Glen Johnson's face darkened. "What are you talking about? We're just ordinary roommates sharing a place. Everyone has their own room. It's not like we're actually... living together! Your mind's in the gutter."He wanted to explain that the arrangement had been practical from the start, nothing more. Each of them had their own space, they respected one another's boundaries, and he had never given the women a reason to distrust him. Still, Mia's casual teasing made him feel as if he had been judged before he could say any of that.Mia Calloway covered her mouth, laughing softly. "I wasn't thinking anything improper. One person per room is what sharing an apartment means. If several of you were in one room together, that would be... group... Well, you know!"Hearing this, Glen felt his face flush hot with embarrassment. At the same time, he couldn't help but let his imagination wander to the image of sharing a bed with several girls, which only made the fire burning in

Watching Mia Calloway laugh so freely, Glen Johnson felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Well... guess I made a fool of myself. But I was being honest. You probably think I have no taste at all, huh?"Mia let her laughter fade, and her expression turned unexpectedly serious. She shook her head with genuine sincerity. "Oh, no. Actually, I think you're incredibly real. There's not a shred of pretense in you." Her voice softened, carrying a warmth that seemed to come from somewhere deep. "Being around you feels... relaxing. It's nothing like spending time with those young masters from the big families. With them, every word, every gesture has to be calculated. Is it appropriate? Did I say something wrong? It's exhausting."This time, she meant every word. Those gatherings the elite families threw might look elegant on the surface, everyone poised and refined, but the truth was far uglier. Every person there wore a mask, as

Graham Blackwell was exactly the kind of sanctimonious playboy Mia Calloway despised most. On the surface, he carried himself like a refined young gentleman, but behind that polished facade, he'd ruined more girls than anyone could count. Rumor had it the number was in the hundreds, if not over a thousand.And that wasn't even the worst of it. Mia had heard whispers that even some of the most famous young male stars in the entertainment industry had fallen victim to his predatory behavior. The man was utterly indiscriminate, preying on anyone regardless of gender, a complete degenerate. As for drugs and other vices, those were practically daily routines for someone like him.The Blackwell family's ancestral estate and headquarters were based in the capital, and none of their major subsidiaries had ever been located in Suncrest City. But about a year ago, Graham had attended a social gathering where he'd caught sight of Mia for the first time. He'd been instantly captivated

Mia Calloway had been planning to call Sebastian Fairchild first, to ask him to make time to accompany Graham Blackwell on this errand. Given Sebastian's personality, he would jump at any chance to curry favor with the elder Mr. Fairchild, the sort of opportunity he'd pursue tirelessly.But who could have predicted that Graham would turn around and place the call himself before she even had the chance? Now that Graham had taken the initiative, Sebastian would naturally do whatever Graham asked in order to ingratiate himself. There was no way to gain the upper hand now. The moment had passed.With no other choice, Mia let out a soft sigh and turned to Glen Johnson. "I'm sorry. I know how he is, and if I don't go with him this time, there's no way around it."Glen had heard that Graham was delivering an aged wild ginseng root to the elder Mr. Fairchild, whose health had been poor lately. He certainly wasn't going to stand in the way of something like that. He smiled and

Though fury burned inside him, Graham Blackwell quickly smoothed his expression into something natural, even peaceful. A mild smile settled on his face as he walked over to Mia Calloway and said, "I'm sorry... I checked with Sebastian, and he told me he has an important engagement tonight that he can't get out of. He won't be able to make it. So... I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to come with me after all.""All right, then."Mia had prepared herself for this outcome, so she didn't hesitate. She drained the last of her coffee in one swallow, then rose to her feet and turned to Glen Johnson. "Wait here for a bit. My assistant will come find you in a moment and give you the meal vouchers you're owed for the next few days. That way you won't have to pay out of pocket. And if you want anything else to drink, just order it. When I take someone out to the restaurant, I have to pay for it myself, but here in the coffee shop... I have the authority to comp your tab."She