The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 70: From Vodka to Vogue-1

Claim

The group was mid-laughter-Harper reenacting Ashcroft’s dramatic drunken fall from the night before, complete with flailing arms and exaggerated sound effects-when the sound of footsteps cut through the morning buzz. Confident. Steady. A little too polished for island air.

Then came the voice.

Maya?

Clear. Familiar. Just loud enough to slice through the low hum of conversation, commanding attention like it belonged there.

Maya froze, a piece of fresh mango skewered on her fork.

That voice.

It tugged at something buried-something she hadn’t thought about in a long time.

She blinked, slowly turning toward the sound.

And there he was.

A tall man in a crisp resort polo and perfectly tailored linen pants, striding toward their table like he owned the view. Dark blonde hair swept back just-so, sun-kissed in all the right places. Clear, striking blue eyes. A sharp jawline, scruffed with designer stubble.

He looked like he’d stepped straight off the cover of a luxury travel magazine.

“Maya Thompson?”

The name sounded foreign coming from him now. Too formal. Too detached. This was someone who used to lean over her sketchpad and call her May, grinning while teasing her about shading lines that made no sense to him.

Maya stood slowly, her chair scraping softly against the stone floor.

“Ethan?”

His face lit up. “It is you!”

Before she could react, he stepped forward and wrapped her in a warm hug.

Maya froze-caught off guard, uncomfortable and stiff, her hands dropping awkwardly to her

sides.

173

Gravies 70 From s’ada to Voque-1

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Damien’s jaw tighten, his fist curling on the table as he shifted forward, ready to rise.

She gently but firmly pushed Ethan away-not rudely, just enough to create space.

Damien stilled.

His elbow lifted from the table, spine straightening in one fluid motion. Not tense, but no longer relaxed. On guard. Watching.

Clam

lifetime ago. I never thought I’d see you here. I’m working with the campaign team for the shoot-came in last night. Early call today for pre-briefing.”

Damien still hadn’t said a word.

But Maya felt him.

The silent presence at her side. The quiet, simmering attention. The firm line of his jaw.

And Harper, of course, soaking it all in like the drama connoisseur she was. She leaned back, sipping her pineapple smoothie with exaggerated interest. “Oooohh… tension incoming.”

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