Rafael's voice carried a note of genuine admiration as he continued his assessment. "Considering her humble origins, the mere fact that she can navigate our social circles is remarkable enough. But what's truly extraordinary is how effortlessly Ms. Crystal has woven herself into the inner sanctum of the Dennis dynasty and other distinguished families. She possesses an almost uncanny ability to forge meaningful alliances."

He paused, swirling the amber liquid in his crystal tumbler before taking a measured sip. "At first, I couldn't fathom why Cullen would grace my modest gathering with his presence. The man typically declines such invitations without a second thought. But then the pieces fell into place—he had orchestrated the entire evening as an introduction platform for Ms. Crystal."

Dario shifted uncomfortably in his leather chair, while Veronica maintained her composed facade despite the growing knot in her stomach.

"The calculated precision with which Cullen maneuvered that evening was nothing short of masterful," Rafael continued, his businessman's mind clearly appreciating the strategic brilliance. "He didn't simply attend—he curated the guest list in his mind, ensuring that Marco and the other power brokers would be present. Every handshake, every conversation was choreographed to elevate Ms. Crystal's standing in our community."

The weight of Rafael's words settled over the room like a heavy blanket. Veronica felt each syllable like a physical blow, understanding with crystal clarity that Cullen's actions weren't those of a man indulging in a fleeting affair.

"Men of Cullen's caliber don't expend such social capital on temporary diversions," Rafael explained, his tone becoming more analytical. "When someone of his stature personally vouches for an individual in our circles, it's tantamount to a public declaration of intent. He's essentially staking his reputation on her success."

Dario finally broke his silence, though his voice carried a strained quality. "You believe this arrangement has long-term implications?"

Rafael nodded emphatically. "Without question. With Cullen as her patron and advocate, the Crystal family's trajectory has fundamentally altered. They've transcended their previous limitations and gained access to opportunities that were previously inconceivable. It's a transformation that typically takes generations to achieve."

The businessman's eyes gleamed with professional respect as he delivered his final assessment. "The Crystal family has struck gold with a daughter of her capabilities. Her ability to not only recognize opportunity but to seize it with such grace and effectiveness—it's genuinely inspiring to witness."

As Rafael's commentary drew to a close, Veronica's gaze swept across the opulent banquet hall, searching for familiar faces among the departing guests. The realization hit her like ice water—Cullen and his carefully curated entourage had already vanished into the night, having made their strategic exit while she remained trapped in this conversation.

The cruel irony wasn't lost on her. Despite being acutely aware of her presence throughout the evening, Cullen hadn't afforded her so much as a fleeting glance. She had been rendered invisible in the very space where he had once showcased her with pride.

Thirty minutes dragged by before Veronica and Dario finally extracted themselves from the social obligations and made their departure. The drive home passed in uncomfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the evening's revelations.

Upon reaching her sanctuary, Veronica had barely removed her heels when her phone's shrill ring shattered the quiet. Cullen's name illuminated the screen, causing her pulse to quicken involuntarily.

She hesitated, her finger hovering over the screen as doubt flooded her mind. Was this the moment he would confront her about the perceived alliance with Dario against Niall? Nate's pointed warning at the banquet suddenly made perfect sense—Cullen had likely orchestrated that interaction as well, testing her reactions and gauging her intentions.

After what felt like an eternity but was likely only seconds, she steadied her voice and accepted the call. "Hello."

Cullen's voice cut through the phone line like a blade, devoid of any warmth or familiarity. "Come home."

The command sparked immediate resistance within her. She straightened her spine, drawing on reserves of dignity she hadn't known she possessed. "If there's something you need to discuss, we can handle it over the phone."

"Sa has a fever and wants to see you." The line went dead before she could formulate a response.

Panic immediately displaced her defiance. Without conscious thought, she grabbed her car keys and rushed toward the door, her earlier resolve crumbling in the face of maternal instinct.

The drive to the villa passed in a blur of worried thoughts and mounting anxiety. Upon arrival, she noticed Cullen's absence immediately but pushed the observation aside—Sabrina's welfare took precedence over everything else.

She took the stairs two at a time, her heels clicking against the marble with urgent rhythm. The sight that greeted her in Sabrina's bedroom made her heart constrict with concern.

Sabrina lay pale and listless against the mountain of pillows, an IV line snaking from her small hand to the medical apparatus beside the bed. Her usually bright eyes were dulled with fever and discomfort.

"Mom?" Sabrina's voice was barely a whisper, but her arms reached out with desperate need.

Veronica moved with practiced care, mindful of the medical equipment as she gathered her daughter into a gentle embrace. The familiar weight of Sabrina in her arms felt like coming home.

"Has she been able to keep anything down?" Veronica asked Chelsea, her voice tight with worry.

Chelsea shook her head grimly. "She managed a few spoonfuls of broth, but it came right back up. Her stomach's been upset since this morning."

Veronica consulted quietly with the attending physician, absorbing every detail about Sabrina's condition and treatment plan. When she turned back to her daughter, she found fever-bright eyes gazing up at her with complete trust.

"Are you hungry, sweetheart? Once this IV finishes, I'll make your favorite chicken noodle soup. The one with the tiny star pasta you love so much."

Sabrina managed a weak smile and nodded. During her childhood illnesses, Veronica had always been the one to coax her back to health with homemade remedies and patient care. Even now, faced with Chelsea's well-meaning but unfamiliar cooking, Sabrina's body rejected everything except what her mother prepared.

"Where's Dad?" Sabrina asked, her small face creasing with confusion. "Isn't he back yet?"

The innocent question hit Veronica like a physical blow. When Cullen's call had come through, she had naturally assumed he was already at the villa, perhaps dealing with the medical emergency from his study. But the empty house and Sabrina's question painted a different picture entirely.

The geography of the situation suddenly became clear with painful precision. The hotel venue was significantly closer to the villa than her own residence. Moreover, Cullen had departed the banquet at least thirty minutes before her own exit.

Under normal circumstances, he should have arrived home well before her. Unless, of course, he had made an extended stop elsewhere—perhaps ensuring Niall reached her destination safely, or perhaps extending the evening beyond mere transportation duties.

The implications settled over her like a shroud, and she realized that while she had rushed to their daughter's bedside, Cullen might very well have no intention of returning home at all that night.