The Billionaire’s Regret
Chapter 34 –

Anna Gomez despised Ivy, but Anna dared not engage in an all-out brawl with her due to Ivy's predicament.

"My experience directing teams is comparable to those on the list, and my performance among senior managers is among the top. Are you still bitter about what occurred last time, Miss Ivy?"Clearly, Anna was dissatisfied.

Ivy smiled as she lowered her eyes. "No, I do not have ill will toward you, but I recall you previously being opposed to cooperating with ABC. I'm only concerned that your attitude may have an adverse effect on our collaboration, so-""I shall abide by the judgment of the company." Anna was pledging her loyalty with zeal.

Ivy greeted her with a brief smile. "Because this list was announced at the board meeting, there is no way to amend it at the moment. Let's discuss it further when the opportunity presents itself."

She began packing up the items on her desk, clearly signaling to Anna that this talk was over.

"I'm sure it can still be amended," Anna stated with clenched teeth, "wait and see, Miss Ivy." Anna asserted. Afterward, she then spun around and confidently walked out of Ivy's office.

Ivy's eyes were intense as she lifted a brow. Great! She took the bait.

Greg dialed Ivy's workplace number in the afternoon. "Director Croft has requested that you meet with him in his office."

Is he an elderly gentleman nearing retirement? Ivy's brows arched. "Sure."

Apart from Cooper and Greg, none of the other company members were aware of Ivy's true identity. Ivy would like to know what Jess Croft wanted to discuss with her as the newly appointed Vice President.

Jess enjoyed trading on the stock market. He was appointed to the board of directors of Morgan Corporation by special arrangement and has refused to resign after that. However, because he held a small number of shares and was not seen as a threat, he was allowed to remain.

Ivy knocked on Jess's office door and was greeted by a worn-out voice saying, "Come in."

She went in with a smile. "Did you seek me out, Mr. Croft?"

Jess's eyes glowed when he saw her, but he had a notion and looked unhappy immediately.

"Please have a seat." He indicated the seat in front of him with his index finger.

Ivy sat on the edge of the chair.

Jess gave a slight cough and grinned. "You're rather lovely, Ms. Ivy. Unsurprisingly, Cooper was willing to dismiss so many concerns and compel you into this position."

Ivy's smile became even more pronounced. So... he objected to Cooper's support for me? she wondered.

She did not attempt to explain herself, only smiling at him.

Jess snorted harshly when he noticed she was oblivious to the talk. "Are you aware that your position was originally reserved for Anna Gomez?"

Is he attempting to intimidate her in any way?

"While Ms. Gomez is clearly capable, I am more qualified for this position," Ivy stated after a bit of pause.

Jess's face sank immediately, and she felt threatened. "Young people who are arrogant at work and have little regard for their elders will suffer."

Ivy stood up with a smile. "At that point, all I have to do is demonstrate my ability. If there is no further business, Mr. Croft, I will leave."

"Ivy!" Jess felt somewhat uneasy. He was unsatisfied with the meeting's direction and directed, "Add Anna Gomez to the project team at ABC Corporation."

Ivy's smile became more expansive. Therefore, it is him... What kind of old man is Anna Gomez's backer? Was she under the impression that this elderly geezer would intimidate Ivy? What a ridiculous claim!

Jess observed Ivy's expressionless smile. His features fell into a melancholy expression. "Was what I just stated clear to you?"

"Yes."

Jess's face was slightly relaxed. "But I am unable to do so," Ivy said. "That would be unjust to the other participants," she added.

"Ivy, do you believe that just because you have Cooper, you are safe? Are you suggesting that I am incapable-" As Ivy interrupted him, Jess came to a halt.

"-of firing me? I have my doubts that the board will terminate my employment due to Anna Gomez. I'm guessing Ms. Gomez did not inform you of the info I had on her when she came to you crying. Kindly advise her not to mess up with me." Ivy cast a chilly gaze at the stunned Jess Croft, then stood and marched out without hesitation.

She dialed Cooper's private number immediately upon leaving Jess's office.

"How are you, sweetheart?"

"Jess Croft appears to be untrustworthy. Anna Gomez is one of his illustrious peers. He must have intended to hinder our collaboration with ABC Corporation in the first place."

Cooper praised her with a laugh. "You are quick to grasp the concept."

"Were you aware of it already?" she asked.

"How could I have been unaware of the dissent among the directors of my company?"

Ivy exhaled a breath of alleviation. "I am relieved at that point."

"Because that old fox is difficult to deal with, I shall do it. It would be best if you only focused on ABC's cooperation at this point. By the way, I've heard that Wyatt Reed intends to take up personally the project." Cooper sent a warning to her. "Shit," she muttered, cursing.

-

Ivy and her team arrived at ABC Building the following morning. Liam Saver came to greet them and escort them to the research facility.

Seeing the latest research and accomplishments in the lab would provide Morgan Corporation employees with an honest sense of their research's development.

Ivy and Liam were strolling and conversing at the same time. Before they reached the lab's door, a little creature appeared out of nowhere. Someone behind me let out a terrifying shriek. "Watch out!"

It revealed itself to be a little tiger with pointed ears and claws on looking closer. It was petite, endearing, and adorably lovable. Apart from its stripes, it bore no resemblance to a ferocious and majestic tiger. Everybody was taken aback when they spotted this adorable tiger. Ivy came to a complete stop, and her heart skipped a beat. After that, she took a step back.

However, this "tiger" slammed into Ivy's shoes, causing her to fall to the ground in agony. "Ouch..." It climbed up awkwardly and rubbed its head against Ivy's feet. Then it shook its head and raised its eyes to her. This behavior and look resembled a spoilt, lethargic, and inquisitive tiger cub. Ivy felt compelled to abduct it.

