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Following a few moments of polite conversation, Niall posed her question. “Mr. Harris, are you here to explore a business partnership with Mr. Reid?”
Maverick straightened his tie and nodded curtly. “I have several other appointments to handle today, Ms. Murray. Until we meet again.”
She gestured toward Ramona, who had been quietly organizing documents at the side table. “Ms. Gilbert, would you please escort Mr. Harris to the exit?”
Maverick had stopped by Stellar the previous week only to discover Niall’s absence. When he inquired about her whereabouts, colleagues filled him in on the extent of her injuries.
The hospital stay had been rough on her. Even now, her complexion held a pallor that hadn’t been there before, and fatigue seemed to cling to her like a shadow.
Isaac studied Maverick’s refined appearance and expensive suit, immediately recognizing the markers of wealth and influence. His curiosity peaked. “Niall, do you know this gentleman?”
“That’s correct. What brings you and your father here today?”
Was
Maverick’s voice carried a sharp edge. “While Mr. Reid is indeed traveling, I received by Ms. Murray – the same woman we encountered during our previous visit
to Stellar.
Instead, they had encountered Maverick.
Before she could formulate a response to the awkward encounter, Niall’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen and answered immediately.
“Cullen?”
She had managed to return to most of her regular activities, moving carefully but independently.
The sight stirred something/protective in Maverick’s chest.
“She explained that in Mr. Reid’s absence, she was authorized to handle all DataPulse business matters and could conduct negotiations on his behalf.”
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177 Chapter 177 – Calculated Dismissal
She turned to complete the introduction. “Mr. Harris, I’d like you to meet my father, Isaac Crystal.”
Niall shook her head. “No. His secretary informed us of his absence and requested that we leave.”
For the first time that afternoon, genuine warmth spread across her features. “You made it? Perfect timing. I’ll be right there.”
Two weeks had passed since Niall’s accident. The worst of her injuries had mended, though she hadn’t fully recovered her strength yet.
What couldn’t be questioned was the stark difference in treatment – she had welcomed Maverick upstairs while deliberately turning Niall away. The discrimination was unmistakable.
Maverick suspected they had seen through the polite rejection for what it really was – an excuse to avoid the meeting entirely. Their persistence in waiting suggested they hoped to intercept Dario upon his return.
She placed a gentle hand on her father’s arm. “Dad, I think it’s time we headed home.”
Her voice remained steady and neutral. “This is Maverick Harris.”
Niall observed the change and pressed him. “What is it? Have you noticed something
unusual?”
None of that concerned her. Business deals weren’t built on friendship. She needed strategic partnerships that would benefit her position, not drinking buddies or social
connections.
Maverick opened his mouth to offer some form of support or protest when the elevator chimed behind them.
Maverick turned, recognizing the voice immediately. Niall and Isaac remained exactly where they had been left earlier.
Maverick studied their continued presence in the lobby and frowned. “You weren’t invited up for a meeting?”
“Unfortunately not. He’s currently traveling on business.” Isaac let out a short laugh. “Well, that settles it. Mr. Reid genuinely is out of town. I was beginning to wonder if that was simply a polite way of avoiding us.”
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The truth of Veronica’s authority to represent DataPulse remained questionable.
Isaac’s face registered shock and growing indignation.
Veronica emerged from the building’s interior, stopping short when she spotted the trio gathered near the entrance.
Maverick’s expression hardened noticeably.
Isaac’s jaw tightened with obvious displeasure at how Veronica had manipulated the situation. However, seeing Niall’s composed acceptance, he reluctantly agreed. “If you think that’s best.”
The moment Maverick stepped out of the building, a voice called out from across the lobby area.
Niall caught the brief flash of worry that crossed Maverick’s features before he could
mask it.
Maverick’s demeanor shifted to one of formal respect upon learning Isaac’s relationship to Niall. “Mr. Crystal, it’s an honor to make your acquaintance.”
With practiced ease, she returned his distant smile with one of her own. “Of course. I look forward to our next discussion.”
“The same purpose.” Niall confirmed with a slight nod. “Were you able to meet with Mr.
Reid?”
Yet knowing she had sustained those injuries while attempting to rescue Cullen left him grappling with conflicted emotions he couldn’t quite voice.
Veronica had picked up on Maverick’s cool demeanor from the moment he entered the conference room. Despite his professional courtesy throughout their discussion, she could feel the wall of reserve he maintained between them. His polite smile never quite reached his eyes, and his responses carried an undertone of detachment that spoke volumes.
Niall absorbed this information with apparent calm, then replied evenly, “I see.”
“Mr. Harris?”
Ramona had delivered her/message about Dario being unavailable due to business travel, strongly suggesting they reschedule their visit. Yet here they sat, clearly having
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