The Master Programmer-Chapter 175: Tanner Family Troubles 1

Jason stepped out of his office as the evening lights of the city bled into the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. He loosened his tie, a faint smirk curling his lips. The day had been productive, but his mind was elsewhere—specifically, on Mia.

She had been distant lately, her playful banter replaced by a quiet tension. Jason, ever the predator, sensed danger. But he also sensed an opportunity.

As he approached his car, he noticed Mia waiting by the curb. She looked stunning in her fitted blouse and pencil skirt, the city lights casting a soft glow on her delicate features. Her brunette hair framed her face, and her lips parted slightly as she saw him approach.

Jason unlocked the car with a smooth gesture, the faint beep breaking the silence. "Ready to go?" he asked, his voice deep and calm, laced with an unspoken promise.

Mia nodded, slipping into the passenger seat. Her subtle perfume filled the car, a mix of vanilla and something floral that teased his senses. Jason started the engine, and they pulled into the city’s bustling streets.

Okay, it was finally time to see just what this woman was playing at. Jason would not speak at least not yet. He would rather let her assume the position of the person who needed to get something off her chest. Quiet was the perfect way to do such a thing.

The silence between them stretched as the car weaved through the traffic. Mia kept glancing at Jason, her mouth parting now and again, and yet with no words coming out. Jason sighed. This must be a delicate situation.

Finally, Jason broke it, his voice measured and probing. "Mia, what’s on your mind? You’ve been... off today. A few days now. I understand if you dont want to tell me though. I just… I feel like the distance between us does need to be there. After all, we’re so close. We’ve been closer than most people."

She hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her purse. "It’s nothing, really," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just… some personal stuff."

Personal stuff? Oh, come on… you called me to talk, Jason thought to himself.

Jason glanced at her, his sharp eyes catching the flicker of uncertainty in hers. He leaned slightly toward her, his tone shifting to one of gentle authority. "Mia, you know you can talk to me about anything. If it’s bothering you this much, it’s not nothing."

Jason used a calm yet commanding tone to create a sense of safety and urgency in her. His words, deliberately phrased, encouraged her to open up while maintaining control of the conversation. He even used open body language to make her understand that he was not a threat, that he could be trusted to be not the problems, but the solution to her problem.

Mia sighed, her shoulders slumping, and Jason knew that that last release of tension was her releasing tha last barrier she had put up in front of him.

"Jason, I… I like what we have. But…" She paused, searching for the right words. "I’ve started seeing someone else. I think we should stop."

Huh?

Jason’s expression didn’t falter. He nodded, his gaze returning to the road. "Alright. I hope it works out for you," he said simply, his tone neutral.

What was that it? Jason thought in his mind. No way. There was no way she was so awkward, and all she wanted to say was this. There must be more to it. But if she was holding back, because she wanted Jason to push for more, to invest in the conversation, in her, then Jason was not going to give her what she wanted.

Again... he would use silence to have her get it off her chest.

Mia stared at him, her jaw dropping slightly. "That’s it? That’s all you have to say?"

Yes, that’s all I have to say. I know your game, and it’s a losing game for me. So I’m not going to play.

Jason didn’t say that though. He merely smirked, his eyes flicking to hers briefly. "What else is there to say? You’ve made your decision. I’m not the type to fight for someone who’s already chosen to walk away."

Jason’s words were chosen with intent. He was putting it all on her, and even implying how he might have fought for them if she was willing. Now he was putting it all on her, making it up to her to see if she was going to fight for anything.

But then again, would she be in his car if she wasn’t?

Women have a tendency to react mostly to what they feel. Jason was looking forward to the point where she explained herself. He would shower her with all the love she would ever need and want in that case.

His words hit her like a slap. She crossed her arms, her frustration evident. "I thought you cared about me."

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Validation seeking? Weak...

