The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 141

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Chapter 70: From Vodka to Vogue-2

Ashcroft didn’t even look up. Just groaned. “This day just got interesting.”

Ethan’s eyes flicked briefly to the others at the table. “Sorry-am I interrupting breakfast?”

Before Maya could answer, Trina rose with polished ease, all businesslike warmth and immaculate posture.

“Mr. Miller,” she greeted, extending a hand with a practiced smile. “I’m Trina, Supervisor for Event Planning under the Blackwood Enterprises PR Department. Welcome to Isla Aurelia.”

Ethan shook her hand firmly, smile charming and appreciative. “Pleasure’s all mine. And please-just Ethan is fine.”

“Of course,” Trina replied smoothly. “We’re thrilled to have you on board for the campaign shoot. Let me introduce you to the rest of the team.”

She gestured toward the table. “This is Sienna-she handles Communications for our core PR team.”

Sienna offered a kind smile and a small wave. “Nice to meet you, Ethan. We’re excited to work with you.”

“Likewise,” Ethan said, grinning, model-polish slipping effortlessly into place.

“And this is Jessa, in charge of design elements,” Trina continued.

Jessa nodded politely. “Looking forward to seeing how the visuals come together.”

Trina moved on without missing a beat. “Harper, our Senior Special Events Organizer.” Harper raised a brow with a playful smirk. “Already a fan, Miller. No pressure-but you’ve got some high expectations to live up to. We’ve seen the horse and the helicopter campaign.” Ethan chuckled. “Noted. I’ll try to keep the helicopter stunts to a minimum this time.”

A few team members laughed, but Maya barely heard it. Her eyes stayed on Damien- motionless, a glacier wrapped in silk.

“And with us as well,” Trina added, “Mary from Human Resources, and Aimee representing

Finance.”

Mary gave her warm, measured smile. “It’s always good to meet one of the faces behind the brand.”

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Aimee, reserved, nodded. “Welcome aboard.”

Trina hesitated for just a heartbeat-Maya caught it.

“And it looks like,” she said delicately, “you already know Maya-also on Special Events.”

Ethan’s smile softened, eyes returning to Maya. “Oh, we go way back. University days.”

He looked like he might say more, but Trina-ever the tactician-pressed on before the conversation veered too far into personal history.

She turned slightly, motioning with a graceful hand. “And beside him, Mr. Blackwood’s close friend-Mr. Nicholas Ashcroft of the Ashcroft Consortium.”

“And finally,” she said, voice lifting in formality, “Mr. Damien Blackwood, Founder, President, and CEO of Blackwood Enterprises.”

Ethan’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of recognition and respect crossing his face. He’d heard plenty about Ashcroft-one of the top families in the country, controlling major hospitals, businesses, and more. The weight of the two men’s power settled between them, unspoken but unmistakable.

He extended his hand toward Ashcroft first, nodding with respect.

“Mr. Ashcroft, it’s an honor. Your family’s influence is well known.”

Ashcroft’s gaze flicked over Ethan, but he didn’t shake his hand. A slow, knowing smile curled his lips.

“Mr. Miller, forgive me if your name doesn’t ring a bell. I don’t bother with the usual headlines or glittery names. My influence lies in the shadows-where things really move. But… thanks. for recognizing my family’s influence. I’m… flattered.”

His tone dripped with sarcasm, the last word hanging like a quiet challenge.

Then, with a cold edge, he added, “I don’t need to shake your hand either. We have no business together.”

Ethan swallowed hard, then quickly pulled his hand back. Masking his embarrassment, he offered a polite bow.

“Of course. Understood.”

Then he turned to Damien, offering his hand.

Ashcroft’s voice cut in from the other side-unhurried, velvet-smooth, and laced with that same shadowed edge.

“Interesting,” he murmured, his gaze drifting between Maya and Ethan. “Sounds like quite the reunion. Seems fate’s handing you a rare opportunity, Mr. Miller. Not many men get a second shot at charming the one who got away.”

A slow, deliberate smile curled at the corners of his mouth.

“But… be careful with second chances,” he added, lifting his coffee cup, “They don’t always come without… consequences. Sometimes more than you bargained for.”

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Clam

Damien’s stare snapped to Nick-sharp, unreadable-but Ashcroft only sipped calmly, that half-smirk still playing on his lips, like he’d merely commented on the weather.

Ethan let out a short laugh.

“Funny how life circles back sometimes, huh?”

He casually rubbed the back of his neck, playing it cool-yet his jaw tightened for a split second, betraying the effort.

He turned to Maya again, eyes warm.

“I never forgot you, you know.”

Maya’s breath caught, a flutter of warmth and fear tangled in her chest. She tried to speak,

but the words lodged stubbornly in her throat. Her gaze flicked sideways-where Damien now sat, motionless, a glacier wrapped in silk, his unreadable eyes fixed on her like a quiet warning.

The island sun beat down, but all she felt was the cold weight of his stare-and the quiet echo of something unfinished, still pulsing beneath the surface.

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