My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

The government-sponsored luncheon following the forum gathered all company representatives around elegantly set tables. Veronica methodically packed her materials, stood up, and made her exit from the conference room. Cullen's gaze followed her retreating figure before he casually fell into step behind her.

The Harris and Patterson families had maintained close ties for generations, which explained why Maverick and Maxwell were well-acquainted. As soon as they stepped out of the conference hall, Maverick approached Maxwell with a friendly greeting.

Veronica deliberately avoided acknowledging Maverick's presence beside Maxwell. Instead, she walked directly to Maxwell and greeted him with professional courtesy. "Mr. Patterson."

Maxwell's face immediately brightened with a warm smile. "There's no need for such formality. Just relax around me."

Nodding in agreement, Veronica responded, "Alright, Mr. Patterson," maintaining a respectful but comfortable tone.

Maverick overheard their exchange and found himself puzzled. If his recollection was accurate, Veronica and Maxwell had likely met for the first time at Neal's art exhibition the previous year.

At that event, Maxwell might have shown Veronica courtesy out of respect for Dario, but there had been no indication of any particular closeness between them. Yet the current interaction suggested otherwise.

Not only had Maxwell recognized Veronica immediately, but he also treated her with remarkable warmth—as if she belonged to a family he had known for years, almost like he'd watched her grow up.

Even more surprising was Veronica's demeanor. Despite being significantly younger, she appeared perfectly at ease greeting Maxwell, showing neither nervousness nor excessive deference.

Cullen approached them shortly after. "Mr. Patterson," he said with a respectful nod.

Maxwell's expression cooled slightly at Cullen's arrival. The Patterson family had never established particularly close relations with the Dennis family, though Maxwell had interacted with Cullen professionally on various occasions over recent years.

Maxwell had always viewed Cullen as exceptionally brilliant, someone who naturally outshone others in his orbit. Yet despite his accomplishments, Cullen displayed unusual humility and courtesy—qualities Maxwell appreciated. However, Maxwell had never paid much attention to Cullen's romantic entanglements.

From what Maxwell had gathered during Neal's art exhibition, Cullen had a girlfriend whom everyone seemed to know about. However, no one appeared aware that Cullen was married to Veronica. In fact, during that event, they had behaved as complete strangers toward each other.

The revelation that Cullen and Veronica were not only married but had a six-year-old child had deeply shocked Maxwell. Their complete lack of acknowledgment at the exhibition suggested they might have already been divorced by then.

The group proceeded to the dining area. Maverick observed them with growing concern. He had noticed Cullen initiating conversation with Veronica before the forum began. Though he couldn't make out their words, he was acutely aware that Veronica had been relentlessly targeting Niall.

What troubled Maverick was Cullen's notably warm attitude toward Veronica, acting as if they shared a deep connection. Cullen had even deliberately taken the seat beside Veronica at lunch.

The more Maverick watched them, the deeper his frown became.

Veronica ate quietly, keeping her head down while listening attentively to the conversation between Maxwell and another politician. Despite sitting beside her, Cullen engaged primarily with other guests, barely acknowledging her presence.

Only as the meal neared its conclusion did Cullen turn to Veronica. "Sa starts school again in a few days. Would you like to take her yourself on her first day back?"

Without looking up, Veronica replied flatly, "I'm busy. I can't make time for it."

Cullen's lips curved into a slight smile. "Okay. I understand."

He promptly turned away to resume conversation with another guest.

Maverick had been carefully monitoring their interaction. When Cullen addressed Veronica again, suspicions stirred in Maverick's mind. However, the open nature of their conversation in full view of everyone suggested he might be overthinking matters.

After all, Stellar and DataPulse Co. had ongoing joint projects. Cullen's interaction with Veronica could simply reflect professional courtesy rather than anything more significant.

As the luncheon drew to a close, Maverick shifted his attention elsewhere. His gaze landed on Maxwell, triggering a sudden thought. He quickly retrieved his phone and sent a text to Edric.

"Did your uncle know Veronica personally before your grandfather's art exhibition?"

Edric's job typically prevented quick responses, but he happened to be off duty today. Seeing Maverick's message, he promptly replied:

"Uncle Maxwell doesn't know Veronica. What's going on?"