The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 397

Chapter 177: The Things We Don’t Say-3

A few quiet chuckles surfaced around the table.

Alice raised a brow, her tone light-but unmistakably probing.

“Hm. Is that so?” she said. “And why is that? You think I can’t take a fair loss?”

Ashcroft froze.

“No-no, that’s not what I meant,” he said quickly, hands lifting as if to physically stop the misunderstanding. “I-I didn’t mean it like that at all. I just-”

His words tangled, panic setting in.

Jaime, who had been watching the exchange with growing anguish, finally cracked. With a resigned sigh, he leaned forward.

“It’s because he likes Harper,” Jaime said plainly. “That’s why he didn’t want to offend you,

Aunt Alice.”

The table went dead silent.

Ashcroft turned beet red, his jaw slack as he stared at Jaime-utter disbelief written all over his face. Being publicly exposed by a teenager had clearly not been part of his evening plans.

“JAIME!” Maya hissed, mortified.

Jaime blinked, then shrugged, completely unbothered.

“What? Grandpa Charles and Uncle Dominic told me earlier that Harper’s going to be the next leader of their family, so she needs to marry.” He paused, thinking. “They already matched her

with someone, but since their traditions are different, she can choose someone else if she

wants.” He glanced at Ashcroft, helpful as ever. “So Mr. Ashcroft still has a chance. Well… ma ybe.”

Across the table, Eleanor and Dahlia slowly turned their heads toward their husbands, eyes narrowing in perfect, synchronized disbelief.

You are in trouble, the look said.

Charles and Dominic suddenly found the table far more interesting than anyone else’s gaze. Both men avoided eye contact entirely-guilty, caught, and very aware that this would be discussed later.

Alice’s smile lingered, her curiosity clearly piqued. “And why do you say maybe, Jaime?”

Chapter 177 The Things We Don’t Say-3

Jaime tilted his head, thinking.

+25 Points

“Oh… because they bicker a lot.” He shrugged, then let out a dramatic little sigh. “Honestly, I’m confused too. They say they don’t like each other, but I think they do.”

He paused, glancing around the table, then added thoughtfully, “Mr. Ashcroft and Harper just

don’t want to admit it.”

His gaze shifted to Maya for a brief second before he continued, his voice softer but no less

sincere.

“I don’t get it. Why is it so hard for people to just say what they really feel?” Jaime asked, frowning slightly. “Wouldn’t it be easier that way?”

He let out another sigh-dramatic and heavy for someone his age.

“Relationships are really complicated.”

Then, with the solemn conviction only a child could muster, he concluded,

“I don’t think I want a girlfriend. Ever.”

Maya nearly choked.

“What?” She stared at him, stunned. “You’re way too young to even think about that. Just-

eat.”

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