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As evening approached and the office began to empty, Veronica gathered her belongings and headed for the elevator. The parking garage was dimly lit, her feels clicking against the concrete as she made her way toward her car. She was mentally reviewing tomorrow’s schedule when a familiar voice cut through the quiet space.
His gaze shifted deliberately to Edric, who had been quietly nursing his drink throughout their conversation. “Actually, now that I think about it, didn’t you and Murray seem to hit it off pretty well at the charity g? You two spent quite a bit of our conversation.” time on the dance floor, and she appeared genuinely engaged in
The remainder of their afternoon passed in productive focus, reviewing contracts and finalizing project timelines. But their peaceful workflow was disrupted when Dario’s assistant knocked on the door with an apologetic expression.
The tension in the air was thick as Owen continued his exnation about thepany dynamics. His words carried a careful neutrality that Dario recognized all too well.
Dario had heard enough of the corporate politics for one afternoon. The information was useful, but his patience for office gossip had reached its limit. “I appreciate the update, Owen. Don’t let me keep you from your evening ns any longer. We should grab dinner soon and catch up properly.”
Maverick stepped closer, his expression serious. “We need to have a conversation. A real one.”
Maverick shook his head with stubborn determination. “You don’t understand. I’ve spent weeks analyzing every aspect of this project. The potential returns, the market -positioning, the long–term strategic advantages–this isn’t just another contract. This
could reshape our entire approach to the sector.”
He shrugged with the kind of philosophical eptance that came from years inpetitive business. “There are other projects out there, other opportunities to make money. This isn’t the only game in town.”
Once Owen disappeared down the corridor, Dario turned his attention back to Veronica. The brief interruption had given him a moment to observe her–the way she held herself during business discussions, how her expression remained perfectly
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controlled even when topics touched on sensitivepany matters.
Maverick had been making regr pilgrimages to DataPulse’s offices for the better part of a week. Each time, Dario had refused to grant him an audience, leaving Maverick to cool his heels in the lobby like a dismissed supplicant. Today’s attempt to circumvent Dario by approaching Veronica directly had clearly been equally unsessful.
Edric carefully ced his ss on the table, his movements deliberate and controlled. When he looked up, his expression was diplomatically neutral but firm.
The memory of her cold dismissal made Maverick’s hands clench into fists as he took
his seat.
Veronica stared at him for a long moment, genuinely amazed by his audacity. When she finally spoke, her voice carried a dangerous quiet that would have warned anyone who knew her well.
“Ready to head back upstairs?” he asked.
The assistant nodded and retreated, but it was clear Maverick had no intention of epting their refusal gracefully.
The realization that he either couldn’t see his own hypocrisy or was deliberately ignoring it killed any remaining interest she might have had in this conversation.
“Ms. Murray.”
Kolton’s tone took on the persuasive quality <i>of </i>someone presenting what he considered a brilliant solution. “Since she’s clearly not interested in anything Maverick has to say, perhaps you could serve as an intermediary<i>. </i>Smooth over whatever’s causing this friction between them.”
Kolton continued with casual observation, “You know, if you can’t crack Dario and Murray won’t budge either, it might be time to ept that the DataPulse deal is dead in the water.”
“He’s been waiting for over an hour, sir. He seems determined to stay until you agree <i>to </i>see him.”
The implication was <i>crystal </i>clear. Maverick was <i>the </i>one who had <i>allowed </i><i>his </i>personal feelings for Niall to contaminate their professional negotiations. Maverick was the one
200 Chapter 200–Business Intermediary.
who had prioritized emotional attachments over business logic<b>. </b>Yet somehow<b>, </b><b>in </b>his twisted perspective, she was the unreasonable party abusing her position.
Without another word, she turned her back on him and slid into her car. The <b>engine </b>purred to life, and she drove away without a backward nce, leaving Maverick standing alone in the garage with his frustration and wounded pride.
Dario didn’t even look up from his documents. “Tell him we’re unavable.”
Kolton exchanged a meaningful nce with Edric before leaning forward with renewed interest. “Well, if you’re thatmitted to making this work, maybe it’s time to explore alternative strategies.”
She turned slowly, her face immediately shifting into professional detachment. Maverick stood several feet away, his posture rigid with barely contained frustration. “Look, I’m trying to be reasonable here,” he said, his voice taking on an edge. “I’m asking you to set aside whatever personal issues you have and focus on what’s actually important. Don’t let your emotions sabotage what could be a mutually beneficial partnership. Yourpany’s sess shouldn’t be sacrificed for petty grievances.”
After a brief exchange, he stalked to his own vehicle and drove off into the night, his mood fouler than when the day had started.
Maverick’s expression darkened as her taillights disappeared around the corner. His phone buzzed against his chest, and he answered it with barely controlled anger. “I’m afraid you’re overestimating both my influence and the nature of my rtionship with Ms. Murray,” he said quietly. “We had a pleasant conversation at a social event. That hardly gives me the standing to insert myself into her business decisions or personal conflicts.”
Even setting aside Doran’s pressure and expectations, Maverick had be genuinely invested in the DataPulse partnership. The more he studied their operations and goals, the more convinced he became that walking away would be a catastrophic mistake.
“Absolutely,” Owen replied with genuine warmth. “I’d like that.”
“Mr. Harris,” she replied coolly. “What exactly do you want?”
“What?” he snapped into the device.
“There’s always some pushback when decisions like this are made,” Owen
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acknowledged, his voice measured. “You know how it is–whenever thepanynds a major contract, every shareholder wants to position their own people for the benefits. But Mr. Dennis has always kept personnel decisions close to his chest. The board can hardly raise hell the first time he actually delegates authority.”
Veronica’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Our answer remains the same?
“That’s fascinating advice, Mr. Harris. I was under the impression that those exact words should being from my mouth to you.”
Kolton took one look at Maverick’s thunderous expression and couldn’t <b>suppress </b><b>a </b>knowing smirk. “Let me guess–your charm offensive didn’t go ording to n?”
Thirty minutester, Maverick pushed through the door of an upscale restaurant’s private dining room. Kolton and Edric were already seated at the polished table, drinks in hand and thefortable ease of men who’d been friends for years evident in their rxed postures.
Veronica’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Is that what you’re calling it? Because from where I’m standing, it looks more like you’re preparing to lecture me about how I should conduct my business.”
The usation hung between them like a challenge. Maverick’sposure cracked just enough to reveal the irritation he’d been suppressing all day.
Veronica nodded without hesitation. “Yes.”
He paused, ncing between Dario and Veronica before continuing. “The Crystal and Mack have proven themselves reliable. They deliver results and don’t rock the boat unnecessarily. <i>So </i>while there’s grumbling behind closed doors, nothing’s escted to the point where it threatens operations.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Maverick Harris is here requesting a meeting with both of you.”