The Billionaire’s Regret
Chapter 140 –

Listening to the earlier conversation, Ivy's dress seemed to have something to do with Pierce's mother.

Ivy cast a glance at Pierce, who blinked his big sparkling eyes and shook his head. "It isn't!"

Marco Seely took a breather. "It's not," he said, his face softening. "Because it's from the same designer, the style and color are similar. Let's go back."

Ivy did not ask further and returned to the table with Marco.

The adults remained in the banquet hall while Pierce was taken outside.

Wyatt Reed was seated in his seat. His gaze was fixed on the three of them the entire time.

People approached him to talk to him, but he ignored them. Marco sat in the main seat, and he had a mysteriously powerful aura that reminded me of the firm and cold Wyatt Reed in some ways. When the three people next to Wyatt noticed Marco, they quickly returned to their seats. Although it was a private dinner, the atmosphere was more akin to a meeting.

It was a meeting of people in high positions who were discussing their mutual interests and benefits.

Everyone wanted to work with Marco Seely, but they all knew they couldn't compete with Reed Corporation.

When Ivy arrived earlier, they had even less hope of completing this transaction. Ivy sat to Wyatt's left.

For a brief moment, the air became stagnant.

Marco took a brief pause. His voice was rich and gentle as if the previous disturbance had not occurred. "Today's dinner aims to get to know all of you. After all, you're all influential people in the industry, and I'll need your assistance to grow my business in the city. Second, I have a project that requires collaboration."

Marco was forthright. In fact, everyone here came specifically for that project. Marco' gaze swept over the people in the room.

Finally, his gaze was drawn to Ivy. "Ms. Morgan, I had no idea you were interested in this project?"

Ivy was dazed, but her posture was elegant and composed.

"Morgan Corporation has already made adequate plans for this project." Marco nodded. His demeanor was gentle and humble. "I wasn't aware of it beforehand, but now that I'm aware, I can't let your preparations go to waste."

The expressions of those present abruptly changed with a single sentence.

Ivy, too, was taken aback. She understood the underlying meaning of Marco's words, but she couldn't believe she had gotten this project so quickly.

Wyatt's eyes were slightly narrowed. His thin lips were pressed together in a straight line, and his powerful aura caused the temperature to drop a few degrees.

One of the guests on the side couldn't help but inquire.

"Mr. Seely, the project has not been professionally evaluated and has not been subjected to multiple layers of testing. You mean you've decided on Morgan Corporation?" He had a complicated and strange look on his face when he looked at Ivy.

Although Morgan Corporation, like Reed Corporation, was the most powerful among them, it was unusual for a partner to be chosen so early in the project's development. They came to this private dinner solely to gauge Marco Seely's demeanor.

Just a hint was enough to put their minds at ease.

Once Marco's words were spread, all subsequent resources would be skewed toward Morgan Corporation.

"Yes, for as long as Ms. Morgan desires it, she will always be first in line with me at any time. She will always be my priority." This sentence was like a bomb thrown into the crowd. In an instant, everyone fell silent. They secretly turned their attention to Wyatt Reed, who exuded a strong chilly vibe all around him.

Wyatt's face darkened when he heard this. He had lost his earlier calm and composure. His face was tense as he locked his gaze on Marco Seely with a piercing, bone-chilling stare. Wyatt Reed became terrified at that point.

Why would Marco Seely look at Ivy differently if they had never met before?

Why would Marco Seely give such a large project away so easily?

Wyatt was unfazed by the project's demise.

Reed Corporation had a diverse range of businesses that touched on all aspects of life.

Despite its size, this project was merely a drop in the bucket. He'd rather forego this collaboration than learn about Marco's crush on Ivy!

Ivy was also perplexed and felt as if she were in a dream.

On closer inspection, Marco did not appear to be joking!

Why?

A slew of questions plagued Ivy. Nonetheless, she maintained a calm and composed demeanor and exhibited no dramatic reaction.

'Does it have anything to do with Pierce?'

After Marco said a few words to conclude the dinner, everyone stood up and exited the hall.

This dinner came to a quick and unexpected end.

Ivy and Wyatt were the only guests who remained.

Wyatt had no intention of leaving Ivy behind with Marco, while Ivy wanted to clarify the situation.

Marco chuckled as he looked at the two people.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions, Ms. Morgan. What I've said about the project isn't idle rhetoric. I'll have someone contact Morgan Corporation for a follow-up."

"I'm confused; why did you choose Morgan Corporation?" Ivy inquired directly. The people she had sent to contact Marco beforehand had all returned empty-handed, so why had he agreed to it so quickly?

Marco paused for a moment to consider something. "I did not select Morgan Corporation. I've decided on you." Marco looked at her with unmistakable admiration and gentleness. That tenderness was devoid of any motives or interests. It was extremely pure. Ivy was taken aback. "Because I took Pierce to the amusement park?"

Apart from that, Ivy couldn't think of any other reason.

Marco burst out laughing. "No."

Wyatt's eyes were cold and piercing, filled with suppressed emotions as he looked at Marco. He spoke in a hoarse and low tone.

"I'm also curious as to why Mr. Seely will perceive Ivy differently."

Marco took a breather, gave Marco pause for a moment, and gave Wyatt a puzzled look.

"I thought you'd understand, Mr. Reed."

Wyatt smirked. "What should I comprehend?"

