179 Chapter 179 – Romantic Hyperbole
Maverick’s jaw tightened. “History or not, that doesn’t give her the right to weaponize her position for personal vendettas.”
Edric set down his glass thoughtfully. “Perhaps there’s some history between her and Ms. Crystal that we’re not aware of. These things rarely happen in a vacuum.”
Marco sensed her scrutiny and shifted his attention back to their group. “Something on your mind?”
Kolton, however, seemed immune to such concerns. Veronica was exactly his type, and he lingered over the view with obvious appreciation. When he noticed Maverick’s dramatic reaction, curiosity got the better of him. “What’s eating you? You look like you’ve seen something disgusting. Did she do something to you recently?”
As for Veronica, Marco had made no secret of his disdain for her. His feelings toward her bordered on outright hostility. No amount of beauty could overcome that fundamental antipathy.
From her vantage point across the room, Niall observed the display with barely concealed contempt. She allowed herself a derisive snort before glancing toward Cullen, curious about his reaction to the spectacle.
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Maverick needed no further encouragement. He launched into a detailed the incident at DataPulse from several days prior, his voice growing more heated as he recounted each humiliating detail.
Many had observed Dario delegating important responsibilities to her during his absences, treating her as a trusted lieutenant rather than a mere subordinate.
Dario was clearly a man intoxicated by love, determined to elevate his woman in the eyes of society. Given Veronica’s stunning appearance and his own meteoric rise to prominence, such devotion seemed natural enough.
Niall’s smile was carefully innocent. “Not at all.”
The technology driving everything from the ECHO project to their most recent breakthroughs had her fingerprints all over it. He couldn’t reveal the classified details of her involvement, naturally. Government contracts came with ironclad
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179 Chapter 179 Romantic Hyperbole
non–disclosure agreements that protected both the technology and the personnel involved. But he could ensure that people understood her value.
His public endorsement now reinforced what most had already suspected. Veronica possessed genuine business acumen that complemented her obvious physical assets.
Actually, his interest was probably directed at Dario rather than Veronica. Niall knew Marco had been pursuing a partnership with DataPulse for months.
He turned toward Veronica, his eyes warming as they settled on her face. “Particularly Veronica. Her contributions have been absolutely essential to our success.”
Cullen had looked in Veronica’s direction briefly before dismissing the scene entirely, his attention already wandering to more interesting matters.
However, his claim that DataPulse owed its current position largely to her efforts struck many as romantic hyperbole. After all, everyone knew she’d only joined the company a few months ago.
When he finished, Kolton whistled low. “Well, I’ll be damned. Never would have pegged Ms. Murray for that type of player.”
This reaction pleased Niall immensely. She started to look away herself when she noticed Marco’s intense focus on the couple receiving all the attention.
Sensing the conversation heading toward dangerous territory, Edric chose discretion over continued speculation.
Edric also withdrew his gaze, his expression carefully neutral.
Marco let the matter drop. The crowd around Dario and Veronica had begun to disperse slightly, creating an opening for approach. “I should pay my respects to Dario while I have the chance. Cullen, have you made a decision about the DataPulse partnership? This might be an opportune moment to make contact together.”
These private thoughts remained carefully hidden behind polished smiles and diplomatic compliments. “Ms. Murray certainly exemplifies the perfect combination of intelligence and beauty.”
Dario handled the attention with practiced grace. “You’re all far too generous with your praise. DataPulse’s achievements are the product of countless dedicated individuals working toward a common goal.”
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Nate found himself momentarily captivated by the stunning woman who had just entered the banquet hall. Veronica’s appearance was breathtaking, her elegant silhouette drawing every eye in the room. But the moment recognition dawned, his admiration curdled into something cold and bitter. Beneath that flawless exterior lay something twisted and corrupt. The realization killed his interest instantly, and he deliberately turned his attention elsewhere.
DataPulse had been thrust into the spotlight recently, and with that attention came scrutiny of everyone associated with the company. Most people knew by now that Veronica wasn’t just another employee. Her relationship with Dario had elevated her to a position of significant influence within the organization.
Across the room, Veronica and Dario had become the center of a growing crowd. The city’s elite pressed close, each person eager to curry favor with the man of the hour.
Maverick experienced a similar reaction. For a brief second, Veronica’s beauty had struck him speechless. Then reality crashed back, bringing with it the memory of her true nature. His face contorted with revulsion as he forced himself to look away, unable to stomach the sight of her any longer.
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