Sabrina displayed no remorse for her public confrontation with Audrey earlier. The opinions of her classmates held little weight in her mind. Yet as Veronica prepared to leave, an unexpected wave of attachment washed over her. "Mom..."

"Yes?" Veronica embraced her, voice tender with maternal warmth. "What is it?"

"I want to—" The words caught in Sabrina's throat. How long had it been since she'd savored one of Veronica's home-cooked meals? The mere thought stirred a deep longing within her.

But just as she was about to voice her desire, she remembered her commitment to watching Niall's competition that evening. Indecision flickered across her eyes, and she released her hold on Veronica.

"It's nothing."

She rationalized her choice quickly—Veronica's cooking would always be there, but Niall's competition was a special occasion. The decision, in her mind, was simple.

"Alright, then. Better get inside before your teacher starts wondering where you are."

"Okay."

Though Sabrina finally stepped back, she turned once more before entering the classroom. "Mom, promise you'll call at lunchtime."

Veronica's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "I promise." Satisfied with this guarantee, Sabrina finally walked into the classroom.

Veronica lingered a moment, watching through the doorway as her daughter confidently introduced herself to her new classmates before taking her seat. Only after offering a final wave did Veronica depart for Dennis Group.

When she arrived at her office, Veronica discovered Bradley waiting by her desk with an unfamiliar woman standing beside him.

"This is Miranda," Bradley announced without preamble. "She'll be taking over your responsibilities."

Miranda Edison exuded effortless beauty, clothed in expensive designer wear that whispered of wealth and status. Her gaze swept over Veronica, assessing her professional appearance with subtle scrutiny that she quickly concealed behind a dazzling smile.

"Ms. Murray, I'm thrilled to meet you," Miranda said, extending a perfectly manicured hand. "I'm Miranda, and I'll be shadowing you for the next few days to learn the ropes."

Veronica accepted the handshake with professional courtesy. "The pleasure's mine."

"I just graduated from Lattice College with my master's degree this June," Miranda continued. "Ms. Murray, where did you complete your education? Were you—"

Veronica's eyebrow arched slightly at the revelation of Miranda's recent graduation—suggesting limited practical experience. Still, she refused to make hasty judgments. Perhaps Miranda possessed unique talents that qualified her for the position. After all, Veronica herself had risen to team leader despite colleagues with more impressive academic credentials.

"Ms. Edison," Veronica interjected gently, "we have a meeting scheduled shortly. Let's focus on work-related matters for now."

Miranda laughed with practiced charm. "Oh, of course! How silly of me to get distracted. Let's talk business."

As they walked toward the meeting room, Miranda leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I've heard rumors that Mr. Dennis is incredibly handsome. Is there any truth to that?"

"He is," Veronica responded truthfully.

Miranda's eyes lit up with undisguised excitement. "Now I'm even more eager to meet him! Though Mr. Cameron mentioned he wouldn't be in the office today... what a disappointment."

This was news to Veronica, though not particularly surprising. Cullen oversaw multiple business ventures and rarely devoted every day exclusively to Dennis Group.

When lunchtime arrived, Miranda practically dragged Veronica to the company cafeteria. After filling their trays with food, Veronica pulled out her phone to call Sabrina as promised.

Miranda gave her a teasing smile. "Calling your boyfriend?"

"No, my daughter."

Surprise flickered across Miranda's face. "Your daughter? You're married?"

"Yes," Veronica replied simply.

At that moment, Sabrina was engaged in a video call with Niall, with Cullen also visible in the frame.

"You two are so mean!" Sabrina pouted dramatically. "Eating together without me!"

"That's only because you're at school," Niall replied with a smile. "I'll pick you up after classes end, and the three of us can have dinner together. How does that sound?"

Sabrina's expression brightened. "That's more like it."

Her attention shifted to Cullen, who was casually transferring food to Niall's plate, an oddly domestic gesture that caught her notice.

"What would you like for dinner?" Cullen asked with unexpected thoughtfulness. "I'll have the chef prepare whatever you'd like."

Sabrina considered her options, feeling a momentary pang as she thought of her mother eating lunch alone at work. She pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the evening ahead with Niall and Cullen. The excitement of watching Niall compete and having dinner with them afterward was simply too enticing to pass up.

Meanwhile, at the company cafeteria, Veronica glanced at her phone screen, waiting for Sabrina's call. When it didn't come, a small frown creased her brow. Perhaps Sabrina was busy with new friends or settling into her classroom routine. Still, the missed connection left a hollow feeling in her chest that not even the bustling atmosphere of the cafeteria could fill.

Miranda watched Veronica's expression change, noting the subtle shift from anticipation to disappointment. She filed this observation away, just as she cataloged everything else about the woman whose position she would soon inherit. For now, she maintained her friendly demeanor, asking questions about workplace protocols and key responsibilities while secretly assessing how quickly she could make the role her own.

As lunch concluded, Veronica sent a quick text to Sabrina instead: "Hope your first day is going well. Love you." She slipped the phone back into her pocket, refocusing her attention on training Miranda and the afternoon tasks ahead. The day would continue whether her daughter called or not, and Veronica had always been skilled at compartmentalizing her emotions when duty called.

Back at school, Sabrina felt her phone vibrate with her mother's message. A brief flash of guilt crossed her features before she tucked the device away, promising herself she'd call Veronica later. Right now, her mind was filled with anticipation for the evening ahead—the competition, dinner with Niall and Cullen, and all the excitement that came with her evolving relationship with her father and brother. Her mother would understand; she always did.