199 Chapter 199 Calcted Opposition


    “Let’s go get some food then.” Veronica managed a genuine smile. “That sounds perfect.


    Cullen’s tone shifted to casual concern. “Have you had dinner yet?”


    “Shouldn’t you apologize or something?” Sabrina asked with the innocent logic of childhood.


    But even as she said it, Cook knew the truth. Since Cullen had assumed control of Dennis Group, thepany had reached unprecedented heights of sess and profitability.


    Cook understood Cullen’s nature better than most–he wasn’t the type to keep bending to others‘ demands. When he set his mind on something, he pursued it with single–minded determination.


    Sabrina’s eyes widened, clearly caught off guard. “What? Mom, you’re noting with


    But as he had just reminded her, his marriage to Veronica was already the sacrifice he had made for family harmony.


    “I guess so.”


    Their choice of restaurant proved unfortunate when they encountered Owen, one of Dennis Group’s senior executives, who was dining there with his own family.


    Before Cullen could answer, Cook’s voice turned sharp with ultimatum. “I won’t stand for this! If you’re determined to move forward with this deal, then fine–but you’ll remove them from it. And if you refuse, then I’ll-”


    Cullen slipped his phone back into his pocket, his expressionpletely rxed. “Your great–grandmother is upset with me.”


    “You wouldn’t dare…”


    Veronica stepped back from the small group, her voice steady but distant. “You all should go. I have other ns.”


    For Cullen to openly involve the Crystal and the Mack in Dennis Group business meant


    199 Chapter 109–Calcted Opposition


    he wasn’t concerned about the consequences. It meant he had already chosen hist path.


    “No.” Veronica reached out and smoothed down Sabrina’s hair with gentle fingers. “1 need to take care of something else. Enjoy your dinner.”


    “No, not yet.”


    Owen guided his wife and children toward their reserved private room, then doubled back to approach Dario. “I have to admit, I thought we might get another opportunity to work together. But given recent developments…”


    “Interesting.” Dario’s response carried an edge of frost. He paused deliberately before continuing, “I also understand that the Crystal and the Mack have been given substantial roles in this project. Has that created any… internal friction at Dennis Group?”


    Sabrina leaned over with obvious curiosity. “What was all that about?”


    “Oh… okay, I guess<b>.” </b>


    Cullen’s response was maddeningly calm, followed by a softugh. “Took you long enough to hear about it.”


    The instant he answered, her voice crackled through the speaker like a whip. “Did you actually authorize a partnership deal between Dennis Group and both the Crystal and the Mack?”


    “Not today. I’ll handle it when the time is right.”


    “Really? What did you do to make her angry?”


    They had barely settled into Cullen’s car when his phone buzzed insistently. Cook’s name shed across the screen.


    Veronica’s smile never wavered, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She turned on her heel and walked away without another nce back.


    Cullen’s gaze followed her retreating form, but he made no move to stop her<b>. </b>His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before he looked down at Sabrina. “We should <i>get </i>going.”


    Cullen stared at his phone for a moment, then let out a quiet chuckle.


    199 Chapter 199 – Calcted Opposition


    The silence that followed was heavy with defeat. Cook had backed down.


    Meanwhile, back at the office, Dario noticed Veronica’s return but didn’t pry into how the school event had gone. Instead, he simply asked, “You’re back early. Have <b>you </b>eaten anything?”


    The board members and senior executives had learned that betting on Cullen’s vision was the surest path to prosperity. If she tried to challenge him now, the first opposition she’d face wouldn’te from Cullen himself–it woulde from every other stakeholder who had grown rich under his leadership.


    “Something she didn’t like.”


    “Grandmother.” Cullen’s voice carried the weight of absolute authority. “When I agreed to marry, I honored every condition you set. Now I expect the same courtesy in return -stay out of my business decisions.”


    “It is indeed. When Mr. Dennis gives his personal endorsement to a project, failure isn’t really an option.”


    The message was crystal clear: the Crystal and the Mack were off limits to her interference.


    “But…”


    And if someone pushed him beyond his breaking point…


    The line went dead.


    Dario raised an eyebrow, his expression sharpening with interest. “I understand yourpany’stest venture is performing exceptionally well.”


    Using thepany as a weapon against him would be futile. What about family obligation?


    Simply put, Dennis Group needed Cullen far more than he needed Dennis Group.


    “How could you do this!” Cook’s fury was palpable even through the phone. “What exactly are you ying at? Are you… are you nning to end things with Veronica?” Because that was the only exnation that made sense. He wouldn’t be <b>this </b><b>careless </b>otherwise.