The Master Programmer-Chapter 195: Jason Is So Bold!! 1

Mia's confidence faltered momentarily as she glanced down, brushing her hair behind her ear. Jason's gaze lingered on her, studying her quiet vulnerability. She had put some real effort into these pancakes. He did not want to tease her too much, especially since she was probably in an anxious state after the happenings of the previous day.

He reached for her hand, tugging her to sit beside him. "So, how did you sleep last night?" Jason said kissing her cheeks and bringing a smile to her face again.

"Did I even sleep last night, Mr. Cross? I was so worried about you, but you never came back…" she said pointedly, causing a chuckle to escape Jason's mouth. They shared stories about their restless nights, laughter punctuating the conversation.

When Mia asked where he'd been, Jason's answer was as direct as ever. "At another woman's place. I stayed over."

Mia's face went blank for a moment, processing the admission. Her lips parted, but no words came. Jason leaned closer, his voice firm yet gentle as she sat on his lap. "Mia… Don't tell me you're still unsure about the situation. You knew what this was. Don't let it surprise you now."

Mia swallowed hard, her gaze flickering between hurt and acceptance. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand. It's just… Can I know who it is?"

Jason's expression softened as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Soon. Very soon, all of you will meet each other. I will make sure of it. And I am glad you understand Mia, because as long as you're still here, then that means everything to me."

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she nodded again, this time with more confidence. Moments later, she excused herself, heading upstairs to change so they could go to work. Jason watched her retreating figure, his eyes lingering on her toned legs and the sway of her hips. Although she had said that confidently there was still some doubt… He would have to fix that later.

His thoughts, however, were already shifting back to the meeting that had occupied the morning.

Jason's mind replayed the encounter with Katherine Reich.

She'd been every bit as striking as her reputation, which he had only learnt after doing some independent research, suggested—a tall, statuesque redhead with an air of command. Her emerald eyes were sharp, her intelligence undeniable, and her presence demanded attention.

She had come to him with a proposition, but her curiosity about the Neural Flux Pills had been evident. Katherine's interest wasn't merely professional; there was something personal in the way her eyes lingered on him, her smile hinting at more than business.

And yet Jason knew for certain that there was more to the situation than that. Seduction was just another form of business, and she was using it perfectly to make him doubt himself. If there was more to her gaze, if Jason thought too much about the things she was giving him, he was going to have a really bad time making decisions that were going to help him out.

Jason had demonstrated the potency of his creations, slicing his finger and using a vial of crimson liquid, something he bought from the Store, the Healing Potion, to heal the wound within moments. Katherine's astonishment had been genuine, her intrigue palpable and her eyes had shown him a look that he loved very much. Greed, and brighter futures..

"This liquid," she had said, holding the vial with reverence. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen. Can I take this as a token of cooperation?"

Jason had nodded. "Feel free. Replicate it if you can. But when you fail, come back with a proposal. I'll consider partnering on a product… for a share of the profits, of course."

Katherine had smirked, shaking his hand firmly. "You're as bold as they say, Jason Cross. I look forward to our next meeting."

Her guard, an imposing ex-soldier, had remained silent but watchful throughout their exchange. Jason had noted the man's unease but paid him little mind. Katherine was the one who mattered.

As Jason drove to Reno Ventures later that morning, Mia beside him, he thought about his next series of actions. He was playing a dangerous game, balancing alliances and rivalries, secrets and revelations. This was nothing simple, and he felt like any day now things might take a turn for the dangerous.

He needed to put everything in place, to protect those that were worthy of protection.

Mia's soft hand rested on his arm as they pulled into the parking lot. Before she could step out, he leaned over, kissing her deeply. Jason's hand cupped her cheek, savouring the moment and she again ran her hand through his hair, seemingly having gotten over the event of the moment, at least for now.

But nothing good lasts too long.

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

A sharp knock on the car window shattered their intimacy. Jason turned, his smirk returning as he saw Samantha Ellis standing there, her arms crossed and her expression a mix of disdain and intrigue.

Rolling down the window, Jason greeted her. "Sam, what a pleasant surprise. It's lovely seeing you in the morning."

Her piercing blue eyes narrowed as she looked at that womanising creep of a man. "I see you've been busy. Kissing employees in the parking lot, are we?"

Jason's smirk widened. "Just starting the day on the right note. A sweet note, I have to admit." As he said that he rubbed the red lipstick from his lips and flashed her a smirk that drove her even deeper into irritation.

Samantha's gaze flicked to Mia, who flushed under the scrutiny. "You turned down three beautiful women last night for… her?" Samantha's tone dripped with disdain, but there was a hint of something else beneath it—jealousy, perhaps.

Mia's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what? Did you turn them down? You weren't with me though…" Samantha heard those words and her eyes went wide. There's another one? Or maybe it's the one she knew...

Jason's smirk deepened as he stepped out of the car, his voice smooth. "I have my reasons. Now, Sam, why don't you tell me why you're here?"

Samantha's lips pressed into a thin line as she stepped closer, her voice low. "Ah, so you have a woman at home, and you still go to visit, who… Isabella? Or maybe it's someone else?"

Mia's eyes were wide at that moment, but there was also an aspect about them, a kind of… sickness inside her heart that she could not get rid of no matter how she tried.

Jason chuckled. "Samantha, what are you doing?"

Samantha narrowed her eyes. "Are you not going to apologise?" Just before she could keep yapping, Jason grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss, making her melt in his arms.

Mia held her hand over her mouth when she saw this.

Holy shit! The CEO?!