The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 332

Chapter 154: Across Borders-1

The table stilled. Even the clinking of silverware seemed to pause. James froze mid-bite, fork

suspended in the air. Dahlia’s gaze met Eleanor’s, a flash of surprise passing between them.

Maya’s eyes narrowed at Damien, quiet but sharp, waiting for his next move.

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Across the table, Ashcroft couldn’t resist. He let out a low whistle, lifting his wine glass. “Busted.”

Damien exhaled, took a careful sip of wine, and set the glass down. He wiped his mouth with a

napkin. “Umm… yes, it’s-uh-it’s new.”

Maya arched a brow. “Did you just make that up for Jaime?”

Damien met her gaze, sighed, then cracked a small, sheepish smile. “You could say that… but it’s re al. I just hadn’t announced it yet. But now… I guess this is as good a time as any. The program

exists.”

The table froze for a heartbeat. James stayed mid-fork, Eleanor blinked, Dahlia’s lips parted, Maya’s curiosity sharpened. Jaime’s fork hovered, eyes wide with pride.

Dominic’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. “Well, I’ll be damned. That’s my boy-creating something new and pretending it’s old. Pure Blackwood, that’s who you are. We do what we do for

the people we love.”

He glanced at Dahlia, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. “Right, darling?”

Dahlia rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, please. We’re too old for

that.”

Dominic leaned back, laughter rumbling. “Speak for yourself, woman. I’m still in my prime.”

Laughter erupted around the table-soft, warm, and effortless. Maya’s lips twitched into a small

smile. Jaime’s chuckle grew fuller, his pride shining through.

James, Monroe and Lee exchanged amused glances, smiling before quietly tucking back into their

meals. Charles let a small grin tug at his lips, Eleanor shook her head gently, eyes sparkling.

Jaime looked embarrassed but met Damien’s eyes with quiet resolve. “Thank you,” he said softly.

Damien smiled, lifting his glass. “Anything for you, bud.”

Then Jaime turned to Maya, his chest puffing a little, eyes shining with emotion. “I’ll make you proud, May.”

Maya’s throat tightened, her smile trembling. “You already have, Jaime.”

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Chapter 154 Across Borders-1

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Dominic leaned forward, voice low but rich with warmth. “Now that,” he said, his gaze sweeping

over the table, “is what family’s all about-love, chaos, and watching the next generation find their

fire.”

Ashcroft lifted his glass with a teasing grin. “To the world’s fastest ‘new’ program launch,” he

declared.

The table erupted once more-glasses clinking, laughter spilling like music through the room. It was easy, unforced, the kind of warmth that only family and a touch of mischief could bring.

Even Damien couldn’t help but laugh this time. Beneath the table, Maya reached for his hand, her fingers slipping into his. When he looked at her, the world seemed to quiet around them.

“Thank you, love,” she whispered, her voice barely louder than a breath.

He squeezed her hand gently, a soft smile touching his lips. “Always.”

Charles, who’d been quietly observing with a spark of curiosity in his eyes, leaned forward. “You play chess, young man?”

Jaime nodded modestly. “Yes, sir. My dad taught me when I was little. I still play sometimes to clear my head. And Monroe and I always play after dinner when May’s away.”

Jaime listened in silence, taking it all in with surprising calm. No panic. No questions born of fear. Just quiet understanding and a steady, mature nod every now and then. It was as if he’d already accepted that his life-their lives-were anything but ordinary.

Dominic was the one who shifted the tone again, his voice steady but edged with concern. “By the way,” he began, folding his hands on the table, “do you have a schedule for Jaime’s operation?”

Damien straightened slightly. “We’ve talked about it,” he said. “Switzerland seems like the best option. Excellent specialists, full discretion… and it’s neutral ground. Safe.”

But Dahlia’s response came instantly, firm and certain. “No.”

The word hung in the air, sharp enough to cut through the calm.

“Switzerland may be neutral,” she continued, her tone low, “but neutrality ends when bloodlines

enter the picture.”

Damien frowned, tension creasing his brow. “What do you mean, Mom?”

Dahlia exchanged a look with Charles-one that carried years of unspoken knowledge-before finally exhaling. “It’s Lockwood territory. Taking Jaime there is too risky. If they find out who he is- or even catch a glimpse of Maya-it’ll be over. They’ll know.”

A heavy silence followed. Maya’s stomach tightened, the weight of Dahlia’s words sinking in. “Then

where-” she started softly, but before the question could fully leave her lips-

A sudden vibration broke through the stillness.

Maya glanced down at the table. Her phone buzzed again, screen lighting up with a name that made her pulse spike.

Harper.

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