The "tiger" blinked and ruffled its face with its claws. It extended a front paw from its chubby little body to brush against the location on Ivy's right foot where it had just collided as if washing away some fictitious stains. Ivy massaged her chest and inhaled deeply, then rubbed her eyes in bewilderment.

"What a lovely lady!" The tiger spoke in the tone of a three or four-year-old child. Her eyes widened in surprise. "This tiger knows how to talk?!"

Why would there be a tiger here? How did an endangered species replace its way here?!

Liam could not stop himself from laughing gently. "I apologize for frightening you." He glanced down and gently murmured to the tiger, "You should apologize for frightening our guests."

The "tiger" stroked its head against Ivy's foot and whispered, "I'm sorry... Kindly pardon me. I may appear fierce, but I am actually quite gentle."

It spoke in such a natural way that it was indistinguishable from human speech. Additionally, its movements were devoid of mechanical sound. Ivy would have believed it was a genuine tiger if it didn't talk!

Her heart melted at its adorability.

The group on the sidelines was stunned. Ivy knelt in astonishment and gazed into the tiger's eyes. While this was a model of a tiger, its eyelashes and pupils had the shine and qualities of a live animal that changed in response to the light. It could easily be mistaken for a real tiger cub, but Ivy noticed a speck of infrared light in its eyeballs upon closer examination.

"This is the most recent specimen from our experimental team. They are currently conducting research into pet companions to alleviate boredom. It does not normally run around in this manner. Someone must have left the door open, and it took advantage of the opportunity to escape," Liam explained, helplessly sighing.

"Is this a part of our project as well?" Ivy inquired enthusiastically if this was the case. What a great surprise! She pondered.

Liam paused and replied, "No, it is not developed enough yet, and there are a lot of problematic issues; therefore, it is not ready to be rolled out into the market."

"It's really adorable! I'm interested in adopting one!"

The group gathered in close proximity.

"Also, me..."

"The price of this tiger is similar to the cost of five Bronx City retail malls. We use only the finest materials sourced from all over the world. Even if we make numerous concessions, mass production will be difficult," Liam explained.

The crowd lamented the fact that this adorable tiger had turned out to be a gold mine beyond their means.

No surprise, it did not resemble a machine!

Amazing!

Ivy was unhappy to learn that it would not be mass-produced. This robot may speak with humans and could perhaps replace pets, eliminating the hassles associated with feeding, punishment, illness, and death. It might even develop into a beautiful life companion. If such a product were to be released, it would undoubtedly take the entire industry by surprise.

Liam was able to read Ivy's mind and expressed regret as well. "Let's go."

Ivy regarded the "tiger" with affection, but the tiger abruptly lay on the ground, belly up, attempting to get Ivy to play with it. "Pretty lady, I need a hug!"

Ivy couldn't help but giggle at seeing this. She glanced at Liam, and he cast a hopeless gaze at the small tiger before nodding in accord.

Ivy gently extended her hand. The tiger sprang into her arms with grace. It was approximately the size and weight of a cat and was readily carried with both hands. It was fluffier and softer than Ivy anticipated. Additionally, the tiger brushed its head against Ivy's chest and snuggled into her arms. It had a sluggish expression and even squinted its eyes in pleasure. It was so adorable that it warmed everyone's hearts.

"Little Tiger, you are so adorable." Ivy couldn't help but speak to it.

"I fully agree." The small tiger dropped its head to snuggle against Ivy's palm.

A female colleague was standing next to Ivy beckons. "Is every tiger as adorable and cuddly as you are, Little Tiger?"

The small tiger frowned. "Would you kindly select animal mode? Are you sure you want to switch to the ferocious tiger mode?"

It even emphasized the term "fierce" purposefully.

The female coworker rubbed her hands together and noticed that Ivy and Liam had no objections, so she exclaimed eagerly, "Agree!"

The small tiger cocked its head and wriggled its brows. "Roar..."

When the crowd heard the tiger roar, they were taken aback.

Everybody was motionless.

The small tiger's voice was not harsh or frightening, but absolutely adorable!

Everyone assumed it was a "tiger" roaring.

"I believe it is preferable to revert to the default mode..." Another individual made the suggestion.

Liam could not stop himself from laughing. Seeing everyone's bafflement, Liam leaned out and patted the fat neck of the small tiger. "Put an end to your nonsense." He then addressed everyone, saying, "Its IQ is really high, and it was simply mocking you all." The folks whom a tiger duped were at a loss for what to do.

Ivy's young tiger rolled around in her arms like a spoiled child. "Everyone is fond of me."

The crowd's emotions shifted from shock to admiration to envy. Everyone looked at the priceless prize in Ivy's palm, fearful that it would fall. It appeared to be asleep, though, and even snored quietly.

This tiger was simply spectacular!

Liam paved the way for the group and ushered them into the core research area.

ABC Corporation was genuinely deserving of being at the pinnacle of the domestic artificial intelligence industry. Their mission was to use artificial intelligence in a variety of sectors that would benefit and significantly improve people's quality of life. They touched on every facet of life, from autonomous driving to nanny bots, intelligent houses, robot physicians, and other unanticipated developments.

Ivy's amazement grew as she continued to explore. Choosing ABC Corporation as a partner was the correct decision.

While everyone looked about, Liam escorted Ivy to the far side of the facility and into an oval office.

Inside, the people rose to their feet and exchanged greetings with a nod. Liam motioned for them to have a seat. "Proceed."A man entered the house through the side door. A staff member compelled him to stand in a specific position and instructed him, "Take it off..."