203 Chapter 203 Expensive Hospitality


    Maverick found himself momentarily speechless.


    Before Cullen could respond, Dario interrupted smoothly. “Please don’t let us keep you. We have a reservation waiting”


    Did this suggest that Dario’s feelings for Veronica had limits? That when substantial business interests were involved, he would ultimately choose profit over personal loyalty?


    Yet here he was, apparently having salvaged not just the deal but his rtionship with Dario entirely.


    She had expected Maverick to suffer the same fate as herself, permanently excluded from Dario’s business circle because of his connection to Veronica.


    Dario and Veronica were already settled at the table, perusing the extensive menu when he arrived.


    The table groaned under the weight of their selections, yet more dishes kept appearing.


    Without another word, he guided Veronica toward the elevator.


    Maverick watched this disy while mentally calcting the rapidly escting cost of their “business dinner. Dario had certainly taken him at his word about ordering freely.


    Perhaps Veronica’s influence over him wasn’t as absolute as Niall had believed. The casual way he delivered such a loaded statement suggested eitherplete honesty or deliberate exaggeration.


    Dario appearedpletely oblivious to Maverick’s growing difort, focusing entirely on ensuring Veronica’s te remained filled with choice selections. “Don’t rush, Ver. We have all evening


    Outside the upscale restaurant, as Veronica and Dario stepped from their vehicle toward the entrance, Maverick spotted Cullen and Niall approaching from the opposite direction.


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    Niall recalled how Maverick’s previous deal with DataPulse had copsed spectacrly after he had crossed Veronica. Dario had been ruthless in his rejection cutting off all possibilities for future cooperation.


    As Dario continued his solicitous attention to Veronica’s dining experience,pletely ignoring the minor fortune umting on their table, Maverick began <b>to </b>wonder if this extravagant meal was less about celebration and more about. establishing exactly who held the power in their new partnership.


    His attentiveness toward her was both tender and possessive, a reminder that whatever business arrangement they had forged, the personal dynamics remainedplicated.


    Once Dario and Veronica had made their extensive selections, Maverick added a couple of modest dishes and attempted to steer the conversation toward their business arrangement.


    Maverick had witnessed Dario’s obvious disdain for Cullen during their previous encounter at Ster, but this disy of barely concealed hostility caught him off guard.


    The irony wasn’t lost on him that while he had sessfully negotiated a lucrative contract with DataPulse, he was now paying for that sess in more ways than one.


    Veronica maintained herposed facade, as though she had anticipated this partnership from the very beginning.


    After agreeing to follow up, Maverick excused himself and made his way to the private dining room.


    He hesitated momentarily before acknowledging them. “Mr. Dennis, Ms. Crystal.”


    Cullen and Niall had already noticed their presence. Cullen offered a curt nod. “Mr. Harris, Mr. Reid.”


    Dario’s smile turned razor–sharp. “History would be putting it mildly. We’re enemies.” As Cullen and Niall watched the elevator doors close, Niall’s curiosity got the better of her. “Since Mr. Harris is dining with Mr. Reid, I assume their contract negotiations concluded sessfully?”


    Maverick’s expression remained neutral. “They did indeed.”


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    Dario didn’t even nce up from the menu. “Obviously. We had no intention <b>of </b>restraining ourselves.”


    This realization brought a satisfied smile to her lips. “How wonderful for you!”


    The food began arriving in steady waves.


    Maverick assumed Dario had briefed her beforehand and responded with measured politeness. “I look forward to our coboration.”


    As servers continued filing into the room carrying an seemingly endless parade of tes, each featuring the restaurant’s most expensive offerings, Maverick felt the beginning of a headache forming behind his temples.


    Dario nced up with apparent amusement. “Finished with your social obligations, Mr. Harris?”


    Maverick chose a scat deliberately positioned at afortable distance from Veronica, maintaining professional boundaries. Rather than react to Dario’s pointed tone, he asked with genuine curiosity, “Is there some personal history between you and Mr. Dennis?


    Cullen’s response was immediate. “My schedule is rtively open this week. Contact me whenever convenient.”


    Whatever history existed between these two men ran deeper than professional rivalry. Yet Cullen continued to maintain his diplomaticposure, which only made Dario’s behavior more striking.


    Since Dario clearly had no intention of borating, Maverick decided not to pursue the matter. Watching them coborate on their food selections, he gestured toward the menu. “Please consider this my treat. Order anything that appeals to you.”


    When Dario had dered they wouldn’t hold back, Maverick had assumed he was engaging in typical dinner banter.


    Dario’s smile appeared cordial but carried an unmistakable edge of insincerity. “Mr. Dennis.”


    Maverick acknowledged her congrattions with a brief nod before turning his attention to Cullen. “Actually, Mr. Dennis, there’s a particr project yourpany is


    to Cullen. “Actually, Mr. Dennis, there’s a particr project yourpany is developing that has caught my interest. Would you be avable to discuss potential