The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 456

Chapter 200: Tension Rising-2

Damien allowed himself a faint, controlled smile. Calm. Composed. In control. His gaze moved across the room-not just assessing the men before him, but reading Ashcroft’s tension, that unspoken edge that surfaced whenever anyone stepped too close to his world.

“Are we seriously just trusting them like that?” Ashcroft said, his voice sharp, edged with accusation. His eyes narrowed, something darker-almost possessive-slipping beneath his usual professionalism. “How do we know they haven’t already compromised the package?”

Damien’s gaze shifted to Ashcroft-amused, but curious to see where this childish behavior would lead. He let it play out, choosing to be a good friend and not press the wound.

“What exactly are you saying, Nick?”

Ashcroft leaned back, his gaze shifting to the two men before he scoffed.

“I mean, these two just showed up out of nowhere. Sure, they were sent by Harper-but how do we know they are who they claim to be? Or where their loyalty really lies?”

His eyes hardened slightly.

“What if they’re already working for the enemy?”

Hudson and Cruz didn’t react-not outwardly. The accusation didn’t shake them. Men like them didn’t get defensive; they didn’t need to.

If anything, it only confirmed what they already understood-the man questioning them, and the re ason behind it.

Hudson’s gaze settled on Ashcroft, calm but firm.

“Mr. Ashcroft,” he said, his tone calm, precise, “caution is understandable. You’re well within your right to verify our identities-run any checks you deem necessary.”

A brief pause.

“But be careful where you draw the line.”

The air in the room seemed to tighten.

“We weren’t recruited. We were born into this.”

His voice remained level, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.

“Our families have served the Takahashis for generations-long before any of us were in a position to question loyalty.”

His eyes didn’t leave Ashcroft’s.

“Our allegiance isn’t something that shifts. It doesn’t break. And it certainly doesn’t need to be proven in a room like this.”

“Every minute counts for this mission,” he said evenly. “I believe it’s safe to say we can all agree it’s time to focus.”

His gaze shifted to Ashcroft.

“This should also help ease your concerns, Mr. Ashcroft.”

Without waiting for a response, Cruz reached into his bag and pulled out a tablet. He tapped the

screen a few times, then placed it at the center of the coffee table between them.

A soft ringing sound filled the room.

After a few beats, the screen flickered to life-revealing what looked like a bedroom. A cheerful female voice came through, bright and completely at odds with the tension in the room.

“Hey, Stud Muffin! Perfect timing-I was just about to go to bed! Are you in Damien’s office already?

The shift in tone was immediate.

Hudson remained still, though a faint tightening at the corner of his mouth betrayed him. Cruz didn’t even try to hide the flicker of amusement that crossed his face.