The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 216

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Damien cleared his throat, sharp and deliberate, cutting through the banter. His eyes flicked

between Harper and Ashcroft.

Maya shifted, her curiosity piqued despite the tension. “So… what’s next? What should I do?”

Lee spoke up, voice steady. “I think Ms. Lin’s suggestion makes sense.”

James nodded in agreement, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I think so too. Ms. Maya learning self-defense isn’t a bad idea.”

Harper threw her arms up triumphantly. “Thank you! See? I’m right!” She rolled her eyes at Ashcroft again, clearly enjoying the jab.

Ashcroft let out a resigned huff, muttering something under his breath that only Harper could have caught.

James held up his hands, though, a note of caution in his voice. “But… it’s best if we leave it to the professionals.” He quickly averted his gaze, avoiding Harper’s sharp, challenging eyes.

Lee offered, a hint of humor in his tone, “How about me? Or Monroe-we could teach her the basics.”

Maya’s eyes lit up, her excitement barely contained. “Yes! I want to learn too, even just the basics.” She turned to Damien, seeking his approval. “What do you think? Is that okay with you?”

Damien hesitated, his eyes flicking to Maya as if weighing the thought. A tight line formed across his jaw.

Ashcroft’s grin widened, catching Damien’s hesitation. “Hey, D! Why don’t you teach her yourself? I mean… I can’t imagine you’d be too comfortable watching other men wrap their hands around my sister-in-law, right?” He leaned back, smirk sharp, eyes glinting with mischief. “I can teach her with guns. You know I’m damn good at it.”

Damien’s jaw tightened slightly, eyes narrowing. “I don’t think so.”

Harper huffed, clearly unimpressed. “Ha! I’m probably a better shot than you are.”

Ashcroft’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, pride pricked. With a fluid motion, he reached for his gun at his waist, placing it on the table.

“The heck?” Harper exclaimed, eyebrows shooting up. “Who brings a gun to the beach?”

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“Better to be safe than sorry,” Ashcroft said smoothly. “Now watch and learn, woman!” Within three minutes, he had dismantled the weapon, each piece laid out neatly on the table. In under five minutes, he reassembled it flawlessly, every movement precise and effortless.

He looked up at Harper, a smug glint in his eyes. “Think you can do that?”

Harper stared at him for a split second before bursting into laughter. “That’s it?! Took you what… five minutes? Your family’s supposed to be experts in weapons, right? I expected

better.”

Damien shook his head slightly, a reluctant smirk tugging at his lips. He couldn’t help but find it entertaining-watching his best friend’s ego get shredded by a woman was oddly satisfying, while Maya and the two men in the room watched the back-and-forth with a mix

of amusement and awe.

Offended, Ashcroft shot back, “You!” His eyes narrowed, a challenge flashing in them. “You

bark a lot, but I bet you can’t bite!”

Harper’s grin widened, unfazed. “Oh, trust me, I can bite-and scratch, and kick, and shoot… you name it.”

Ashcroft leaned forward, a daring gleam in his eyes. “Show me then-I dare you!” He jabbed a finger toward the gun on the table.

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