My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

Marco's newfound leniency toward Veronica stemmed purely from business necessity—his partnership with DataPulse demanded it.

Nate understood this perfectly. As Benjamin, who was witnessing Veronica for the third time, casually remarked, "So that elegant woman is Marco's girlfriend?"

Nate nearly sputtered. "Girlfriend? Absolutely not. There's nothing between them. Don't create imaginary relationships."

Benjamin, being new to Porter, possessed limited knowledge of the complex dynamics at play.

Both Nate and Niall attributed his assumption to the simple fact that Veronica was undeniably attractive and she and Marco would make a visually striking couple.

"If you say so," Benjamin conceded.

Yet he couldn't dismiss what he'd observed earlier—Marco's gaze had remained fixed on the young woman, barely straying for even a moment. This wasn't the behavior of someone merely interacting with a business associate.

Even if they weren't together currently, Benjamin suspected Marco harbored feelings for her.

Marco had already detected the scrutinizing looks from Niall and Nate.

As the scheduled meeting approached, he exchanged brief goodbyes with Veronica and prepared to leave.

Something made him pause. "You're not planning to attend Stellar's upcoming banquet, are you?" he asked.

"No," Veronica replied without hesitation.

Her definitive answer stirred something in Marco's chest—a subtle tightening he chose to ignore. He responded with nothing more than a slight nod before turning away.

As he approached Nate, Cullen arrived on the scene. He, too, noticed Veronica working in the distance.

After the briefest of glances, Cullen diverted his attention entirely. "Meeting time. Let's head upstairs," he announced to Nate and Marco.

Marco couldn't help but notice Cullen's complete disinterest in Veronica—as if she were invisible.

His eyes lowered fractionally, contemplating this reaction.

Before they ascended, Cullen addressed Benjamin. "Have you visited my office yet?"

"Not yet."

"IT has arranged some refreshments. If you find yourself bored, feel free to help yourself."

It was remarkable how quickly Cullen and Benjamin had established rapport in just a few days.

After the meeting concluded at noon, Stellar's executives and shareholders gathered for lunch.

Though Niall and Benjamin weren't senior executives, their connection to Cullen earned them seats in his vehicle en route to the restaurant.

As they departed, Marco's gaze drifted upward toward Stellar's building, thoughts of Veronica lingering. Suddenly, he asked Nate, "When will Cullen's divorce be finalized?"

Nate thought nothing of the question, assuming Marco merely wanted Cullen to conclude matters with Veronica quickly for Niall's benefit.

"It could have been wrapped up already, but there's an issue with transferring shares in one of Cullen's companies. That needs resolution before proceeding. It shouldn't take much longer."

"I see," Marco replied quietly.

Veronica spent her lunch break in the company cafeteria alongside other Stellar employees.

After eating and resting briefly, she resumed her work.

By mid-afternoon, around 3:00 PM, she completed her tasks at Stellar and returned to DataPulse.

The night of Valerie Corporation's banquet arrived, and Veronica accompanied Dario after finishing their workday.

When Marco heard of their arrival, he moved toward the entrance to greet them. The moment Veronica came into view, however, his steps faltered involuntarily.

Tonight, she wore a shimmering off-shoulder gown with hues shifting between deep blue and violet.

Her skin appeared flawless in the venue's lighting, and the gown's flowing design accentuated her natural grace and freshness.

Marco absorbed the vision before him, struck by the realization that she appeared more captivating than he'd ever seen her.

Two seconds passed before he regained his composure, stepping forward to greet them with practiced politeness. "Mr. Reid, Ms. Murray."

Dario and Veronica responded in unison. "Mr. Valerie."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Cullen and Niall made their entrance.

Niall's appearance commanded attention. She wore a form-fitting white gown of obvious high fashion, adorned with dazzling jewelry at her ears and neck—pieces that unmistakably carried substantial value.

Her overall presentation was striking. Yet when she spotted Veronica, she paused momentarily.

She had to acknowledge the truth—tonight, Veronica radiated a beauty that surpassed even her previous appearances.

Despite this observation, Niall felt neither threatened nor inferior. So what if Veronica possessed beauty? Her inner character, Niall believed, held no real allure.

Meanwhile, Niall considered herself to offer far more than mere physical appearance.

With this reassuring thought, she calmly redirected her attention to Cullen beside her.

Noting how he had barely glanced at Veronica before looking away without reaction, Niall's lips curved into a subtle, satisfied smile.