The atmosphere in the bidding room shifted palpably when Veronica and Dario entered. The other bidders, particularly Niall and Claude, felt a cold shiver of realization—their weeks of preparation might have just been rendered futile.

Their instincts proved correct.

Minutes later, the announcement echoed through the hushed room: "The smart traffic project is officially awarded to DataPulse."

Veronica and Dario exchanged a brief glance, their calm expressions betraying no surprise. They had more pressing matters awaiting them and saw no reason to linger in celebration. As they strode toward the exit, they passed by Claude and Niall without acknowledgment, leaving the father-daughter duo with expressions that darkened with each step Veronica took.

Since their relocation to Porter, the Crystal family had experienced moderate success with their tech company. Cullen's influence had opened doors, allowing them recognition within certain social circles. However, this recognition remained superficial—they lacked the broader public reputation necessary for sustainable growth.

The primary obstacle had always been their technology—capable but not groundbreaking. Then came their breakthrough, and with it, all their hopes had consolidated around this smart traffic bid. Success would have marked a pivotal transformation in both industry standing and market credibility for Crystal Tech.

For over a month, their team had operated on minimal sleep, pouring every available resource into perfecting their proposal. The certainty of victory had been almost tangible—until Veronica entered the picture.

After the winners departed, Claude and Niall remained seated, the weight of defeat keeping them anchored to their chairs.

At the Crystal residence, family members hovered around phones, awaiting news. Bonnie's patience finally broke, prompting her to call Niall directly.

"Niall, tell me we won," Bonnie said, her voice taut with anticipation.

"No," came Niall's flat response.

"No?" Bonnie's confusion was palpable through the phone. "But I thought—the other companies weren't even close to our caliber. Who could possibly—"

"DataPulse."

The name hit Bonnie like a physical blow. "DataPulse? They weren't even on the list of participants!" Her confusion quickly crystallized into fury. "That manipulative bitch! She's consumed with jealousy over Cullen's treatment of you, so she deliberately sabotaged us!"

Her voice rose as rage took control. "But she's miscalculated! The more she interferes, the more Cullen will despise her. I'm calling him immediately to expose this vindictive scheme!"

"Don't bother," Niall interrupted, her tone detached. "DataPulse has formed a strategic partnership with the Dennis Group. Even Cullen wouldn't risk confronting her right now."

Bonnie fell silent, processing this complication. "Then what? We simply accept this? After everything we've invested?"

Niall offered no response, but her silence spoke volumes. Timing was everything—they couldn't move against Veronica now, but that didn't mean they were surrendering.

When news reached Jade, Sophia, and others at the Crystal household, indignation spread like wildfire. This wasn't merely a personal slight; it was an existential threat to their company's future. The stakes were too high to ignore Veronica's interference.

"First she tries to come between Niall and Cullen, then she manipulates Dario, and now she's actively threatening our livelihood!" Jade fumed, pacing the living room. "If she continues this vendetta—"

"I'll handle it," Claude interjected firmly. "I'll speak with her directly when the opportunity arises."

This development demanded action. Earlier, when Veronica and Dario were departing the venue, Claude had nearly confronted her immediately. Only the public setting had prevented him—some conversations required privacy.

The following morning, Veronica arrived at DataPulse headquarters, pulling into her designated parking space. As she stepped out of her vehicle, another car door opened nearby. Claude emerged, his expression resolute as he called out:

"Ver."