Jason chuckled softly, the sound low and knowing. "Caring doesn’t mean chasing, Mia. You’re great, but let’s not pretend this was more than what it was. If you’re leaving, I’ll act like I understand and let you do just that."

The words ’act like I understand’ were meant to be a signifier for what Jason wanted her to do next. That was to explain herself. Jason was sure that she would get it soon enough.

Her eyes narrowed, anger flashing across her face. "You’re unbelievable," she muttered, turning to stare out the window.

This one action of hers told Jason everything he wanted to know. Why would she be angry with his reaction if she didn’t want to be here with him?

No. She wanted him to chase her. So easy.

Jason’s smirk widened. He recognized the classic signs of a test. She wanted him to react, to prove something. But again, it was unfortunate for her… he wouldn’t play her game. As they stopped at a red light, Jason turned to her, his expression softening slightly.

"Mia, tell me the truth. Is this really about someone else, or is there something more?" He had been keeping his expression hard this whole time, so this sudden softening along with the fact that these were the first words after a while of silence were sure to make her react, especially since she wanted his attention.

Her breath hitched, and she avoided his gaze. "It’s… complicated."

Jason reached over, his hand gently brushing hers. His touch was firm but reassuring, grounding her. "Then let’s uncomplicate it. Talk to me."

Mia hesitated, her walls crumbling under his steady presence. Finally, she confessed, her voice trembling. "My parents are pressuring me. They’ve arranged for me to date someone… someone who can help them with their financial issues. I didn’t know how to tell you."

Jason’s eyes darkened, a flicker of anger passing through them. He pulled the car into a quiet alley and parked. Turning to her, he gently cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Mia, listen to me. No one should dictate your life like that. You deserve better than to be someone’s pawn."

She looked at him her eyes glistening with tears. It seemed she was dumbfounded, or didn’t know what to say. Jason continued speaking, his voice low and magnetic, each word resonating with certainty. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek.

"You’re stronger than this. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise."

Mia’s resolve crumbled completely. She leaned into him, her lips brushing against his in a hesitant kiss. Jason deepened it, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her closer.

That’s right. You’re stronger with me.

When they finally broke apart, she was breathless, her cheeks flushed. "Jason…" she murmured, her voice filled with confusion and longing.

He smirked, his confidence unwavering. "You wanted clarity. Now you have it. Make your choice, Mia. But understand this—whatever you decide, I won’t wait around."

His words hung in the air, a challenge and a promise all at once. Mia’s mind raced, torn between her duty to her family and the undeniable pull she felt toward Jason. Jason gazed at her, and then he narrowed his eyes.

Maybe there was more to this. If that was the case, he had to make sure to pull the issue out from the roots.

As the silence stretched, Jason started the car again, his expression unreadable. He drove her to her apartment, the tension between them palpable. When they arrived, Mia lingered, her hand on the car door handle.

"Jason," she began, her voice wavering. "I… I don’t know what to do."

Jason leaned back, his gaze piercing. "Figure it out, Mia. But do it fast. Life doesn’t wait for anyone." Jason paused for a moment and then he sighed.

"Mia I’m not an idiot. Your parents can’t just pressure you to do anything. If something is going on… if you’re in danger… then say something, and I swear I will be there for you. Just say something. "

As she stepped out of the car, Jason watched her go, his mind already strategizing. He didn’t believe in coincidences, and her situation smelled of something deeper. He resolved to uncover the truth—not for her, but for himself.

As the car’s engine roared to life again, Jason drove into the night, his smirk returning. The game was far from over, and he had every intention of winning.

Jason parked his car outside a dimly lit building, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Pulling out his phone, he dialled a number. When the line clicked, his voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "Marcus… I need you to help me out. Find out everything about Mia’s family and this so-called arrangement. I’ll send you her details soon enough. I want names, dates, and leverage. Tonight."

He hung up, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. Whatever secrets Mia’s family was hiding, Jason would uncover them—and he would make sure the scales tipped in his favour.