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

Chapter 200: Tension Rising-2

+25 Points

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.”

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Chapter 200 Tension Rising 7

His eyes didn’t leave Ashcroft’s.

+25 Points

“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.”

Another beat. Controlled. Final.

“We answer to the Takahashis,” Hudson finished. “No one else.”

Damien gave a slight nod, impressed by how Hudson handled it-no hesitation, no wasted words.

He inclined his head almost imperceptibly, acknowledging the statement without adding a trace of

tension to the room.

Cruz remained still, mirroring Hudson’s composure-a quiet testament to their discipline and professionalism.

The tension in Ashcroft’s jaw didn’t ease. He remained protective, cautious-and if he were being honest, he knew they could be trusted when it came to operations.

But their apparent closeness to Harper didn’t sit well with him.

Even he couldn’t fully explain the irritation, the quiet edge of annoyance that lingered-especially

when it came to Cruz.

Between the two, Cruz resembled him more. Similar height. Similar build. Even their jawlines

carried the same sharp definition.

And for reasons he couldn’t quite name, that only made it worse.

Cruz lifted his wrist, briefly checking the time before lowering it again.

“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.”

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