203 Chapter 203 Expensive Hospitality
Maverick found himself momentarily speechless.
Before Cullen could respond, Dario interrupted smoothly. “Please don’t let us keep you. We have a reservation waiting”
Did this suggest that Dario’s feelings for Veronica had limits? That when substantial business interests were involved, he would ultimately choose profit over personal loyalty?
Yet here he was, apparently having salvaged not just the deal but his relationship with Dario entirely.
She had expected Maverick to suffer the same fate as herself, permanently excluded from Dario’s business circle because of his connection to Veronica.
Dario and Veronica were already settled at the table, perusing the extensive menu when he arrived.
The table groaned under the weight of their selections, yet more dishes kept appearing.
Without another word, he guided Veronica toward the elevator.
Maverick watched this display while mentally calculating the rapidly escalating cost of their “business dinner. Dario had certainly taken him at his word about ordering freely.
Perhaps Veronica’s influence over him wasn’t as absolute as Niall had believed. The casual way he delivered such a loaded statement suggested either complete honesty or deliberate exaggeration.
Dario appeared completely oblivious to Maverick’s growing discomfort, focusing entirely on ensuring Veronica’s plate remained filled with choice selections. “Don’t rush, Ver. We have all evening
Outside the upscale restaurant, as Veronica and Dario stepped from their vehicle toward the entrance, Maverick spotted Cullen and Niall approaching from the opposite direction.
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Niall recalled how Maverick’s previous deal with DataPulse had collapsed spectacularly after he had crossed Veronica. Dario had been ruthless in his rejection cutting off all possibilities for future cooperation.
As Dario continued his solicitous attention to Veronica’s dining experience, completely ignoring the minor fortune accumulating on their table, Maverick began to wonder if this extravagant meal was less about celebration and more about. establishing exactly who held the power in their new partnership.
His attentiveness toward her was both tender and possessive, a reminder that whatever business arrangement they had forged, the personal dynamics remained complicated.
Once Dario and Veronica had made their extensive selections, Maverick added a couple of modest dishes and attempted to steer the conversation toward their business arrangement.
Maverick had witnessed Dario’s obvious disdain for Cullen during their previous encounter at Stellar, but this display of barely concealed hostility caught him off guard.
The irony wasn’t lost on him that while he had successfully negotiated a lucrative contract with DataPulse, he was now paying for that success in more ways than one.
Veronica maintained her composed facade, as though she had anticipated this partnership from the very beginning.
After agreeing to follow up, Maverick excused himself and made his way to the private dining room.
He hesitated momentarily before acknowledging them. “Mr. Dennis, Ms. Crystal.”
Cullen and Niall had already noticed their presence. Cullen offered a curt nod. “Mr. Harris, Mr. Reid.”
Dario’s smile turned razor–sharp. “History would be putting it mildly. We’re enemies.” As Cullen and Niall watched the elevator doors close, Niall’s curiosity got the better of her. “Since Mr. Harris is dining with Mr. Reid, I assume their contract negotiations concluded successfully?”
Maverick’s expression remained neutral. “They did indeed.”
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Dario didn’t even glance up from the menu. “Obviously. We had no intention of restraining ourselves.”
This realization brought a satisfied smile to her lips. “How wonderful for you!”
The food began arriving in steady waves.
Maverick assumed Dario had briefed her beforehand and responded with measured politeness. “I look forward to our collaboration.”
As servers continued filing into the room carrying an seemingly endless parade of plates, each featuring the restaurant’s most expensive offerings, Maverick felt the beginning of a headache forming behind his temples.
Dario glanced up with apparent amusement. “Finished with your social obligations, Mr. Harris?”
Maverick chose a scat deliberately positioned at a comfortable distance from Veronica, maintaining professional boundaries. Rather than react to Dario’s pointed tone, he asked with genuine curiosity, “Is there some personal history between you and Mr. Dennis?
Cullen’s response was immediate. “My schedule is relatively open this week. Contact me whenever convenient.”
Whatever history existed between these two men ran deeper than professional rivalry. Yet Cullen continued to maintain his diplomatic composure, which only made Dario’s behavior more striking.
Since Dario clearly had no intention of elaborating, Maverick decided not to pursue the matter. Watching them collaborate on their food selections, he gestured toward the menu. “Please consider this my treat. Order anything that appeals to you.”
When Dario had declared they wouldn’t hold back, Maverick had assumed he was engaging in typical dinner banter.
Dario’s smile appeared cordial but carried an unmistakable edge of insincerity. “Mr. Dennis.”
Maverick acknowledged her congratulations with a brief nod before turning his attention to Cullen. “Actually, Mr. Dennis, there’s a particular project your company is
to Cullen. “Actually, Mr. Dennis, there’s a particular project your company is developing that has caught my interest. Would you be available to discuss potential
