The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 172

Chapter 84: Nowhere in Sight-2

Maya kept her head down and focused, throwing herself into the logistics-adjusting the product placements, double checking storyboards, quietly liaising with the camera crew when needed.

Before she knew it, the sun had climbed high overhead. The light had shifted into the golden haze of early afternoon, and Trina called for a break. Lunch was being laid out on the shaded tables nearby.

Still no sign of Damien.

Maya’s eyes flicked toward the resort, scanning the balconies. Nothing. No shadow. No figure. No Damien.

“Hey, Maya-do you have a sec?”

Ethan’s voice came from behind her. She turned, expression neutral.

“Yes?” she asked, keeping her tone even and her gaze focused just over his shoulder.

“I just wanted to ask-uh, about the sequence after lunch. The drone angle-is that still a go or…?”

“It depends on the wind, but yes. We’ll reassess after the break,” she said crisply, then stepped back, turning slightly toward Harper as if waiting for her input.

Before Ethan could say anything else, Harper slid an arm around Maya’s shoulders with perfect timing. “Lunch first, Mr. Miller. You know what happens when she runs on caffeine fumes.” She grinned, pulling Maya toward the catering table.

There were other moments too-small ones. Ethan passing by during camera checks, or trying to strike up casual conversation while walking between locations. But each time, Maya kept her answers short, direct, professional.

And each time, either Harper magically appeared at her side, or Lee positioned himself just behind her-silent, watchful, but unmistakably present.

Not once did Ethan get the chance to linger.

Maya appreciated it more than she could say. She didn’t have the emotional bandwidth for anything else. Not today.

Not while Damien was still nowhere in sight.

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Chapter 84 Nowhere in Sight-2

Sienna had gently tapped Maya’s arm between takes. “Hey, you okay? You’ve been really quiet today.”

Jessa, ever observant, chimed in from her spot beside the reflector. “Yeah, you seem… off.”

Maya forced a small smile, shaking her head. “I’m fine. Just didn’t get much sleep.”

Even Trina noticed. She passed by with a clipboard and paused, eyes narrowing with concern. “Maya, if you need to take the day off, take it. We’ve got this.”

But Maya had quickly straightened her shoulders. “No. I’m fine, really. I’d rather stay.”

The concern didn’t completely fade from their faces, but they let it go. The shoot resumed. They breezed through lunch, and by early afternoon, the sun blazed overhead, casting strong shadows across the sand as the cameras rolled on.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, Maya caught a glimpse of James.

He was on the far end of the beach, near the path leading back to the resort, phone to his ear and walking toward the lobby with that usual quiet composure.

Without thinking, Maya dropped her clipboard onto a nearby table and took off after him.

“James!” she called.

Harper’s voice trailed after her, confused. “Maya? Where are you-?”

“I’ll be back!” she shouted over her shoulder.

James looked up, surprised, then offered a polite nod as he lowered his phone. “Ms. Maya.”

She stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath. “Hi-I… I was just wondering-” She hesitated, then forced the words out. “I haven’t seen Damien all day. Is he… um, is he alright?”

James tilted his head slightly, then answered in his usual calm, measured tone. “You’re looking for Mr. Blackwood?”

Maya lowered her gaze and gave a small nod.

“He’s in his suite,” James replied evenly. “His schedule’s full today-video conferences, internal briefings, several calls with the board. He’s catching up on business. Being away this long… things tend to pile up.”

Her heart sank a little, even though she told herself it made sense. Of course. Work.

Business.

“He’s alright though?” she asked softly.

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