The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 446

Chapter 196: A Devil in Shark Waters-2

“Ohhh… now that makes sense.”

Damien’s brow creased faintly. “What?”

Ashcroft chuckled, amusement creeping into his voice. “Your mood.”

Damien didn’t respond.

“You didn’t get the grand finale last night, that’s why-”

“I walked her to Jaime’s room just after midnight,” Damien cut in coolly.

A brief pause followed before he added, almost deliberately,

“After we spent some time together.”

On the other end of the line, Ashcroft let out a long whistle.

“Well, well.”

“So you did manage a small victory before getting kicked out.”

Damien’s voice flattened. “It’s none of your fucking business.”

Ashcroft laughed outright.

“Relax. I’m genuinely happy for you.” Another chuckle slipped through the line. “The world’s a much

safer place when the two of you aren’t at each other’s throats.”

Damien glanced down at his watch. The numbers were creeping toward six in the morning.

“Enough of your nonsense,” he said flatly. “We’re meeting Harper’s men this morning. Meet me at

the office in three hours.”

Ashcroft groaned immediately. “Whoa-hold on. Let’s get something clear here. They’re not Harper’s men.”

Damien’s tone remained dry. “I’m fairly certain they’re more hers than you are.”

Ashcroft groaned. “Are you my friend or what? Besides, the sun isn’t even fully up yet and you’re already scheduling misery.”

Damien’s tone remained dry. “I am. But your denial is embarrassing.”

He abruptly ended the call before Ashcroft could fire back.

Damien lowered the phone, his gaze drifting toward the pale light across the horizon.

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Chapter 196 A Devil in Shark Waters-2

After a moment, he slipped the phone into his pocket and turned away.

The hallway was dim, the soft wall lights casting long shadows across the polished floor.

+25 Points

He moved silently toward the east wing, each step measured, careful not to disturb the stillness of

the house.

When he reached Jaime’s room, he paused.

The door wasn’t fully closed. A narrow gap revealed a sliver of warm light inside.

Damien pushed it open just enough to step inside.

Inside the room, Maya was sleeping soundly beside Jaime, one hand still loosely wrapped around

him.

Damien stepped further in, his eyes briefly settling on her.

A strand of her hair had fallen across her cheek. Even in sleep, her fingers still clung to Jaime’s

hand, as if letting go wasn’t an option.

He reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She didn’t stir, but the warmth of her skin

contrasted the cold, blood-slicked conversation from moments ago.

For a long moment, he simply stood there, anchored by the slow rhythm of their breathing.

He leaned down, his voice a low vibration in the quiet. “I swear, I’ll do everything to give you the life

you deserve… no matter the consequences.”

He lingered for a heartbeat, then pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“I love you,” he whispered against her skin, the words finally finding the air.

Then, as quietly as he had entered, he slipped from the room, leaving the soft rhythm of their

breathing behind.

As he turned, the door across the hall opened. Dahlia stepped out, pulling her robe tighter against

the morning chill. She stopped short, her eyes meeting his in the dim light.

She glanced at the door he’d just closed and smiled gently. “Are they still asleep?”

Damien gave a low hum of affirmation. As he stepped closer, Dahlia caught the sharp scent of whiskey and the heavy fatigue etched in his features.

“You haven’t slept,” she said. It wasn’t a question.

Damien didn’t bother denying it. His silence was answer enough.

Dahlia studied him for a moment, her voice dropping. “Volkov?”

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