Gareth's assistant remained unaware that both Veronica and Dario were students under Malcolm's tutelage.

When Gareth mentioned how fortunate Dario was to have Veronica by his side, the assistant eagerly chimed in.

"During last night's interview, Mr. Reid revealed that studying under Mr. Blair meant enduring exceptionally rigorous standards.

"Mr. Blair pushed him to stay current with every industry advancement and demanded complete mastery of each technological breakthrough.

"Mr. Blair would identify and address any knowledge deficiencies based on his ongoing research.

"Ms. Murray already possesses remarkable talent. Now that she's partnered with Mr. Reid, she benefits from his mentorship as well. This will accelerate her development exponentially.

"Honestly, this partnership with Mr. Reid will be transformative for Ms. Murray."

The statement held truth, but it sparked an unfortunate misunderstanding.

One of Silas's protégés interjected, "Are you suggesting that the insights Ms. Murray presented were essentially a fusion of Mr. Reid's and Mr. Blair's research?"

The implication was clear—Veronica might not be the prodigy they had assumed.

Though the student avoided stating it directly, everyone in the room, including Niall, grasped the underlying suggestion.

Silas's face fell as realization dawned. His initial excitement deflated visibly. He had genuinely believed Veronica was an extraordinary AI talent, a rare comprehensive genius. This revelation shattered that impression.

Cullen's expression also shifted, processing the new perspective.

Observing both men's reactions, Niall's mouth curved into a subtle smile.

So Veronica's earlier presentation had merely repackaged technical analyses from Dario and Malcolm's work.

That explained why Gareth and Silas had mistakenly labeled her an AI virtuoso.

Cullen, though more reserved in his praise than the others, had witnessed Veronica's discourse on recent field developments.

He too had likely found her insights impressive.

But his current expression suggested he now understood that Veronica's apparent brilliance was borrowed from Dario and Malcolm's expertise.

In truth, she lacked such advanced capabilities herself.

However, Gareth possessed crucial information—Veronica was also Malcolm's student.

He had previously engaged in technical discussions with her and knew that DataPulse's acclaimed programming language had been developed under her direction.

Gareth understood with absolute certainty that Veronica's technical prowess was genuinely formidable. Her presenting those insights as her own research wasn't beyond possibility.

As Malcolm's student, such brilliance fell within reasonable expectations.

This knowledge convinced Gareth that Veronica's shared concepts originated from her personal research.

The confidential nature of these matters prevented public disclosure.

Despite knowing that Cullen and the others had misjudged Veronica, Gareth couldn't defend her openly.

Veronica remained oblivious to the office developments at Dennis Group.

After departing the building, she headed straight back to DataPulse.

During lunch, Miranda sent her an enthusiastic message. "Ms. Murray, I had no idea you were thriving so well after leaving the company. My sincere congratulations!"

While Miranda didn't fully understand Veronica's collaboration details with Dennis Group, securing a partnership role indicated significant professional standing.

"Thank you. You appear to be flourishing as well—congratulations to you too," Veronica responded.

She added another message. "The coffee you prepared was exceptional. I appreciated that thoughtful gesture."

Reading this, Miranda felt simultaneously pleased and slightly bashful. "Your coffee remains superior, Ms. Murray. Despite countless attempts, I cannot replicate your technique.

"Using identical methods and measurements, Mr. Dennis still finds mine inadequate. To preserve my position, I spent considerable time training with a barista friend before achieving my current standard."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Veronica concluded their conversation.

Dario returned from his business trip that evening.

Their lawyer provided an update on Stellar's compensation arrangement. Niall had already transferred 200 million dollars to DataPulse, with the remaining balance requiring additional time.

Dario's lip curled cynically. "Doesn't Cullen usually shower Niall with generosity? Purchasing homes without hesitation, gifting entire companies.

"After their contract dissolution, he immediately facilitated her partnership with DataWing Inc.

"Our total compensation barely exceeds 300 million, yet they're struggling to raise these funds? This seems intentionally delayed."

Veronica offered her assessment, "Probably not deliberate. I suspect the Crystal family prefers handling this amount independently rather than burdening Cullen further."

That scenario seemed plausible.

Dario made a dismissive sound. "Considering the Crystal family's financial position, generating two to three hundred million quickly while maintaining their existing projects presents genuine challenges.

"Yet Niall's insistence on personal repayment... Those two are truly devoted to each other."

Veronica shared that observation.

Honestly, their mutual dedication had been evident when Niall risked her life shielding Cullen from that blade, and when Cullen maintained his divorce decision despite everything.