183 Chapter 183 Forced Partnership-
183 Chapter 183 Forced Partnership
Learning that Cullen’s motivation had been solely to discuss Sabrina provided some measure of relief, though his protective instincts remained heightened.
After all, what topics of discussion could possibly remain between them?
Cullen accepted, and they returned to the dance floor as partners once again.
During their earlier dance, he had noticed that Veronica possessed a quiet, reserved nature rather than the typical social butterfly characteristics common at such events.
Ten days would complete nearly a full month since their last contact.
“Eventually.”
Meanwhile, across the room, Dario had observed the entire interaction between Veronica and Cullen with growing concern.
She maintained a composed, understated presence. Her gaze held no hidden agendas or calculated interest in him beyond their temporary partnership on the dance floor.
Cullen, however, seemed in no hurry to comply. Instead, he posed another question, “How have you been managing lately?”
Cullen’s inquiry appeared genuinely casual. When she offered no elaboration, he didn’t press the matter. Before Veronica fully comprehended what was happening, he had smoothly guided her away from the dance floor and departed.
This observation led Edric to piece together that Cullen must be romantically involved
with Niall.
At that moment, Edric approached them with an apologetic expression.
Recognizing the futility of resistance, she ceased her struggles. Her voice carried an arctic chill as she demanded, “What exactly do you need to discuss?”
During the switch, Edric had been acutely aware of Veronica’s visible discomfort. Her reluctance to interact with Cullen had been unmistakable.
“Ah,” Niall replied with understanding.
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Niall found herself biting her lower lip in response, though she quickly regained her
composure.
With renewed confidence, Edric extended his hand toward her in a gesture of
invitation.
A knowing smile played at the corners of Cullen’s mouth. “So we’re talking about ten days or so?”
The other guests remained bewildered by the sudden pairing of Cullen and Veronica as dance partners.
“Did you need to discuss something with her?” she inquired.
Her wellbeing had ceased to be his responsibility the moment their relationship began its inevitable dissolution.
Her smile returned as she extended another invitation for them to dance together.
Veronica hesitated momentarily before confirming, “Yes.”
She attempted to step back, but Cullen’s response was maddeningly nonchalant.
Veronica’s lips compressed into a thin line. His motivations remained unclear, leaving her uncertain of his intentions.
She had made the decision to dedicate one full day each month exclusively to spending time with her daughter.
Upon noticing Cullen’s return, Niall gracefully exited the dance floor and approached him with curiosity.
Veronica dismissed his concerns with a gentle shake of her head.
If Cullen harbored any romantic feelings for Veronica, those emotions would have manifested years ago, not at this late stage in their relationship.
She had suspected as much. Cullen wouldn’t have sought out Veronica without a legitimate reason.
Despite their impending divorce and her lack of custodial rights, Veronica remained acutely aware of her maternal responsibilities to Sabrina.
“Moving forward, I’d recommend maintaining as much distance as possible between
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you two,” he advised.
Cullen’s response was brief and matter–of–fact. “It concerned Sabrina.”
“Ms. Murray, I owe you an apology for the partner exchange. I should have requested your permission first.”
The conversation had reached its natural conclusion.
“Would you honor me with another dance?” he asked, his tone respectful yet hopeful.
Her unwillingness to dance with Cullen couldn’t have been more obvious if she had announced it publicly.
Her tone conveyed genuine sincerity and absence of blame.
“Please don’t apologize. You bear no responsibility for what occurred, and I would have made the same decision in your position.”
“Cullen!” The protest escaped her lips in a sharp whisper.
Her authenticity stood in stark contrast to the usual social maneuvering he encountered at similar gatherings..
“That’s no longer your concern.”
Veronica fixed him with a pointed stare, wordlessly communicating her expectation
that he release her.
Given the apparent tension between Niall and Veronica, Edric concluded that Cullen had likely approached Veronica to discuss Niall, possibly even to defend her honor.
Cullen’s gaze swept over her composed but cold features, seemingly unaffected by her obvious displeasure. His tone remained casual as he posed his question, “When do you plan to answer Sabrina’s calls?”
“Understood,” Cullen acknowledged with a curt nod.
Her efforts to break free proved futile, and the last thing she wanted was to become the evening’s entertainment for curious onlookers.
Edric found her response refreshing and authentic.
Their surprise was evident when they witnessed the unexpected collaboration.
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As though he had anticipated her every move, his grip on her waist tightened with calculated precision.
“Easy there,” he murmured, his voice carrying that familiar tone of control.
Veronica nodded her agreement without hesitation. “I completely understand.”
The moment Veronica realized what had just occurred, every instinct screamed at her to create distance between herself and Cullen.
Veronica understood that Cullen never acted without purpose. Whatever had prompted this unexpected maneuver, he clearly had something he needed to communicate.
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