Marco's disappointment was evident upon hearing that Veronica wouldn't be able to attend Cecelia's birthday celebration, but he accepted her explanation graciously. "It's okay. Work takes priority; Cecelia will understand."

Moments after ending their call, just as Veronica finished touching up her appearance, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call from Marco's number. She knew instantly it would be Cecelia on the other end.

When Veronica answered, Cecelia's cheerful face filled the screen, her eyes bright with excitement.

Before Veronica could even offer a greeting, Cecelia launched into animated chatter. "Good morning, Ms. Veronica! Uncle Marco already told me you can't make it to my birthday party tomorrow. Don't worry about it! I understand you're busy. We can celebrate another time!"

Without taking a breath, the little girl continued enthusiastically, "Uncle Marco mentioned you're making me a cake and got other presents too. Thank you so much, Ms. Veronica! My grandma always says when someone gives you gifts, you should thank them with a meal. There's this amazing new restaurant everyone's talking about—are you free tonight? Uncle Marco and I would love to take you there!"

Veronica couldn't suppress her smile at Cecelia's earnestness. "I'm free tonight. Thank you for the invitation, Cecelia."

"No need to be formal, Ms. Veronica. Treating you to dinner is the right thing to do!" Cecelia declared confidently.

Realizing she needed to get to school, Cecelia quickly said goodbye and handed the phone back to Marco. They confirmed their dinner plans before ending the call.

Later that morning at the office, Veronica informed Dario about her need to return to the base the following day.

Dario gave her a supportive pat on the shoulder. "You've been putting in extra hours lately. Don't worry about the R&D team—I'll handle things while you're gone. Just focus on what you need to do."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Veronica replied gratefully.

Unlike her usual routine of staying at the office past eight in the evening, Veronica began shutting down her computer and organizing her desk around six o'clock.

Lester appeared in her doorway, surprise evident in his expression. "Leaving early today?"

"Yes, I have some personal matters to attend to," she explained, then added, "By the way, I'll be out of town for a few days starting tomorrow. If anything urgent comes up, please speak directly with Dario."

"You're leaving again?" Lester's tone carried a hint of curiosity.

Veronica offered only a noncommittal murmur in response.

Lester remained silent, though his thoughts lingered on how she had just recently returned from her last trip.

Approximately half an hour later, Veronica arrived at the upscale restaurant Marco had selected. As she stepped out of her vehicle, she spotted Marco and Cecelia pulling up nearby.

The moment Cecelia saw her, the little girl dashed forward excitedly. "Ms. Veronica!"

Veronica crouched down to embrace her warmly.

Taking in the array of luxury vehicles filling the parking lot, Veronica remarked, "This place seems to be quite popular."

Marco nodded with a slight smile. "The owner has a talent for marketing. It's become the go-to spot for business meetings and important conversations."

"I can see why," Veronica observed.

"Shall we head inside?" Marco suggested.

"Of course."

As the trio made their way toward the restaurant entrance, Niall was just exiting her car nearby, finishing up a phone call.

She ended her conversation, closed her car door, and turned toward the restaurant—

Only to freeze mid-step as her gaze landed on Veronica, Marco, and Cecelia walking together, looking every bit like a close-knit family unit.

The sight caused Niall to stop abruptly, her expression shifting as she absorbed the unexpected scene before her.