<b>202 </b>Chapter 202 Composed Professionalism


    202 Chapter 202 – Composed Professionalism


    His voice carried that familiar warmth as he continued, “Ver, don’t feel pressured to decide immediately. Consider it thoroughly and let me know your thoughts when you’refortable.”


    Maverick had assumed that Dario agreed to the coboration solely because <b>of </b>Doran’s influence on Malcolm, who then pressured Dario. In his mind, Veronica remained irrelevant to the actual business decisions.


    Maverick had prepared himself for potential awkwardness, expecting Veronica to either express resentment about the forced coboration or create tension by challenging Dario’s decision in front of him.


    “Thank you for the insight, Mr. ir,” Veronica said.


    The following morning, after a restless night of consideration, Veronica ced the return call to Doran.


    Maverick’s desperation to secure the partnership was evident in his upgraded proposal, which offered significantly better terms than his original pitch.


    Doran’s next words surprised her with their directness. “Regarding Maverick, handle the situation as you see appropriate. Don’t factor my request into how you treat him personally.”


    She kept her response measured. “I appreciate that.”


    Instead, when Veronica entered the conference room, she approached him withposed professionalism, extending her hand with steady confidence. “I look forward to our coboration.”


    Veronica understood that her conflict with Maverick wasn’t rooted in deep hatred. Their previous sh had been circumstantial, and while she hadn’t been at fault, she recognized there was no need to maintain unnecessary hostility indefinitely.


    Doran leaned back in <i>his</i>. “Sometimes I think having a daughter would have been simpler.


    Maverick epted the handshake eagerly. “Likewise.” His conflict had been with Veronica specifically, not with Dario or DataPulse as apany.


    202 Chapter <b>202 </b>– Composed Professionalism


    Malcolm’s phone went directly to voicemail. When he finally called back thirty minutester, his greeting was characteristically brief. “What do you need<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    While her presence wasn’t wee, he recognized that professional obligations now. superseded personal animosity.


    By afternoon, news of the coboration approval had reached Maverick, prompting his immediate trip to DataPulse’s headquarters.


    “Understood,” Veronica replied simply.


    at our age, you should be focused on finding your son a suitable wife rather than wishing for more children. Your wife has done enough.”


    Doran had correctly predicted that she would seek Malcolm’s counsel before responding, so her dyed callback didn’t catch him–off guard.


    Malcolm ended the call without furtherment, leaving her to weigh her options.


    Doran’sugh held little humor. “If only my son would cooperate with that n.”


    When she delivered her decision, his tone reflected genuine gratitude. “I’m grateful for your consideration, Ver. This means more than you know.”


    “Certainly not, assuming Ms. Murray is equally amenable,” he responded


    diplomatically.


    As their meeting concluded, Maverick nced at his watch. “Since we’re approaching lunch hour, perhaps we could continue our discussion over a meal and outline our next steps?”


    When Doran personally intervened, it created an opportunity for reconciliation that she could respect.


    Dario said nothing further and instructed his assistant to extend the lunch invitation to Veronica.


    Dario’s smile carried a hint of calction. “Excellent suggestion. Ver will be joining us, naturally. I trust that won’t be an issue, Mr. Harris?”


    Once the call ended, Veronica stared at her phone for several minutes before scrolling to Malcolm’s contact. She needed a second opinion from someone who understood the business implications.


    202 Chapter <b>202</b><b>–</b>Composed Professionalism


    Doran set down his phone and exhaled deeply.


    Veronica outlined Doran’s proposal and the potential coboration with Maverick, keeping her exnation factual and concise.


    “Sounds good. Take care.


    Despite the improved offer, Dario maintained his professional detachment<b>, </b>offering only a perfunctory, “We anticipate a productive partnership.


    Veronica had already briefed Dario about Doran’s involvement and her decision to move forward.


    Malcolm’s response carried weight. “Doran Harris doesn’t extend personal favors lightly. Whatever decision you make will havesting consequences. His assessment confirmed what she had already suspected about Doran’s reputation.


    Her concise answer seemed to amuse Doran, and she could hear the smile in his voice. “Perfect. I’ll let you get back to your evening. We should catch up properly soon.”


    The message reached Veronica within minutes, and she responded that she would join them promptly.


    A colleague passing by his office noticed his expression and grinned. “Something troubling you, Mr. Harris?”


    “No need for excessive thanks,” Veronica replied before disconnecting<b>. </b>


    When Maverick arrived requesting a meeting, Dario deliberately kept him waiting in the lobby for ny minutes before agreeing to see him.


    Still, something in Doran’s tone gave her pause.