Chapter 6 Shadows and Mask

Glasses chimed in the splendor of the ballroom where the elite of New Veritas were sharing greetings beneath sparkling chandeliers. The scent of pricey cologne, matured whiskey, and shining ambition lingered in the atmosphere. At the corner of the room stood Mia Torres, observing the crowd with keen eyes. After pulling the strap of her sleek black dress a few times, she repositioned her leather notebook for the evening's task of a designer clutch. "You aren't meant to be here," she murmured quietly, taking a sip of champagne.

"Are you already talking to yourself?" the recognizable voice interrupted Mia turned to see Johnny Lance walking closer, a glass of bourbon in hand, the confidently coy smile adorning his lips. Impeccably tailored, his suit glimmered subtly under the lighting. Before she stood a man who truly looked the part of one self-made billionaire who had clawed his way back to that very status. "Johnny Lance," Mia said with smooth confidence, a practiced smile on her lips. "I was wondering whether you were coming." "And miss the chance to rub shoulders with the city's finest? Not a chance." Johnny's eyes roamed her form again, smirk deepening. "You look good, Torres. Never thought you'd be the high-society type." "Maybe you don't know me as well as you think," Mia replied defiantly, holding his stare. "Maybe," Johnny said, taking a step closer. "But I'd like to change that. What brings a journalist to an event like this? Let me guess: digging for a story?" Mia chuckled lightly and shook her head. "Not tonight. I'm here because I heard you were doing something...unexpected." Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Unexpected?" "Philanthropy," Mia said, letting the word slip from her mouth like a challenge. "A fundraiser for homeless shelters? That don't exactly scream Johnny Lance." For a split second, Johnny's smirk faded but he quickly recovered. "People change, Torres. Even me." "Go on... Do they?" With a minute tilt of her head, she infused with a mock-innocent question. But those eyes are unyielding, as an edge sharpener was put to them. "Or is it yet another move on your gameboard?" Johnny leaned toward her, lowering his voice. "Why don't you just stick around and find out?" --- Even now, as the evening matured into early night, she followed him from a distance so distant she could hardly make out Johnny working his table. He was magnetic while charming the wealthy donors with honeyed words and easy smiles. "Mr. Lance, I just wanted to say that I admire very much what you do." This was from a woman in a brilliant gold gown. "Thank you, Mrs. Harper," he said warmly and graciously, "but this isn't about me. It's about the people who need our help. Every dollar tonight goes straight to Father Miguel's shelter. He's the real hero." Mia's lips twitched slightly down. The sincerity of his voice seemed very real. But here is the thing: She did know. "Johnny," said Selina Mercer as she approached them, her glass of wine in hand. "I must say, this is quite the spectacle. I had no idea you had a soft spot for charity." Johnny turned towards her, the smirk returning. "Selina, you wound me. I've always cared about giving back." "Uh-huh," said Selina with a raised eyebrow. "And that has nothing to do with the fact that Marcus sits on the boards of three of the biggest shelters in the city?" "That's fine with me," Johnny said, shrugging. "I came here to help people. If Marcus looks bad while I'm doing it, then that just makes it an extra bonus." Selina laughed as she shook her head. "You're impossible." Mia stepped a little closer to break in. "It is fascinating, isn't it?" This drew their attention. "Johnny Lance, the ruthless businessman, suddenly playing the part of a savior. What brought the change?" Johnny's eyes went to her, and for a quick moment, something utterly incomprehensible went over his features. "Life has a way of teaching you lessons, Torres. Some harsher than others." "Is that so?" Mia pressed. "It is indeed," Johnny said, softer now. "When you lose everything, you begin to see what truly matters." It was the loss that made Mia stagger in her thoughts as she seriously took her time examining him, plucking her eyes... "Excuse me," Selina offered, noticing that the air had thickened into tension. "I could just leave you two to catch up." With that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving Johnny and Mia alone. "What are you trying to do, Torres?" Johnny's tone changed. "Trying to do?" Mia echoed innocently. "You're not here to write about how generous I am," came