The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 348

Chapter 160: Sanctuary in the Storm-2

Relief settled over the group-warm, steady-but the shadow of danger still lingered at the edges of the room, crouched just beyond the moonlights’ glow. Everyone felt it.

Still… for tonight, they chose warmth over worry.

Dahlia stood first, smoothing her skirt with graceful finality. “Let’s head inside. The children need something warm before bed.”

Eleanor didn’t hesitate. She reached for Maya’s hand-surprisingly gentle, almost protective.” Come, dear. You look pale. Let’s get you settled.”

Damien’s gaze snapped to Maya at once-sharp, assessing, protective in a way that made her breath catch. He moved subtly closer as if shielding her from a threat no one else could

see.

Alfred, appearing with impeccable timing as always, opened the garden doors for the family to file back inside.

As everyone began to rise, the room shifting into motion, Maya felt a gentle tug on her sleeve.

Jaime.

“Are we really staying here?” he whispered, eyes wide.

Maya softened. “Just for a little while.”

He nodded, the relief visible in his shoulders-and something else too. Something like hope.

Damien stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.

“You’ll be safe here.”

It wasn’t reassurance.

It wasn’t a promise.

It was a vow.

Warm, golden light poured from the manor’s interior, washing over them as they crossed the threshold. Maya felt the change instantly: safety wrapped around her like a blanket, soft but unyielding.

Behind them, the night air cooled-the world outside still tense, waiting-but the manor felt

Chapter 160 Sanctuary in the Storm-2

*25 Points

alive and attentive. Staff moved quietly, preparing rooms, adjusting lights, everything efficient yet tender.

Jaime drifted toward Charles, pulled in by curiosity.

“So,” Charles leaned down conspiratorially, “do you know how to sacrifice a pawn for strategic initiative?”

Jaime blinked. “…No?”

“Excellent!” Charles beamed. “You’re a perfect student.”

Dominic groaned. “And here it begins.”

Eleanor smiled at the banter, though Maya noticed how her thumb stroked her arm-a subtle,

steadying gesture.

Damien slowed until he was right beside her.

“You okay?” he murmured, voice low, asking like it was meant only for her.

“I’m fine,” she whispered. “Just… overwhelmed.”

He angled his head, studying her.

“Good overwhelmed?”

Her cheeks warmed. “Maybe.”

His mouth tugged into a slow, knowing smirk. “I’ll take that.”

Inside the sitting room, a fire crackled softly. Jaime immediately curled beside Charles as the older man launched into an enthusiastic explanation of rook movement.

Dahlia fetched Maya a cup of ginger tea without asking-like a mother who’d known her for years rather than days.

Eleanor sat close enough to touch, a silent guardian presence.

And Damien-he didn’t sit right away.

He stood behind Maya’s chair, one hand resting lightly against the back of it, close enough

that she could feel the heat of him.

A silent promise:

You’re safe. I’m right here.

apter 160 Sanctuary in the Storm 2

His eyes stayed on her more than on the room.

Maya pretended not to notice.

She wasn’t fooling anyone.

The peace lasted until Monroe appeared in the doorway.

He wasn’t tense.

He wasn’t alarmed.

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