After voicing his thoughts, Nate added, "Or perhaps they're simply unaware of Veronica's history?"

The speculation that Veronica and Dario were romantically involved had been circulating among many people.

Since discovering that Veronica had also been Malcolm's student, Marco had carefully observed her interactions with Dario. He'd concluded there was nothing romantic between them.

He couldn't determine if Rosie genuinely hoped for a union between them or if her words stemmed from another motive altogether.

Nevertheless, considering Veronica's current accomplishments, even her past as a married woman with a child shouldn't diminish her worth to anyone.

"They most likely know," Marco responded.

Nate' eyes widened in surprise. "Then why would they still—"

He abruptly stopped mid-sentence, as if struck by a realization. Then, without warning, he blurted out, "Wait, has Veronica actually developed feelings for Dario? Is she over Cullen now?"

Before Marco could formulate a response, Nate rapidly connected the dots in his mind.

"That would explain her composure when Cullen requested a divorce. She didn't even contest Sa's custody. I initially thought she was plotting to win Cullen back, but she had already secured her next move."

"Had she retained custody of Sa, marrying into the Reid family would have been considerably more challenging—"

Marco remained silent, offering no comment.

Nate couldn't hide his astonishment that the Reid family would be willing to accept someone with Veronica's background.

Shortly after, as Cullen approached them, Nate couldn't resist sharing what they'd overheard. "Marco and I just caught a conversation between Dario' mother and some guests. From her tone, it seems she's in favor of Veronica marrying Dario."

"I suspect she'll become a Reid soon after your divorce is finalized."

Cullen raised an eyebrow, his expression one of amusement rather than concern. "Is that right?"

"That's precisely how Rosie's comments came across," Nate insisted. "If you doubt me, ask Marco."

Cullen shifted his gaze to Marco, who hesitated momentarily before confirming with a slight nod.

Rosie's words had indeed carried that implication.

Cullen responded with a light chuckle, nodded once, and said nothing further on the matter.

Just then, Ridley made his entrance, one of the last attendees to arrive at the gathering.

Noticing him, Cullen gave Marco's shoulder a brief pat before moving to greet the older man. "Mr. Norman Senior. Welcome."

Ridley completely disregarded Cullen's greeting. He handed his gift to Cook, exchanged a few cordial words with her, then turned to Sabrina with a warm expression. "Sabrina, come here and give me a hug, dear."

Sabrina dutifully approached and embraced him.

Ridley's eyes softened with genuine affection. "What a wonderful young lady you've become."

Sabrina looked up at him with curious eyes. "Mr. Norman Senior, didn't Mom join you today?"

Earlier, she had inquired about Veronica's whereabouts from Cullen, who had explained that her mother was preoccupied and wouldn't be attending.

But seeing Ridley now, recalling the evident closeness between him and her mother, she couldn't help but wonder why her mother hadn't accompanied him.

The guests unfamiliar with the complete situation were intensely curious about the identity of Sabrina's mother.

Upon hearing her question, many in attendance, including Maverick, glanced over, eager for insight into this woman's identity.

Ridley maintained his gentle smile as he replied, "No, your mother had pressing matters to attend to and couldn't join us today."

Sabrina's shoulders drooped slightly as she sighed. "I understand."

The manner in which she addressed Ridley suggested that her mother wasn't a member of the Norman family.

Despite this exchange, the identity of Cullen's ex-wife remained a mystery to many of the guests.

However, based on Ridley's response, those not privy to the full story—Maverick among them—assumed that Cullen and Sabrina's mother had already finalized their divorce.

They presumed that the separation had been kept hidden from Sabrina, explaining the delicate way in which the adults addressed the topic.