The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 393

Chapter 176: Can We Please Talk?-2

“Thank you… Aunt Dahlia.”

Dahlia squeezed her hand once more, warm and sure.

“Of course, sweetheart,” she said gently. “I’m here for you. Always. Don’t ever hesitate to

come to me.”

Maya returned the squeeze, a small, genuine smile breaking through as she nodded.

Then Kim’s voice came from the front seat.

“Excuse me, Madam,” she said, one hand brushing her earpiece. “Confirmation just came in- Mrs. Takahashi arrived approximately fifteen minutes ago. She’s already inside.”

Dahlia inclined her head in acknowledgment.

“Alright,” she said calmly. Then, turning to Maya, her smile softened. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s not keep our guest waiting.”

Kim stepped out and opened the door.

As they exited the vehicle, the manor greeted them in a wash of warm, golden light. From somewhere deeper inside, the faint hum of conversation drifted out-soft laughter threading through the air, deceptively light.

They entered the manor.

The living room revealed itself gradually-warm and expansive, alive with soft light and muted conversation.

Dominic occupied one side of the seating area, a proud, unmistakable smile on his face. James sat beside him, relaxed, wearing an easy grin. Nearby, Charles rested in an armchair, speaking in low tones with Eleanor, who listened with composed grace, a porcelain teacup cradled delicately in her hands.

And then there was Damien.

Seated across from them, his presence was unmistakable even in stillness. His posture was controlled, his expression serious-yet beneath it, a subtle tension lingered, an edge of unease he hadn’t quite managed to mask.

Opposite him sat Mrs. Takahashi, calm and elegant, engaged in polite conversation over tea. Her posture was relaxed, her expression open, every bit the picture of composed confidence.

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Chapter 176 Can We Please Talk? 2

The room felt… balanced.

Civil. Carefully polite.

+25 Points

The moment Maya and Dahlia stepped fully into view, it was Jamie who noticed first.

His voice lit up instantly.

“May! You’re back!”

Jaime was on his feet right away. He crossed the room in seconds and wrapped his arms around her.

Maya laughed softly and hugged him back. “Hey, bud.””

Jaime pulled away, already pivoting toward Dahlia, and hugged her just as enthusiastically.

“Hi, Aunt Dahlia!”

Dahlia smiled, ruffling his hair. “Hello, young man. I hope the old men didn’t bore you with chess all day.”

Dominic scoffed. “Hey, sweetheart-Father’s the only old man around here.”

Charles shot him a look. “You have more white hair than I do.””

“That’s because you dye yours,” Dominic shot back.

Charles pointed at him. “You-”

The exchange earned a ripple of laughter through the room.

Then an unfamiliar voice cut gently through it.

“Dahlia…”

Dahlia turned instantly, her smile widening as she opened her arms.

“Alice,” she said warmly. “It’s so good to see you again.”

They embraced, laughter soft and genuine as years of distance dissolved in an instant.

While greetings were exchanged, Damien rose from his seat.

His gaze found Maya-and stayed there.

She felt it immediately.

When she looked up, their eyes met. For a brief, suspended moment, the rest of the room

Chapter 176 Can We Please Talk?-2

+25 Parts

faded away. His expression was unreadable-intense, searching, stripped of its usual armor.

Maya’s chest tightened.

The awkwardness crept in quietly, and she turned her attention toward the two elegant women beside her.

The hug ended, and Mrs. Lin’s gaze shifted to her.

“Maya,” she said kindly, standing. “It’s finally nice to meet you.”

Maya smiled and inclined her head respectfully.

“Good evening, Mrs. Takahashi.”

Alice chuckled. “Oh, dear. I’m only Mrs. Takahashi back home. Here, I use my maiden name- Lin.” She waved a hand lightly. “And please, let’s drop the formalities. Call me Alice.”

Maya nodded as realization dawned. “Oh-so that’s why Harper uses Lin.” She paused, then smiled. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Aunt Alice.”

Alice stepped forward and pulled her into a gentle hug. When she pulled back, she studied Maya’s face with fond approval.

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