Chapter 2709: 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-t helps us get the lay of the land and set 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 o performances,” Dahlia replied.

“And by ‘getting a feel, you mean…?” Regina probed, sensing the interview had already. begun.

Dahlia chuckled softly. “You might find it hard to believe, but the dance world is rife with sabotage. From sprinkling fine glass to scattering tacks on stage, I’ve seen it all. That’s why, after bouncing around from country to country, I only work with those I trust implicitly. Ensuring a clean stage before a performance is a must.”

Regina nodded, understanding. “It’s rare to see such young talent in the arts without stirring up envy.

Those younger aim to outshine you, while the veterans look down with a sense of superiority, never quite satisfied.”

Regina’s words struck a chord with Dahlia, articulating the balancing act she faced in her industry.

“Have you faced similar challenges with your seniors at work, Ms. Tanner?”

Dahlia’s interest in Regina’s career was encouraging-it was the first step toward a rapport.

“I won’t lie,” Regina admitted. “Ever since I got assigned to profile you, I’ve faced countless jabs from the old guard. They thought I’d never manage. Even when I received your interview invitation, the digs kept coming. But I’m used to it. I believe that as long as I can present solid results, their skepticism won’t stand a chance against the hard evidence.”

Dahlia nodded in agreement. “Do you know what convinced me about you?”

“Because you saw potential beyond the surface,” Regina guessed, her voice buoyant with encouragement.

“Exactly. Many think I avoid interviews because I’m aloof. On the contrary, I’ve been waiting for the right moment to unleash my full potential. This interview might raise eyebrows, make people think I’m selling out. But I believe that for an art form, especially dance, to thrive, it needs an audience beyond the inner circles.”