My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

The elegant figure of Marco emerged from the crowd, making his way toward them with practiced confidence. His eyes swept between Veronica and Dario as he approached. "Mr. Reid, Ms. Murray."

Dario felt his earlier warmth drain from his expression. The smile that had been so genuine moments before now felt forced. "Mr. Valerie."

Veronica maintained her composure, offering a cordial nod. "Mr. Valerie."

Before the tension could settle, Maverick materialized beside Marco, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. Unlike Marco's inclusive greeting, Maverick's attention focused solely on Dario, deliberately excluding Veronica from his acknowledgment. "Mr. Reid."

The slight was unmistakable. Dario felt his jaw tighten as his smile became increasingly strained. "Mr. Harris decided to join us as well? My apologies. I was occupied with other matters earlier and failed to notice your arrival."

Maverick's sharp instincts immediately detected the increased hostility in Dario's tone compared to their previous meeting. The change didn't surprise him in the least.

His gaze shifted coldly to Veronica, studying her with calculated disdain. He was certain she had filled Dario's ears with her version of recent events, poisoning any chance of professional neutrality.

Unfazed by Dario's obvious displeasure, Maverick pressed forward with his agenda. "I made a visit to DataPulse several days ago. I trust you've been informed of my presence, Mr. Reid?"

"Naturally. Ver provided me with a complete report." Dario's response came without hesitation. "I've also taken the time to thoroughly examine your proposal. The work quality is undeniably impressive, however..." He paused deliberately. "From a personal standpoint, it simply doesn't align with my preferences. Therefore, I must apologize, Mr. Harris, but regarding any potential collaboration between us, I'm afraid the answer is—"

Maverick hadn't anticipated such blatant favoritism from someone of Dario's business reputation. His expression darkened with frustration.

"I was under the impression that you maintained clear boundaries between personal affairs and professional decisions, Mr. Reid."

"Under normal circumstances, that assessment would be accurate." With the pretense finally abandoned, Dario allowed himself a knowing smile. "However, certain situations call for different approaches."

The implication hung heavily in the air. When Veronica was involved, Dario's usual business objectivity became negotiable.

Maverick's mind raced back to Doran's explicit instructions. The next two years required laser focus on securing DataPulse partnerships. The company's upcoming projects held far more significance than most industry insiders realized.

Despite his growing animosity toward Dario, abandoning the DataPulse opportunity wasn't an option he could entertain.

"Should you identify specific deficiencies in my current proposal, I'll return with comprehensive revisions for your consideration, Mr. Reid," he stated with forced diplomacy.

His attention briefly shifted to Marco before returning to Dario. "Given your current commitments, I won't monopolize any more of your valuable time. Good evening."

Without another word, Maverick turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd.

Throughout the entire exchange, Maverick had treated Veronica as if she were invisible, never once directing a word or glance in her direction.

Marco, positioned close enough to observe the subtle dynamics, recognized immediately that Maverick's pointed dismissal of Veronica was directly connected to Dario's rejection of the business proposal.

Rather than probe into matters that weren't his concern, Marco chose discretion and proceeded as if he hadn't witnessed the underlying tension. "I've prepared updated materials for your review as well. Would you and Ms. Murray be available for dinner Monday evening?"

Dario had never harbored particular warmth toward Marco, given his close associations with both Niall and Cullen. Even Marco's impressive proposal hadn't been enough to overcome those personal reservations.

However, Marco's current effort to set aside past conflicts, combined with his deliberate inclusion of Veronica in the dinner invitation, began to shift Dario's perception in a more favorable direction.

Still, he maintained professional boundaries. "Monday presents some uncertainty in my schedule. If circumstances permit, I'll contact you with confirmation. You have my word on that, Mr. Valerie."

Marco appreciated the honest response. "That's all I needed to hear."

As if summoned by perfect timing, the evening's host stepped onto the elevated stage and called for everyone's attention.

Within moments, accompanied by enthusiastic applause and the gentle swell of orchestral music, the host and hostess glided onto the dance floor for the traditional opening waltz. The romantic display encouraged other couples to join the elegant procession.

The banquet attracted an impressive array of sophisticated and breathtaking women from the city's most prominent families.

As the music continued to play, a stunning socialite approached Marco with confident grace.

"Mr. Valerie," she said, her smile radiant and inviting. "Would you honor me with a dance?"