My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

"Welcome back, Marco," Bonnie's voice carried an artificial sweetness as she watched him enter the gallery.

Marco's response was nothing more than a frigid acknowledgment.

Penny caught sight of Cullen scanning the room. "Niall stepped outside to take a call," she offered helpfully.

"Thanks," Cullen said with a brief nod.

Before he could say more, a wave of excitement rippled through the gathered crowd.

Neal was making his entrance, moving gracefully through the sea of guests.

Maxwell stood prominently among the Patterson family members, with Edric and the others forming an impressive group.

The gallery was packed to capacity. Neal waited patiently for the conversations to quiet down before expressing his gratitude to everyone for attending the exhibition.

Veronica and Dario had positioned themselves toward the rear of the crowd, but Maxwell's sharp eyes found them immediately.

Dario was representing his grandfather Bernard at the event, bringing a carefully selected gift. Edric had already briefed Maxwell and Neal about this arrangement.

What Maxwell hadn't expected was Veronica's presence alongside Dario.

When their eyes met across the room, Maxwell acknowledged her with a genuinely warm nod and an unmistakable smile.

The connection between Maxwell and Neal was news to Veronica, leaving her momentarily surprised.

She responded to Maxwell's greeting with a courteous smile of her own.

The Crystal and Mack observed Maxwell's friendly gesture but couldn't determine exactly who had captured his attention among the crowd.

Neal concluded his opening remarks to thunderous applause from the appreciative audience.

Immediately afterward, art enthusiasts began gravitating toward him, all eager to engage in discussions about his remarkable work.

Maxwell found himself equally in demand, with numerous guests approaching him for conversation.

After navigating through the social obligations for some time, Marco and Cullen finally managed to work their way closer to Neal.

Neal graciously accepted their offerings and commented, "How considerate of you both."

His gaze moved deliberately across the group of young men—Cullen, Marco, and Maverick—before his face broke into an approving grin. "Time has certainly passed, but look at you all. You've become remarkable young men. Quite admirable."

While Neal continued his animated discussion with Cullen and his companions, Maxwell began weaving through the crowd, greeting guests as he gradually moved in Veronica's direction.

Dario was quick to offer his respects when Maxwell drew near.

Maxwell engaged in cordial small talk with Dario before shifting his focus to Veronica. "What a delightful surprise seeing you here, Ver."

"The pleasure is entirely mine, Mr. Patterson," Veronica responded graciously.

Maxwell's demeanor remained warm as he extended a courteous handshake to Mary after being introduced.

Upon learning of Mary's deep appreciation for his father's artistic work, Maxwell's expression brightened considerably. "Mrs. Jayden, if you're amenable to the idea, I would be honored if you joined us for a more intimate viewing later. While we're blessed with many guests this evening, genuine connoisseurs of my father's paintings are truly precious. He would be absolutely delighted to know someone with your refined taste appreciates his vision."

Maxwell's primary motivation for approaching this particular group was his desire to speak with Veronica personally.

To the other attendees, however, his movement appeared to be nothing more than a host naturally circulating through the crowd, eventually reaching Dario's vicinity.

The observers assumed Maxwell was simply being diplomatic toward Veronica as a courtesy to the Reid family connection.

Following an extended conversation with Neal, Cullen's phone buzzed insistently. He offered a polite excuse before stepping away to handle the call privately.

Shortly after his departure, Niall finally returned from her own telephone conversation.

Niall's sophisticated presence commanded immediate attention. As she glided through the assembled guests and took her place beside Maverick and Marco, Neal's gaze was drawn to her instantly.

Neal observed her poised bearing with obvious interest, naturally assuming she was romantically involved with either Maverick or Marco.

He was preparing to make conversation when Maverick spoke up, noticing that Marco showed no inclination to make introductions on Cullen's behalf. "Mr. Patterson Senior, allow me to present Niall Crystal, who is Cullen's girlfriend."

"Ah, so she belongs with Cullen," Neal responded with an understanding smile spreading across his face. "They make an excellent pair indeed."