren’t you?”


    Dario epted the call. “Mr. Dennis.”


    Before Cullen could attempt to negotiate, Dario continued. “I will say this, though. The proposal yourpany submitted previously was genuinely impressive. However, if we were to move forward with a partnership, I would have one non–negotiable requirement. You would need to provide an absolute guarantee that no member of the Crystal family or the Mack family would have any involvement whatsoever in our project.”


    Veronica kept her response brief and matter–of–fact. “As long as someone shows up to be with her during the activity, that should be sufficient.”


    Cullen didn’t attempt to deny it. “Yes, that’s correct.”


    “Excellent. In that case, goodbye, Mr. Dennis.” Dario ended the call without waiting for any additional response.


    While losing the chance to work with Dennis Group represented a missed opportunity, Dario knew there were numerous otherpanies ofparable size and capability in the market. DataPulse’s sess didn’t depend solely on securing Cullen Dennis’s partnership, no matter how beneficial it might have been.


    Before Veronica could find the right words to respond, Sabrina jumped in without thinking. She had no idea that Veronica had already packed up and left their shared home. “That can’t be right. My mom was definitely home yesterday evening.”


    Veronica thanked her politely and walked away, leaving the school grounds with a heavy feeling in her chest.


    Less than an hourter, Dario’s phone began ringing. He nced at the caller


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    identification, then looked over at Veronica with a knowing expression.


    She turned around and spotted Audrey jogging toward her, her backpack bouncing with each step. “Ms. Murray, my mom made some homemade buns for youst night. I went to your ce to drop them off, but nobody answered the door, so I had to take them back home.”


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