I was taken aback and glanced at my phone. It showed an unfamiliar number. I answered, asking, "Who is this?"

"Looks like you’re really busy, Mrs. Chloe. This is Lance," came the warm and gentle voice from the other end.

I focused immediately. "Mr. Lance, do you... have something to say?"

"Forgive the intrusion, Mrs. Chloe." The voice sounded pleasantly amused. "Could we meet? I'd like to discuss a collaboration with you."

"What kind of collaboration are you talking about?" I asked calmly.