The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 390

Chapter 175: Control Is Overrated-2

And his grandmother Eleonor was no different.

Polite. Gracious. Always perfectly placed. But beneath the warmth was steel. She chose carefully what to offer and what to withhold.

Together, they were insulated. Aligned. Quietly formidable.

They protected their own. And what he had dismissed as a petty misstep had, without him realizing it, drawn an invisible line-one that split the space around him into men on one side, women on the other.

Now he understood what his father and grandfather had meant.

This was a kind of war he could not win.

Damien exhaled sharply, only then realizing how long he’d been holding his breath.

Waiting had never been his strength.

Losing control had never been acceptable.

Yet here he was-boxed in by silence, forced into stillness, aware for the first time that the

absence wasn’t accidental.

It was chosen.

And that unsettled him more than any confrontation ever could.

The sound of the door opening cut through the silence.

Ashcroft swaggered in like he owned the place, striding straight to the mini bar. Behind him, James trailed quietly, keeping pace.

“You lost your manners?” Damien’s voice was sharp, eyes not leaving the papers in front of

him.

“Nah… I was just-” Ashcroft began, reaching for a bottle, but Damien’s next words cut him off.

“Are you sure you want to reek of whiskey when you face your future mother-in-law?”

Ashcroft froze mid-pour, amber liquid suspended in the glass. He smirked, pretending indifference. “What future mother-in-law are you talking about?”

Chapter 175 Control Is Overrated-2

Damien didn’t look up. “Mm… still in denial, I see.”

+25 Points

Ashcroft walked toward the leather couch and made himself comfortable, then swallowed the drink in one motion, smirking wider. “Nope. Just realistic. That dinner’s probably already been rescheduled. Have you forgotten? They’re still missing. Who knows when-if-they’ll come home tonight. I bet your mom’s already canceled it and made other plans.”

Damien’s pen paused mid-sign. The sudden thought of Maya not coming home tonight sent a shiver down his spine-a strange palpitating feeling he hadn’t expected.

Before he could fully process it, James cleared his throat.

“Sir, we have an update.”

Damien’s eyes snapped to him. Nicholas, lounging on the couch, straightened instantly, smirk fading.

“Speak.”

“Madam Dahlia’s vehicle has been spotted on North Avenue, heading toward the Manor.”

Damien dropped his pen and rose immediately. “When?!”

“Five minutes ago,” James replied.

“Are you sure they’re heading home?”

James nodded. “Yes, sir. Alfred confirmed Madam Eleonor is overseeing dinner preparations, and Mrs. Lin is already en route-approximately thirty minutes away.”

Ashcroft slammed his glass down on the coffee table and stood. “Damn it, Horton! Why didn’t you tell me before I gulped that?”

James offered a neutral shrug. “Apologies, Mr. Ashcroft. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“Oh, you…” Ashcroft’s glare shifted to Damien. “Hey, D! I’ll take a shower in your private suite.”

Damien stopped him, voice flat. “Absolutely not. Go take a shower in your own house.”

“But I’ll be late!”

Damien shrugged, smirking. “Not my problem. I warned you.” He paused, then added, ” Besides… I don’t think how you smell matters.”

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