The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 403

Chapter 180: Calculated Risks-1

+25 Points

The room stayed still for a heartbeat longer, the quiet stretching between them like the calm before a storm. Every pair of eyes lingered on Jaime, the weight of his words settling in their

chests.

Maya’s throat tightened, a lump forming, but she didn’t look away.

Jaime’s gaze dropped for a fleeting second, as if gathering every ounce of courage in his chest.

Then he lifted his eyes, locking onto Maya with a steadiness that belied the tremor in his voice.

Tears shimmered at the edges of his lashes, but his determination burned brighter.

“Remember what you always tell me?” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “That Mom and

Dad are always watching over us… that they’re keeping us safe. I believe it, May. I really do. So…

don’t worry, okay? I’ll be fine.”

He let the words hang, giving the moment space, then continued, softer, yet firm. “And I… I

promised you I’d take care of you once I get better-remember? I’ll keep that promise. No matter

what.”

Maya felt it all at once-fear, hope, love-crashing together inside her. Her fingers curled into her

lap, nails pressing into her palms without thought. Her eyes glistened, refusing to look away, as if

absorbing every ounce of his bravery. The knot in her throat made it hard to breathe, but relief and

pride washed through her in equal measure.

A fragile, trembling smile broke across her face. “Jaime…” she whispered, voice barely audible, yet

it carried all the weight of love, fear, and unwavering trust.

For a single heartbeat, it was just the two of them-anchored to each other amid the storm

gathering outside these walls.

Then he let out a soft, shaky chuckle, the sound breaking the tension like the first drop of rain on a

quiet lake. “And besides,” he said, his voice uneven but steadying, “I still have a lot to do, you know?

His eyes found Charles at the far end of the table, mischievous despite the gravity in the room.* Grandpa Charles still has to teach me how to play chess like a pro.”

Charles huffed a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Only if you’re ready to lose a lot first,” he said, eyes bright with pride.

Then his gaze drifted to Eleonor, seated beside Charles. “And Grandma Eleonor said she’d show me the secret to growing really sweet oranges.” He grinned, and sure enough, Eleonor wagged a finger at him, a faint laugh tugging at the corners of her lips.

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Chapter 180 Calculated Risks I

+25 Points:

He turned toward Dominic beside him, his expression warm and teasing. “And Uncle Dominic and I still need to finish fixing Dad’s disaster of a programming project.” A soft laugh escaped him.

Dominic’s grin was wide, pride and amusement flickering in his eyes. “That’s right, son,” he said, clapping him lightly on the shoulder.

His attention shifted to Dahlia and Alice. “Oh-and I’ll still help Aunt Dahlia, Aunt Alice, and Harper plan your wedding. Well… maybe not with the creative side of it, but I can carry the shopping bags, right?”

A ripple of laughter ran through the room, warm and brief, like sunlight breaking through clouds.

He shifted slightly, glancing toward Monroe and Lee stationed in the corner.

“I know this plan is meant to protect me,” he said. “But once I’m normal again, Monroe and Lee can finally teach me self-defense-how to fight, how to handle weapons. So I can protect myself… and protect everyone else too.”

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