âUgh⦠Just then-â Regina began, only to be cut off by Nolan.
âSorry, Ms. Tanner. I hope you can forget everything I said earlier. You saw how Dahlia was. Her emotions are a roller coaster, and I got caught up in the moment. If Iâve offended you, that wasnât my intention, and I sincerely apologize.â
Regina felt as if she had been doused with icy water. Her warmth evaporated instantly.
âOh⦠I wasnât really thinking much of it. But Mr. Harris, could you clarify what your conversation with Dahlia had to do with me? If you donât want any misunderstandings, itâs probably best not to bring me up. Itâs just troubling, you know?â
Even with her smile, Nolan could sense Reginals irritation.
âIâm sorry.â He couldnât very well say it was because Dahlia thought he was in love with Regina.
âOh.â
âMs. Tanner, do you need anything from me today?â
Regina took a deep breath, deciding not to dwell on Nolanâs earlier words, as she had more important things to deal with. âWell, I was hoping youâd agree to team up with me to dig into the developerâs case.â
Nolan rebuffed her instinctively, his brows knitting in seriousness. âIâve warned you again and again not to get involved. Or do you think this is like one of your previous interviews where persistence pays off?â
âWhy wonât you let me investigate with you? This whole thing involves the Harris Grou Are you planning on destroying evidence, Mr. Harris?â Regina was indignant. She had prepared herself for a tough conversation to persuade Nolan, but her words were shot down as soon as they left her lips. âOr do you think Iâm simply not up to the task?â
âItâs not about your capabilities but safety. Iâve told you this developer is tougher than you think. Iâve already agreed to look into it. Donât you trust me?â
Nolan was unfazed by Reginaâs challenge. His only concern was to keep her out of the mix. She was a rookie reporter, new to this game, and didnât understand the stakes like he did. If-Domingo could evade scrutiny in the tech industry and sell them a bill of goods, it spoke volumes about their reach.
How could he involve Regina when he himself had to tread so cautiously?
âBut youâre underestimating me. Iâve been on this for quite some times, so Iâm not completely clueless.
Still, as a journalist, isnât it my duty to seek out the truth? Am I supposed to hide behind others when things get tough?â Regina was determined. She stepped closer, her eyes earnest. âI didnât pick this story for my resume. I want to give justice to Ablett and others like him. I believe there are more families out there devastated by Domingo. I want justice for them. Thatâs my motivation as a journalist.
Iâm asking for your support, Nolan. Donât worry, I wonât slow you down, and I wonât be reckless. Iâm serious about this. So, Iâll ask you once more, can I investigate this with you?â