The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 283

Chapter 134: The Hidden Heiress-2

Dahlia raised a brow, a sly, knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Interesting…”

Her smile widened as she let the words hang, eyes scanning the room like a predator sizing up its prey. “Perfect. Then our problem is solved.”

Damien’s voice snapped, sharp and incredulous. “Mother… what the hell is going on here? What do you mean?”

Dahlia’s gaze twinkled, settling on Harper with amusement. “Well, now we can finally secure the support of the Takahashis.”

Ashcroft straightened, brow furrowed, suspicion and confusion flashing across his face.” The Takahashis? How? And what does that have to do with her?”

Dahlia’s smile turned wicked, almost triumphant. “Because… Harper Lin… is Harper Takahashi.”

The room froze.

Maya’s hand shot to her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait… what?”

Damien’s fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing, every muscle taut with barely contained tension. “She’s… what?”

Ashcroft took a half-step back, his usual smirk gone, replaced by genuine shock. “No… no way. That’s impossible.”

Even James and Lee froze near the door. James’s jaw tightened, eyes narrowing as he muttered under his breath, “Now it makes sense…”

Lee remained rooted in place, eyes wide, mouth slightly ajar, his mind racing to reconcile the bubbly, carefree Harper Lin they knew-the one who always laughed, joked, and brought light to the office-with the staggering truth now revealed: she was the daughter of the Takahashi family, one of the five most powerful dynasties.

Kim, standing slightly apart, remained composed. Years of working closely with Dahlia Moretti Blackwood had given her insight into the more subtle machinations of the elite- including the secret meetings and lunches with Harper’s mother. Recognition flickered across her eyes; she knew exactly who Harper was.

A heavy silence fell, dense and almost reverent. The revelation crashed over the room like a lightning strike-impossible, undeniable, and utterly transformative.

1/3

Chapter 134 The Pen Meiteis

Clairs

Harper’s cheeks flamed crimson, her eyes darting nervously between the stunned faces around her. “LE”

Dahlia raised a hand, slicing through the tension like a blade. Her voice was calm, steady, yet carried an undeniable authority. “Yes. It’s true.”

Her gaze softened as it landed on Harper, admiration flickering in her eyes. “I understand why you kept your true identity hidden. I really admire you, sweetheart. Working at Blackwood Enterprises… that was a very smart move. Staying off the radar like that-it shows brains and courage. Does your mother know?”

Harper shook her head quickly, a nervous, sheepish smile tugging at her lips. “No… she… she thinks I work for some PR company. She doesn’t know which one exactly.”

Dahlia’s lips curved into a small, impressed smile. “Clever girl… very clever indeed.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with approval, the room seeming to hold its breath. Then her gaze sharpened, sweeping over everyone like a strategist assessing her pieces on a board. “And now… with her here, we command the strength of all four families.”

“Ms. Lin,” he began, his tone calm but sharp, “I need answers. What were your intentions- sneaking into my company, managing to stay hidden for years? Befriending Maya… earning her trust, even inserting yourself into conversations not just anyone has a place in. Tell me- what was your endgame? Care to explain yourself?”

Harper’s cheeks flamed, her throat tightening under the weight of his scrutiny. She turned slightly toward Maya, drawing a quiet breath for courage, then slowly lowered her head in respect and apology.

“I… I’m sorry, Damien,” she murmured, her voice steadying. “I had to stay off the radar. Being one of your employees… it’s the safest place for me. No one would suspect me here, no one would dare look too closely. It’s the only way to stay hidden while still being able to… act whe n necessary.”

Her eyes flicked briefly to Damien, glinting with a mixture of honesty and resolve. “I never meant to deceive anyone… I just needed to protect myself. I just… I just want to live a normal life.”

Maya’s hand rested lightly on Harper’s shoulder, offering silent support, while Damien’s jaw tightened, his mind racing. Behind the storm of suspicion in his eyes flickered the faintest ac knowledgment of her intentions, though the question of trust remained.

Before Damien could respond, Dahlia stepped forward, her presence commanding yet calm. She placed a firm hand on his shoulder, the touch both grounding and authoritative.

“Son,” she said, her voice steady, carrying the weight of certainty, “Harper is not our enemy. What she did… it wasn’t reckless. It was necessary. And, in truth, it’s the smartest move she could’ve made.”

Damien’s jaw clenched, the tension in his shoulders slowly easing under her touch, though his dark gaze lingered on Harper, assessing, still wary-but less ready to strike.

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