ngers doing a methodical tapping on the keyboard while stopping for a moment to note something down in her used leather notebook. And to top it off, a cup of cold coffee was lying at the very edg

uld you know something about it?" With that slightly cryptic comment, she glanced up to assess his reaction. He grinned and slumped back in the chair. "Not a thing. Now I am curious. Why would a journalist get so fascinated with something that she has been ignoring her drink?" "You assume I am a journalist," Mia said, tilting her head. "Maybe I am an investment banker. Or a private detective." The man laughed, leaning forward. "Nah. You've got that investigative look about you. Sharp eyes, quick wit. You're definitely a journalist. Let me guess-Mia Torres?" Mia looked like a frozen statue at this point with fingers over the tip of the notebook like a gangplank. "And who are you?" she demanded with her voice even but feeling her heartbeat gallop in endless race. He stretched his hand and elaborated partly more on his grin. "Johnny Lance." Strangely, Mia's stomach somersaulted, but she kept her face blank. *Johnny Lance. Great.* She ignored the hand instead, but closed her laptop deliberately and folded her arms across her chest. "Should I be flattered or concerned that you know my name?" "Flattered," said Johnny with a hint of regret as he withdrew his hand. "You're digging into my life; only fair I do a little digging on you." Mia held back with a thin curve of her lips. "Research, huh? That's what they call it nowadays? Pretty one-sided, isn't it?" "It's not one-sided," said Johnny with his ever-playful self. "I'm here now, weren't I? Thought I'd save you the trouble of stalking me and just introduce myself." "Stalking?" Mia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Please. You're not that interesting." Johnny let out a warm-natured yet unflappable laugh. "Interesting to you, maybe. Funny considering how much time you've spent looking into me. So tell me, Mia, is it my financial comeback? My history with Marcus? Or just how I look so damn good despite everything I've lived?" Mia resisted laughing and shook her head. "Oh, man. You've got an ego, Lance. Did that come pre-installed, or was it an upgrade?" For a split second, Johnny looked taken aback, before covering it again with his customary smirk. "System? That is an interesting choice of words. Care to explain?" "Not yet," she burst, leaning forward slightly. "But don't worry, Johnny. I am very thorough. I'll figure it out." Johnny watched her for a moment, dark eyes glinting with mirth. "I like you, Torres. You're smart, sharp, and not half bad to look at." Mia rolled her eyes again, but at least, her cheeks were a bit flushed. "You're not that charming, you know." "You're not as intimidating as you think," he shot back, leaning in closer to continue, "So tell me straight: What do you want from me?" "Answers," she replied, not blinking. "How does a guy go from being dirt poor one minute to a millionaire the next? Hard work and perseverance are a nice cop-out excuse, Johnny. I just did an overview of your financials, and they simply don