Since Cullen had given her a heads-up, Sabrina had already prepared the perfect birthday gift for Cook. The moment she descended the stairs for breakfast, she eagerly presented her carefully wrapped package.

Cook's face lit up with delight, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Sa."

Cullen followed suit, handing over his own gift with a warm smile. "This one is from both Ver and me. Happy birthday."

At his words, Cook shot him a knowing glance.

Before she could respond, the butler entered the dining room carrying two elegantly wrapped gift boxes. "Mrs. Dennis Senior, these birthday presents were delivered by Madam Jayden and Mrs. Dennis."

Cook accepted them graciously before turning back to Cullen with a raised eyebrow. She understood his intentions—mentioning Veronica's name was his way of trying to please her—but she had already decided to stop interfering in their complicated relationship.

"Ver clearly prepared her own separate gift for me," she huffed with a dismissive wave of her hand. "There's no need for your unnecessary gestures." With that final remark, she pointedly ignored him.

Cullen merely chuckled, completely unfazed by her reaction. He turned his attention to Sabrina instead, encouraging her to finish her breakfast quickly so he could drive her to school on time.

Meanwhile, after sending her gift, Veronica grabbed her car keys and headed straight to the office. Shortly after arriving, she and Dario departed together for a business meeting at Stellar.

Upon their arrival, they immediately spotted Niall in the lobby. When she noticed them, Niall acknowledged only Dario with a polite, "Mr. Reid."

She seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits, smiling brightly with no apparent disappointment about missing Cook's birthday celebration.

Dario glanced briefly in her direction, his lips curling slightly at the corners, but he offered no verbal response. He and Veronica simply proceeded with their scheduled business without further interaction.

Dario found it particularly interesting that Veronica wasn't attending Cook's birthday banquet that evening. Later that day, he returned home and accompanied his parents to the upscale restaurant where the celebration was being held.

The Reid family arrived relatively early, when the banquet hall was still only partially filled with guests.

Given that this was Cook's grand birthday celebration, the Dennis family had spared no expense in preparation. Nearly every Dennis family member, including young Sabrina, was already present and accounted for.

It had been two to three years since Dario had last seen Sabrina. When he'd first met her, he'd noticed her resemblance to Cullen. Now, after this significant gap in time, the similarity between father and daughter was even more striking.

As the Reid family entered, the Dennis greeted them with warm enthusiasm. "Mr. Reid, Mrs. Reid, Mr. Dario."

After exchanging the customary pleasantries, Dario' mother, Rosie Nelson, found her gaze drawn to Sabrina.

Dario and Veronica had first crossed paths after Veronica became Malcolm's student. Rosie had always admired Veronica, considering her both accomplished and a perfect match for her son's age. She had once harbored hopes that the two might form a relationship.

However, the moment she had hinted at this possibility, Dario had immediately shut down the conversation, informing her that Veronica already had someone special in her life. Before Rosie could properly process this information, Veronica had gone and married someone else. As a result, Rosie was somewhat familiar with the complicated history between Veronica and Cullen.

She was also aware that Sabrina was Veronica's daughter.

Noticing Rosie's interest in Sabrina, Cook smiled proudly. "This is my great-granddaughter, Sa."

Rosie offered a warm smile and gently ruffled Sabrina's hair. "What an adorable child."

Sabrina responded with perfect manners, greeting her with a respectful, "Mrs. Reid."

When her gaze shifted to Dario, however, she couldn't help but stare at him with obvious curiosity, her eyes widening slightly.

Cook noticed her great-granddaughter's reaction and chuckled. "Sa, why are you staring at Dario like that?"

Sabrina tilted her head thoughtfully, her brow furrowing. "Mr. Dario looks really familiar."