The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2714

At the newsroom, the bubbly spring in her step didn't go unnoticed. Her colleagues, curious about her high spirits, nudged her for details, but Regina was a vault. Not a word slipped through her grin.

"Pff, let's see how long that smug look lasts on your face," Ahab snorted with a mix of jealousy and challenge. "Landing an interview is one thing, but pulling it off is another ball game. If you botch it, you might as well have passed it along to someone else."

Regina brushed off Ahab's cynicism with ease, "Why don't you focus on sprucing up your own articles, Ahab? Even if I stumble, I'll find my footing. After all, my interviewee has turned you down more than once, hasn't she? Makes one wonder if she's got something against you. Imagine the mess if it were in your hands. Best stick to what you write best, while I hustle on my gig."

With that last dig, she grabbed her tote bag and sashayed into the café where she'd arranged to meet with Dahlia. Arriving nearly an hour early, she planned to use the extra time to prepare.

But to her surprise, Dahlia showed up at the café just half an hour later.

They exchanged smiles of mutual respect.

"I thought I was being the early bird," Dahlia quipped, "but it seems you are even earlier, Ms. Tanner."

"We journalists always scout the scene early—it helps us get the lay of the land and sets us up for a better story. Didn't expect you to beat me to the punch, Dahlia."

"Us dancers, we like to get a feel for the stage to avoid any missteps during our performances," Dahlia replied.