The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 358

Chapter 164: Acquired… or Removed-1

For a brief moment, the dining hall fell into an uneasy calm-one of those pauses that followed laughter when everyone was quietly registering what had just been said… and what

it revealed.

Ashcroft held his expression a fraction too long.

Then-

“Ehem.”

The sound was soft and controlled, cutting neatly through the room.

He straightened at once, rolling his shoulders back and tugging lightly at his coat sleeve, as though brushing off invisible dust-an unconscious reset. Whatever edge had slipped into his voice moments ago vanished behind practiced composure.

“Oh, come on, Uncle Dom,” Ashcroft said lightly, lips curving into a faint, dismissive smile.” Let’s not dramatize things.” He waved a hand, tone casual. “I’m simply pointing out there’s no reason for anyone to get overconfident.”

His gaze flicked briefly toward the phone, then away again.

“Whoever that K-pop singer is,” he continued, voice smooth, shaded with dry disdain, “some kid with a microphone, good lighting, and a very loud fanbase-he wouldn’t spare her a second glance.”

A pause.

“Hardly worth elevating to a threat.”

Damien didn’t miss the way Ashcroft’s jaw tightened before he took his seat.

Nor did Dahlia miss the way his fingers curled once… then relaxed.

Jamie, however, leaned forward, eyes bright. “So… you are threatened.”

Ashcroft shot him a look. “Eat your oats.”

Harper scoffed, an exaggerated eye roll practically audible through the speaker. “Oh? That’s cute. Please-like you’re the one deciding who shows up in my dreams.”

She let out a soft, mocking laugh. “And last I checked, dreams do come true. Also-hello? It’s 2026. Women make the first move now. It’s not all men anymore.”

13

Chapter 164 Acquired or Removed 1

A beat. Then, brightly unapologetic-

“Besides, I need to find a husband eventually. Might as well aim high.”

She pivoted instantly. “Right, Maya?”

Maya blinked. “I-what?”

+25 Point

Harper barreled on, clearly already lost in her own fantasy. “Can you imagine?” she sighed dreamily. “Someday, we go out on a double date-you with the Damien Blackwood…” Her voice climbed another octave. “And me with Jin?!”

She squealed. “Ahhhhh!”

Jamie frowned, tilting his head in genuine confusion. “But… how can she imagine it,” he asked thoughtfully, “if she already imagines herself with Jin?”

Heat rushed straight to Maya’s face.

“JAIME THOMPSON-!”

She scooped up a spoonful of oats and promptly stuffed it into her brother’s mouth.

“Eat.”

Jamie blinked, cheeks full, thoroughly silenced.

Too late.

The air beside her shifted.

Damien had gone still-too still. The faint amusement that had lingered at the corners of his mouth vanished, replaced by something colder. Sharper. His jaw tightened as his gaze drifted toward the phone lying on the table, eyes darkening with intent.

Without a word, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his phone.

One tap.

A call placed.

The line connected almost instantly.

“I need VIP tickets to the VXRSE concert in Japan next weekend,” Damien said, his voice low and even-so controlled it seemed to frost the air around them. “Front row. Full access.”

A pause.

apter 154 Acquired or Removed 1

25 Pon

“And I want everything you can find on the group. Backgrounds. Contracts. Schedules ” His eyes flicked briefly toward Maya before returning to nothing at all.

“Especially that one-Jin.”

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