The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 396

Chapter 177: The Things We Don’t Say-2

She paused, then added with a teasing smile, “And you, young man, are practically a nephew

to me.”

After a beat, she chuckled again. “Besides, I don’t recall my children ever calling your mother Mrs. Blackwood, do they?”

Something in her tone-easy, familiar, sincere-cut through the formality.

Damien felt it.

He inclined his head once, the gesture unguarded. “Thank you… Aunt Alice.”

Her face lit up. “Ah! See? That already sounds much better.” Then her expression shifted, turning thoughtful. “Speaking of which… I believe I owe you an apology.”

Damien frowned slightly.

“Pardon?”

Alice gently set her cutlery down, smoothing her napkin with deliberate calm.

“An apology,” she said evenly, “on behalf of my daughter.”

Understanding flickered across Damien’s face-but before Alice could continue, the sound of approaching footsteps drew everyone’s attention.

A moment later, Nicholas Ashcroft came into view.

He looked… put together. Clean-shaven, hair neatly styled, every trace of the earlier chaos erased. He wore cream-colored trousers paired with dark brown loafers, a crisp white button-down beneath a soft wool sweater in a muted cream tone-effortless, understated, unmistakably old money. The kind of polish that suggested he hadn’t rushed, even if he had.

“Good evening,” Ashcroft said smoothly, offering a polite bow of his head. “My apologies for being late.”

A few heads turned. Eleanor acknowledged him with a nod, while Dominic arched a brow, clearly taking note.

Damien, unsurprised, simply shook his head once, a silent of course.

Maya noticed immediately.

Understanding dawned-and she had to bite back a smile.

Chapter 177 The Things We Don’t Say-2

Beside her, Jaime made no such effort.

“Wow,” Jaime blurted, eyes wide. “You look like a model straight out of a magazine!”

The comment caught Ashcroft off guard. A faint flush crept up his neck-subtle, but unmistakable-and that alone sent another ripple of laughter around the table.

+25 Points

Dahlia shook her head fondly. “Glad you could make it, Nicholas. Sit down and join us for

dinner.”

Across the table, however, Alice’s gaze lingered on him-measured, curious… and quietly assessing.

Ashcroft smiled, recovering as he moved closer to the table. “Thank you. And-before I do-”

As if on cue, Alfred entered, followed by Nicholas’s driver carrying a wooden crate.

“I brought some wine,” Ashcroft added casually.

Charles leaned forward the moment he caught sight of the label. “Ah-Leroy Musigny Grand Cru.” His eyes lit up. “You shouldn’t have. Truly. But I certainly won’t say no.” He glanced toward Alfred. “Please have a few bottles chilled. That will pair beautifully with tonight’s dish.

”

“Yes, sir,” Alfred replied, gesturing for the driver to follow as they exited together.

Before taking his seat, Ashcroft turned toward Alice. He bowed respectfully.

“Good evening, Mrs. Takahashi. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He presented a carefully wrapped bottle. “A small welcome gift. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

Alice accepted it, her brows lifting slightly as she read the label. Then she stilled.

“…1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti,” she murmured, impressed. “Romanée-Conti.”

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