Johnny, stepping closer toward her. "So what is it? Trying to psychoanalyze me?" Mia held his gaze firmly. "Maybe I am just intrigued. You are quite the nut to crack, Johnny." He chuckled and shook his head. "You're not the first to say that." He gestured toward a corner of the agreed-upon space, quieter than they had stood previously. "C'mon. Let's talk." --- They were both in some corner lounge, away from the view of the people's busy gossip. Johnny poured himself a drink and offered one to Mia; she refused. "So what do you want to know?" Johnny settled into chairs. Mia crossed her legs and became inscrutable. "Why now? What is this new fixation on helping people?" Johnny swirled bourbon in his glass and seemed to consider something for a moment. "You ever lose anything, Torres? Something you can't regain no matter how hard you tried?" Mia hesitated, surprised by the question. "I suppose everyone has." "It changes you," Johnny stared into space, "the way you see everything, how you realize just how fragile it all is." "And what have you lost?" Mia said, her tone softening. Johnny's eyes would sharpen; his stare turned toward her while suspicion and vulnerability mingled in his sight. "That's personal." Mia leaned forward a fraction. "You talk about this big change, but I see nothing but the same Johnny Lance. Cold. Calculating. Manipulative. Power-hungry." "Maybe that's who I am," he grinned mirthlessly. "Or maybe that's who this world made me." "Is that what you tell yourself?" Mia pressed. Johnny's expression darkened. "Careful, Torres. You're starting to sound like Marcus." Mia stiffened. "I'm nothing like him." "No?" Johnny's smirk returned, colder this time. "Because he's spent years trying to tear me down, and now here you are, doing the same thing. Digging for dirt. Looking for ways to paint me as the villain." "And what truth would that be?" Johnny inquired, leaning in closer to her. "That I'm a beast?" That I am not worthy of being here? Mia paused, then fought to find the right words. For the first time, she noticed a depth of emotion in his eyes-sorrow, remorse. Johnny said quietly, "You aren't familiar with me." You believe you do. "However, you are mistaken." "Please assist me in understanding, if you would," Mia said softly. Johnny offered her a prolonged gaze before nodding his head. "You wouldn't get it." "Test me," Mia dared. Johnny began to reply, but the sound of a buzzing cell phone cut him off. He looked at the monitor and scowled. "I have to take this," he stated, getting up. Mia nodded, observing him as he walked away. It squeezed her chest painfully, her perception of the meticulously built Johnny Lance starting to fracture. Was he a callous schemer, or did he merely wish to endure? Of course! Please provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase. That evening, Mia was on the balcony, the chilly night breeze caressing her skin. She gazed at the city below, her thoughts racing with inquiries. "Engrossed in contemplation?" She glanced over to find Johnny propped against the doorframe, drink in hand. "Something along those lines," Mia confessed. Johnny walked onto the balcony, positioning himself next to her. "You see, Torres, I have a hard time trusting others." "Me neither," Mia answered, gazing at him. "Perhaps we aren't so different after all." Johnny chuckled quietly. Mia decided to remain silent and once more let her gaze return to the city lights. "Whatever you seek," Johnny paused briefly; his tone was notably gentler than earlier, "I wish you success in finding it." Mia's heart raced, yet she maintained her composure. "To you as well, Johnny," she replied Mia clenched the railing tighter as he moved further away. For a moment, she found herself considering if she ought to reveal him or rescue him. Just then her phone buzzed. She read the news feed and was shocked, she turned to Johnny with a look of disappointment and vigor. "I knew you were a lying piss of shit," as she passed by him in an attempt to leave the party. Johnny who was shocked by the sudden change in attitude grabbed her arms to stop and asked "What are talking about....?" Mia jerked his hand off "Why don't you check the news feed, Mr. Lance." She said as she turned and left. Johnny who was still stunned pulled out his phone and went online only to see the shocking news. "New billionaire playboy Johnny Lance is suspected to have embezzled his partner's funds and used it to buy Silverstone corps after buy previously buying into shares that the company. Corporate Fraud Scandal Rocks New Veritas" Johnny was in disbelief "what the actual fuck...."