That evening, just as Veronica was preparing to wrap up her work day, her phone lit up with Sabrina's incoming call.

Tomorrow being Saturday, Veronica assumed Sabrina wanted to spend time together, but she already had obligations elsewhere. She needed to visit the nursing home with Mary and others to consult with the doctor about her mother's treatment plan and medications. With a slight pang of guilt, she let the call go unanswered.

When Saturday arrived and Veronica stepped into the nursing home, her heart sank at the sight of Rose. Her mother appeared even more frail than during her previous visit—her once vibrant hair now lifeless and brittle, her complexion devoid of any healthy color.

The doctor's explanation was delivered with clinical detachment. "The psychiatric medication she was previously taking carries toxicity that affects liver and kidney function. This wasn't problematic before, but considering her current organ failure, we've had to discontinue portions of her treatment regimen."

He continued with a sympathetic but professional tone, "Her psychological state has deteriorated significantly these past few days. Combined with the antibiotics she's taking for organ failure, her system is under extraordinary stress..."

Veronica clutched her handbag tighter, her knuckles whitening as she nodded in comprehension, fighting to maintain her composure.

She and Phillip spent considerable time afterward conferring with the doctor, only departing the nursing home when noon approached. As they were leaving, Sabrina called again. Veronica pressed her lips into a thin line and declined the call once more. After this second attempt, Sabrina didn't try to reach out again.

Later that afternoon, Whitney, who had just returned from her international travels the previous day, called to invite Veronica shopping. Despite having little enthusiasm for social activities—especially with Mary's declining health making Veronica prefer to stay home for companionship—Mary herself encouraged her to go.

"You can't keep everything bottled up inside," Mary said, patting Veronica's hand gently. "Going out will help clear your mind."

"Alright," Veronica conceded, and prepared herself to meet Whitney.

The past few months had kept Whitney occupied abroad with her fashion shows, and both women had been consumed with their respective responsibilities, leaving little opportunity to maintain regular communication. After catching up for a while, Whitney finally learned about Rose's condition.

Her enthusiasm for her milk tea instantly vanished, the gravity of the situation settling between them. After a weighted silence, she offered softly, "Your mother... she's going to recover."

Though Veronica desperately wanted to believe this, she knew the reality—her mother's health was declining rapidly. The family harbored no illusions about the slim chances of recovery.

"If I'd known, I wouldn't have suggested going out—" Whitney began.

"It's fine," Veronica interrupted, shaking her head. She was about to elaborate when something caught her attention. Her expression froze, eyes turning cold.

Following Veronica's gaze, Whitney spotted Claude and Penny.

Penny was impeccably dressed, radiating sophistication. Despite being nearly fifty, she could easily pass for someone in her late thirties. Claude similarly maintained himself well—his physique trim and appearance polished despite being over fifty.

They made a striking couple, their affection apparent. Dressed casually for their date, they exuded contentment and joy, completely oblivious to Veronica and Whitney's presence nearby.

Claude demonstrated his attentiveness by holding Penny's hand, carrying her shopping bag, and helping select clothes—every gesture showcasing his devotion.

Observing this display, Whitney clenched her teeth in anger. "How do they get to live so blissfully while others suffer? This world is truly unjust."

Veronica lowered her gaze, the sentiment resonating deeply. Yes, the unfairness was undeniable.

After a pause, Whitney added, "What makes it worse is that Cullen still—"

With Veronica and Cullen's impending divorce, Cullen's involvement would only strengthen the Crystal family's position moving forward. Meanwhile, Rose continued to waste away.

Veronica's grip tightened around her cup, her knuckles whitening.

Claude and Penny soon walked away, but the encounter had already soured Veronica's already dark mood. Neither woman felt inclined to continue their outing, and they parted ways shortly after.

Monday morning found Veronica and Dario at the Dennis Group for a scheduled meeting. This session involved their core engineering team, with Cullen noticeably absent.

After a productive but demanding morning, Veronica headed to the restroom. On her return journey, she spotted Cullen standing at the entrance engaged in conversation with Frank. They fell silent upon noticing her approach.

Veronica was attempting to walk past without acknowledgment when Cullen's voice stopped her.

"Sa's been trying to reach you," he said matter-of-factly. "If she calls again, just pick up."