"He called me several minutes ago," Veronica informed Dario, her voice steady despite the implications of Cullen's recent contact.

Dario let out a knowing chuckle. "I knew it. You were the first person he called."

They had both anticipated this move. Niall would inevitably turn to Cullen for assistance, and he would likely try to retaliate against the Murray family on her behalf. It was predictable, almost like watching chess pieces move exactly as forecasted.

Cullen had also calculated that they might leverage the recent collaboration between Dennis Tech and DataPulse Enterprises as a bargaining chip. That's precisely why he had reached out to Veronica first—hoping to find a diplomatic solution through her. When she refused to engage, he pivoted to Dario instead.

As the official representative of DataPulse Enterprises, Dario was the appropriate channel for such discussions. The conversation with Cullen had revealed something that set Dario's blood boiling—Cullen clearly intended to manipulate Veronica, assuming she was weak and easily influenced, all to benefit Niall.

"How are you holding up?" Dario asked, genuine concern evident in his voice.

Veronica maintained her composure. "I'm fine. How did things go with your business trip? Did the collaboration proceed as planned?"

"Everything went without a hitch," he confirmed.

After chatting for a while longer about mundane matters, they ended the call, each returning to their respective responsibilities.

The repercussions were swift. Stellar's legal team, which answered directly to Nate, received notification about the termination of collaboration between DataPulse Enterprises and Stellar that very afternoon.

That evening, Nate met his friends in a private dining room at an upscale restaurant. There, he learned that Cullen's attempt to speak with Dario had been futile—the termination decision was final.

"Damn it," Nate cursed, echoing Jade's earlier sentiments. "Veronica has always seemed so quiet and modest. I never would have pegged her as the scheming type."

He shook his head in disbelief. "But I guess I shouldn't be surprised. She drugged you and played innocent afterward. I should have realized she's neither pure-hearted nor decent."

Marco's mouth opened, clearly about to object, but Nate continued before he could speak.

"Is there truly nothing else we can do?" Nate pressed.

Cullen's response was blunt. "Not for the time being."

A heavy silence fell over the table. Nate eventually broke it with a resigned sigh. "If Marco and I hadn't relinquished our Stellar shares, we might have been able to intervene and negotiate with Dario. That could have made a difference."

But the reality remained—they were no longer shareholders, stripping them of any authority to mediate in this conflict between DataPulse Enterprises and Stellar.

Niall sat quietly among them, periodically glancing at Marco. She couldn't help but notice that while Nate had actively defended her and brainstormed potential solutions, Marco had remained conspicuously silent throughout the entire discussion.

It became painfully clear that Marco had no intention of helping her. The realization caused her to press her rosy lips together in disappointment.

With the situation having deteriorated so significantly, it appeared inevitable that the collaboration between DataPulse Enterprises and Stellar would indeed be terminated.

The news spread quickly. When Isaac and Huxley learned that neither Cullen nor Marco could resolve the crisis, Isaac declared, "I'll speak with her later."

Everyone knew he was referring to Veronica.

Sophia, maintaining a facade of indifference, added, "I'll accompany you."

Huxley began to respond, but Niall cut him off. "There's no point. Cullen warned that Dario and Veronica would interpret any approach as harassment, which could complicate the court case even further."

The Crystal and Mack exchanged dark looks as the implications sank in. Their options were rapidly dwindling, and the consequences of Niall's actions continued to ripple outward, affecting alliances and business relationships that had once seemed secure.

The balance of power was shifting, and not in their favor.