The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 282

Dahlia, ever composed, let a faint, amused smile tug at her lips as she leaned back slightly in her chair, watching the younger ones squirm under her gaze. “Well… this is certainly an intere sting reunion,” she said, her tone teasing but sharp. “I didn’t realize you knew each other.”

Ashcroft scoffed, folding his arms with theatrical disdain. “Reunion? Bold choice of word. I know plenty of people-but not all of them matter. Some are just… background noise.” His gaze slid pointedly to Harper, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Case in point.”

Harper’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a sweet but deadly smile. “Background noise? Please. If I’m noise, then you’re static-loud, annoying, and completely useless.”

Dahlia said nothing. She stood gracefully, posture regal, eyes glittering with quiet amusement as she watched the verbal spar like it was a private performance staged solely for her entertainment. There was no censure in her expression-only a curious, calculating delight, as though she were cataloguing each spark between them for later use.

Damien’s gaze swept over them, calm but edged with curiosity. “Ms. Lin works at the company, and she’s Maya’s friend.” His eyes narrowed slightly as he added, “Mother… how do you know her?”

Dahlia’s eyes softened for a fleeting moment before narrowing again, a playful spark igniting in her gaze. “Oh… so you managed to slip into the company too, hmm? Clever girl.”

Harper drew herself up, shoulders stiff, as if willing confidence into her frame-yet the nervous twitch of her hands betrayed her act.

Before Harper could respond, Maya stepped quickly to her side, concern etched deep in her features. She placed a gentle hand on Harper’s arm, her voice soft, layered with worry. Harper… are you okay? You said your stomach was hurting earlier. What are you doing outside? Do you need medicine or something? Is it getting worse?”

Ashcroft leaned back slightly, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, I see how it is-poor little Harper, pressed against the door, eavesdropping on the adults’ conversation. Getting your thrills from listening in, are we?” His tone was teasing, but sharp, a jab meant to provoke as

much as amuse.

Harper’s cheeks flamed crimson, her body shrinking slightly as guilt and embarrassment tangled in her expression. She fidgeted, twisting her fingers nervously, unsure where to look.

Maya exhaled sharply, a mixture of frustration and concern in her eyes, and fixed Ashcroft with a pointed gaze. “Nick…”

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Chapter 14d. The Hidden Heinien-1

Ashcroft’s grin didn’t falter. He leaned back just enough to signal truce, hands raised in mock surrender, but the playful spark in his eyes and the tilt of his mouth betrayed it-he knew he’d scored a small victory, and he was savoring it.

Dahlia finally intervened, her voice calm but commanding, cutting through the tension. “What brought you here, Harper?”

Harper straightened, trying to summon confidence, though her voice wavered slightly. “Work.”

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