The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 292

Chapter 138: Hiro or Zero?-1

Claim

The silence that followed was thick, weighted with words left unsaid. Damien and Maya exchanged a subtle glance, the kind that spoke volumes without words-silent understanding threading between them.

Dahlia raised a single eyebrow, her sharp gaze never leaving the two of them. Her lips twitched with amusement, but her mind was alert, calculating. She had lived long enough, seen enough people hide truths behind masks. She could tell when something-or someone- wasn’t being fully honest.

Then, with deliberate timing, she dropped the bombshell. “So… does that mean you’re finally going to face Hiro?”

Harper froze, her jaw slackening, eyes widening in stunned disbelief. She hadn’t expected Dahlia to bring that up. The words struck like a jolt, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Ashcroft blinked, just slightly taken aback. The mention of another man’s name struck a chord he hadn’t expected. “Who’s… Hiro?” he asked, his voice carrying a trace of unease, the faintest crack slipping through his usually controlled composure.

Dahlia allowed herself a small, hidden smile, pleased that her strategy had worked flawlessly. She hadn’t expected Ashcroft’s reaction to be so immediate-or so revealing-but it confirmed her instincts.

“Like I said,” she continued, voice calm but measured, “their traditions aren’t just about succession. Alliances matter. Bloodlines must remain pure, and the Oyabun’s heir is expected to marry within the inner circle. For Harper, that means she’s already been matched.”

Ashcroft’s brows furrowed, his voice breaking the silence. “Matched?”

Dahlia let the word linger, savoring the tension it stirred. Then, with calculated precision, she dropped the name. “Yes, to Hiro Takamura. He is the eldest son of the Wakagashira-the second-in-command, the kumicho’s right-hand man. Their families ensure the next generation. is secured by tradition, loyalty, and power. The match isn’t optional. It’s duty. Obligation. Expectation.”

Ashcroft’s jaw tightened, eyes narrowing as he absorbed the weight of it.

Dahlia’s gaze lingered on him, savoring the moment, then she pressed on. “Harper and Hiro grew up together. I’ve met him on several occasions-polite, intelligent, loyal… and I must say, he’s good-looking. And more importantly, he genuinely cares for Harper.”

Maya’s eyes flicked between Dahlia and Harper, a slow realization dawning. A mischievous

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Crapter 138: Hird at Zerg7-1

spark lit her expression.

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