Veronica remained unaware of the conversation between Cullen and Maverick. After finishing her lunch with Dario, she headed straight back to the office to focus on her workload.

Midweek brought an unexpected call from Ridley, extending an invitation for dinner that weekend. "Sa will be there too," he added, his tone casual yet deliberate. Veronica hesitated momentarily before responding with a simple, "Alright."

Friday afternoon found Veronica deeply engaged in a meeting when her phone vibrated with an incoming call. By the time she could check it, the call had already ended. Noting the unfamiliar number and preoccupied with her current obligations, she dismissed it without much thought.

The caller had been Vivian, who had officially begun her employment at Valerie Corporation just two days prior. Her initial intention was to inform Veronica about her new position and permanent relocation to Porter. However, mid-dial, Bonnie's cautionary words echoed in her mind—how Cullen's inner circle, particularly Marco, had consistently maintained a cold distance from Veronica despite her efforts to win their approval, while readily embracing Niall into their fold.

Vivian realized that revealing her new job would inevitably expose Niall's involvement in securing it, potentially causing Veronica pain. This realization prompted her abrupt hang-up.

After her workday concluded, prompted by Huxley's message, Vivian returned to the Crystal residence. The sight that greeted her before even entering was striking—a lineup of unfamiliar luxury vehicles parked prominently outside the villa.

Before arriving in Porter, Vivian had heard through Huxley about the elite social circles' awareness of Niall's connection to Cullen. The extent of Cullen's favoritism toward Niall had apparently become common knowledge among Porter's influential figures.

Yet Vivian hadn't fully comprehended the implications until witnessing it firsthand. The daily parade of high-status visitors to the Crystal residence, all seeking favors and connections, finally illuminated the family's newfound prominence in Porter's social hierarchy.

Learning the identities of these visitors—people of considerable wealth and influence who nonetheless made personal appearances to cultivate relationships with Niall and her family—left Vivian astounded. She finally grasped that Cullen's support of the Crystal and Mack families transcended her previous understanding.

Most revealing was the dynamic she observed: Huxley interacted with these powerful figures with careful deference, while Niall maintained a detached, almost disinterested demeanor, frequently avoiding prolonged engagement. Yet rather than taking offense, these influential visitors persisted in their attempts to curry favor.

Spotting more luxury cars in the driveway, Vivian recognized another influx of status-seeking guests had arrived. She entered discreetly through a side entrance and proceeded upstairs without drawing attention. There she found Niall, who had retreated to find respite from the social maneuvering below.

Niall glanced up as Vivian appeared. "Just got off work?" she inquired casually.

Vivian paused in the hallway. "Yeah."

Having already spoken with Marco regarding Vivian's employment, Niall felt confident about Vivian's position at Valerie Corporation and thus hadn't dwelled on the matter. She turned a page in her book before looking up again. "Did Marco say anything when you met?"

Vivian observed Niall's studious demeanor with admiration. She'd heard rumors about Niall attending prestigious tech conferences lately, garnering attention from industry leaders. This dedication to self-improvement impressed Vivian deeply.

Refocusing on Niall's question, she replied, "I haven't met Mr. Valerie yet."

Niall's hands stilled on the book. "Marco didn't reach out to you?"

"No, he didn't," Vivian confirmed.

Niall had presumed Marco, upon learning of Vivian's connection to her, would at minimum arrange an introduction and ensure someone looked after her interests within the company. Upon reflection, though, such special treatment might have compromised Vivian's professional standing among colleagues.

"It's fine," Niall concluded after a moment.

Vivian nodded silently before continuing to her room.

Setting aside her reading material, Niall placed a call to Marco. The line rang extensively before he finally answered with a curt, "Hello."

Niall's voice warmed with genuine appreciation. "I heard Vivian has started at Valerie Corporation. Thank you, Marco. Are you free sometime soon? I'd like to treat you to dinner."

Marco's response came detached and businesslike: "Vivian got in on her own merit. There's no need to thank me."

Niall smiled knowingly—his statement revealed he'd specifically investigated Vivian's qualifications, contradicting his apparent disinterest. She was about to respond when he interjected, "I've got things to do. Let's talk another time."

Understanding Marco's professional demands, Niall conceded easily. "Alright." She ended the call without hesitation, respecting his apparent time constraints.

In reality, Marco faced no urgent matters. His abruptness stemmed from a singular desire—to call Veronica. The moment Niall disconnected, his fingers were already dialing Veronica's number.