"Originally, I planned to award this project to Reed Corporation, but Ms. Morgan has emerged as the more qualified candidate." Marco stood up and spoke to the bodyguard nearby. The bodyguard then hurriedly exited. "Please pause for a moment." Marco cracked a grin. Soon after, the bodyguard appeared with a photo album, which he handed to Marco with both hands. Ivy and Wyatt were both taken aback.

'What was the point of this?'

Marco slowly opened it and took out two photos. He gave Ivy one and Wyatt the other.

Ivy trembled as soon as she saw the photo in her hand. Her body tensed.

That was a scene she had only seen in her nightmares.

Ivy was unlucky to be caught up in that terrorist attack on European streets three years ago. Everyone was running, shouting, and screaming in pain as a result of the evil burning and looting.

Bullets whizzed by, and no one knew who the terrorist who threw the bomb into the crowd was!

Ivy only wanted to run to safety, but when she saw a little blonde-haired boy about four- or five years old standing helplessly on the street, she abruptly changed course.

The bomb exploded right next to her as she lunged for him, shattering everything. Ivy thought it was all over at that point, but an unbelievably hard chest fiercely shielded her underneath.

Ivy escaped unscathed, but the man was covered in blood. She had a good look at his face, a look she would never forget.

Ivy buried this memory deep within. She dreaded recalling it for fear of rekindling her feelings for him. She feared she would be soft-hearted and fall in love with him again.

Ivy had no idea who had captured her pounce on the boy.

The odor of gunpowder lingered around her. Marco Seely's sudden laughter jolted Ivy out of her memories.

Her eyes were wet. Wyatt Reed's deep gaze met hers as she looked up. His eyes were like a whirlpool trying to snag her.

Ivy felt her heart skip a beat as she looked at Wyatt.

Ivy's bloodied manly face merged with Wyatt's handsome face.

His features were like a sculpture, deep and perfect.

Wyatt's photo was taken when he jumped on Ivy.

Ivy couldn't hide it from him anymore.

Despite their misery, their features were visible in the shot. Ivy shielded Pierce, a young lad.

Pierce's blonde curly hair and delicate features had not changed much in three years.

Marco coughed.

"I'm sorry. I knew your identity. So, you were my first pick. I couldn't figure out Ms. Morgan's true identity back then. My son met her again after returning to the city, so I looked into it. You both saved his life, but I want to thank Ms. Morgan, who jumped off Pierce first, because Pierce would've..." He shrugged and avoided mentioning the incident. His eyes were sad, but he smiled indifferently.

"My wife wasn't as fortunate. She was in the car when it blew up."

Ivy's heart sank and she was shocked. Finally, Ivy's previous mystery was solved.

"Mr. Reed, I hope you won't mind my choice of Morgan Corporation," Marco smiled.

Wyatt's voice was husky. "Of course not."

When he learned about this incident, he was surprised and surprised to see her sooner. They would have missed less. They had met before Ivy dragged him out of the underground fight club.

Ivy was the most alert of them. She liked him and left him alone, but she kept him in the dark.

Surely, he knew!

Wyatt's mood was indescribable.

Marco smiled at Ivy, sensing the tension between them.

"Do you blame me for bringing this up so quickly, Ms. Morgan?"

"It's a fact," Ivy said with a smile. It was a fact that would surface sooner or later.

She admitted that this was her first meeting with Wyatt. Moreover, it was the first time her heart had swayed.

Marco escorted Ivy and Wyatt after dinner.

Pierce rushed down from upstairs and tightly hugged Ivy's leg. "Pretty lady, stay here tonight."

Pierce sigh. His blue-green eyes gleamed with eagerness. His cuteness made Ivy's heart melt.

"Pierce, she has work to do. Do your homework upstairs!" Marco glanced at his watch and spoke in a clear, cold tone.

Pierce was immediately sad. He smirked at his father. No matter where they went, he'd always have homework! What a bummer!

Ivy pictured the boy in the photo. He'd grown so big.

She felt drawn to him. She gently stroked his curly hair and gazed at him.

"I'll play with you tomorrow, okay?"

Pierce blinked, his eyes clear and pitiful.

Ivy was about to give up when Pierce seized her dress and tightened his grip. His gaze was sly.

"No! I hate homework! I want to follow you home. You can be alone, Daddy!"

The boy's whining about following Ivy home was evident, angelic, and immature.

Marco squinted. He knew Pierce's tricks. With a wave of his hand, a big bodyguard came over and picked up the pouting little boy.

The bodyguard turned to leave with Pierce.

"Ahh!! Help! I won't abandon pretty lady. I want her forever!" Pierce yelled angrily.

Wyatt suddenly spoke to the side. "I'll give you a ride," he said.

To avoid arguing, Ivy simply nodded. She met those eyes. His deep eyes were filled with joy and he seemed to have a lot to say but he couldn't begin. They politely ended with a few more words with Marco Seely before they left.

Ivy sat in the car and drove off. She felt the journey was achingly long, especially with Wyatt sitting next to her.

Wyatt spoke up. "You remember me from that incident?"

Ivy pursed her lips and pondered. "Yes."

"Why didn't you say?" Just like the underground fight club.

Ivy smiled. "You saved me, I saved you. We're even."

"Even?"

His gaze was so heavy with resentment that Ivy frowned. "You should've told me years ago. What if-"

"There is no what if. If I had to choose again, I wouldn't marry you." Her voice was icy.

It was just a painful life lesson for her!